Since it’s the middle of summer, it’s only natural that everyone’s on vacation right? At the very least, it’s definitely a vacation mindset when it’s sunny and warm out! Clothes become less involved, for some reason alcohol increases and duh, the smoker’s out so why not put on some brisket!?
Regardless if you’re on a vacation in Greece or in a staycation mindset for this summer in the backyard, there’s always one thing that sits in the back of everyone’s mind: damage control.
I know this because like you, I have also been in this predicament. Once. Okay, twice. Okay, maybe so many more times than I can count that I can actually write about this. This is my tried and true, go-to plan when it comes to situations like this. Just remember that I’m not a scientist in this stuff. Keep in mind that our intake, hormones, lifestyle, and stressors are all different!
It all starts the moment you leave the house. Mind your posture!
Think about it when you sit in the car or plane, or standing in line for coffee. Not only does improving your posture keep you from aches and pains, but it also gives the appearance of confidence, a strong body structure, and the look of a flatter belly. Besides, if you feel good, you look good! Every. Time.
Execution:
Sit up/stand up straight, as if there was an imaginary string being pulled from the top of your head.
Shoulders are down and away from your ears.
Try to keep your hips parallel to the ground and not tilted, causing an arch in the lower back (a good cue is to keep your rib cage in, and not flared out).
Skip the sangria & sweets.
Okay, maybe not completely, unless you’re super serious about this. If you are among the “must…have…DRINK!!” population, well here’s a word for you that you already know and have heard a thousand times over: moderation.
For some reason or another, many of us abandon our beliefs in calories and have our family and friends write off on our crap.
If you so choose to enjoy an adult beverage, a bikini beer (hello, 99-calorie beers, 100-calorie seltzers) or a bikini cocktail (a liquor with a non-sugary mixer such as soda water and lemon/lime slice) to keep things on the lighter and less-bloaty side. I call them bikini beers or bikini cocktails because it’s fun, and are supposed to be drinks that are “bikini friendly”. This means it *shouldn’t* cause me to bloat when I’m trying to look my best.
Remember to ALWAYS have water between drinks. You’re better than that, and this will help debloat you and save you from that 3-day hangover that looms.
When it comes to one of my favorite things in life, sugar, that also needs to be moderated (no surprise there). It’s okay to have a treat or two per day, but come on, you know when you’re overdoing it. Don’t ignore it. Just don’t do it. If you’re asking yourself, chances are it’s too much, dude. You’ll thank yourself later (and your gut will too).
Stay active!
You’re on vacation and yes, it’s a time to relax. This doesn’t mean sit around the entire time and do nothing. Go discover! It doesn’t even have to be a full-on workout – just simply move. Dance around, walk around the area, hike, take a dip or swim, find a water activity, or heck do some yoga in the room! You get bonus points for learning a new sport. Your body will thank you, you’ll be that much cooler, you’ll burn calories in the process, and you’ll mentally feel better. So why not? Give it 10 minutes and if you really aren’t feelin’ it, then I hope you get the relaxation you need.
Last but not least: HYDRATE.
Put some lemon in your water, maybe some cucumber. Help your body move the sodium, sugar, alcohol, and everything else along that you enjoyed during your vacation. You know to do this! Be kind to your body. Many travel-induced factors lead to dehydration: water retention when flying, eating out at restaurants, and maybe enjoying the homemade cinnamon rolls mother made (not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything).
Most importantly: HAVE FUN.
By reducing stress in your life, you reduce the stress hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels can lead to weight gain due to increasing blood sugar levels in your bloodstream. Your body then uses this glucose increase for energy, which can then cause cravings for sugary, fatty, processed foods. I can write a whole thing about that, but that would end up being another research paper. That’s the short hand of it though!
Ultimately, enjoy yourselves.
Just don’t over do it on the consumption of all fun things vacation-related (your clothes still have to fit when you get back). So bask in the sun, take that drink in good company, and make some memories.
We don’t get the same moment twice.
Life is too dang short, I’ll tell ya what.
MAW BARBELL CLUB 
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