It’s almost spring break or “Semana Santa” and many of you will be enjoying a few well-deserved days at the beach. A beach trip is fun, relaxing and even healing, BUT often comes with the fear of gaining weight and the stress of looking good in a bikini.
Staying healthy while on vacation, especially when it’s a beach trip, is something almost everyone wants to achieve but struggles with.
Thankfully, this is a topic I have spent lots of time and effort on, mostly for myself honestly, but also so I can help you to stay healthy when it comes time for your beach vaca.
It’s not just about staying slim to feel good in a bathing suit (no shame in that!), it’s also about staying hydrated, taking advantage of local/seasonal foods, avoiding belly bloat, getting some movement in (as well as rest), avoiding sunburn and choosing healthier sunblock options. And of course, it’s about finding a balance so you can ENJOY your vacation even while you stay healthy.
On top of all this, I believe practicing some body love is also essential…
Here are my top tips for achieving a relaxed, happy, HEALTHY beach vacation:
1. WALK. Start your day with a walk on the beach and/or do a sunset walk on the beach. Staying active is key and walking in nature has a million health benefits! Wear your favorite bathing suit and get a little healthy tan while you’re at it (but please see tip #3)
2. SWIM. Most of us think of lounging with cocktail in the pool, but before you do that, challenge yourself to swim a bit whether in the ocean or doing a few laps in the pool. Get a workout and THEN allow yourself to just lounge. It’s all about balance!
3. Getting a little sun is healthy but it’s important to avoid the strongest sun hours, and always, WEAR A NONTOXIC SUNSCREEN! HERE are some great nontoxic options plus tips on how to stay safe in the sun. Also, I’m a huge fan of the Detox Market for nontoxic skincare. . Some new favorite sunscreens include Suntegrity and Babo botanicals (I use this one for me and my baby)
4. HYDRATE like crazy. Make sure you have a good plastic-free water bottle (I like both glass or stainless steel) and take it with you everywhere. Try to constantly drink water throughout your day.
Also aim to eat lots of HYDRATING FOODS like watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, celery, cauliflower, grapefruits and berries (especially strawberries). Also, hot beach days are the perfect time to include some pure coconut water (just make sure to drink in moderation as it contains lots of natural sugars).
Lastly, set an intention to limit your alcohol intake, and when/if you drink, have 2 glasses of water for every glass of wine/alcohol.
5. Take a few “HEALTHY STAPLES” to be able to have a healthy breakfast at home every day. This makes all the difference. For example, I suggest taking:
a few servings of a good quality protein powder and/or collagen powder to make protein smoothies or to add to your coffee, chia pudding or overnight oats
chia seeds to add to smoothies or make chia pudding (it’s so easy). Starting your day with plenty fiber is key, and chia seeds have the added benefit of being super hydrating!
berries and almond butter are a great addition to either a smoothie, chia pudding, oats, or a toast (for the latter, take your favorite healthy bread to make almond butter toast with berries as a great, light breakfast option). More on easy healthy breakfasts HERE.
6. PACK HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS, such as fresh fruit, unsweetened yogurt and nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios, whatever you like). Try to avoid taking any unhealthy processed foods like chips and cookies to avoid the temptation (that’s why having healthier alternatives at hand really helps!). Also, check out the local in-season fruits and vegetables and try to stock up on those. There’s nothing better than fresh, seasonal produce!
7. Take your SUPPLEMENTS to keep up your routine (for example, I take my probiotic and multivitamin) and consider taking a digestive enzyme for restaurant meals (it helps to prevent bloating!). Plus of course, pack your meds if you take any, and make sure they are sun-safe!
8. READ and REST! Beach vacations are the perfect time to read a new book, so go to that list of books you’ve been wanting to read (I love to look at both Oprah’s and Reese Witherspoon’s book club reading lists for inspiration). Also, to stay healthy you NEED to get enough rest, so if you stayed up late over a bottle or 2 of wine with family/friends, aim to sleep in a little longer and/or get a nap in.
Now, most importantly, ENJOY the beach and don’t forget to take many memorable pics! I promise you are beautiful as you are (no need to stress about the perfect body for pictures) and you’ll cherish the memories after.
