Staying Healthy While Traveling During The Holidays

The holidays are a crazy time of year. Mix travel in with that, and your body is in freak-out mode! I’m super routined while at home on a normal week, but when I travel or have a ton of holiday commitments, like everyone else in the world, it takes a toll on my mind and body. I’m sharing my tips on how I stay on track with my physical and mental health, and why I like to follow the 80/20 rule.

OUTIFT: We/Me Sports Bra // We/Me Cropped Pants

80/20 rule

If you haven’t heard of this “rule” before, it’s basically trying to eat healthy 80% of the time, while indulging mindfully 20% of the time. I do not follow any restrictive diets, and never have. Quite frankly, knowing myself, I’d never stick to them, and if I did, diets don’t last forever. Staying healthy really is a lifestyle, as cliché as it sounds. Life is too short to be following such strict rules. If you want the ice cream, you get that ice cream girlfriend!

I generally try to stick to a healthy and simple breakfast of Siggi’s Yogurt, organic granola, raw almond butter, chia seeds, and fresh berries. A green juice and organic cage-free eggs, a green and berry smoothie, or oatmeal with berries and Vermont maple syrup. This usually doesn’t change much when I travel, since I try to stay on a morning workout routine wherever I am, and I’m always starving after, ready for breakfast!

Lunch is usually a salad with a protein, since my office orders in everyday, this is my easy go-to so that I’m not tempted by a huge sandwich or rice bowl. If I’m traveling, I’ll grab a turkey sandwich in the airport, and swap the bread with GG crackers. Fiber is everything, and even more important while traveling. I follow the F-Factor Book for tips on fiber inspired meals and tips. If I’m on beach vacation, or long European trip, I’ll usually make breakfast and dinner my big meals and grab a croissant and coffee as breakfast, or something simple like that.

If I’m eating dinner at home, I’ll make lentil pasta with vegan pesto, tomatoes, and a protein, Mexican brown rice or riced cauliflower bowl, spaghetti squash with chicken sausage, rotisserie chicken, or fresh salmon with roasted veggies. Sometimes I step out of the box, but these are usually my healthy go-to’s. When I’m traveling, or it’s the weekend, I usually “splurge” and do not restrict myself at all. If I want a cheeseburger, I’m getting the damn burger. A plate of pasta? Definitely never one to turn down the carbs. If I do that, I’ll make sure to have a green smoothie or something filled with healthy greens the next morning. No one likes the girl who only eats lettuce at the dinner table. 😉

I try to stay away from drinking Monday-Thursday at home. I’ll drink Pellegrino in wine glass with lime, or hot tea. Of course, if I’m at an event, party, or having dinner out, I do not restrict myself to this “rule” during the work week. It’s more just a practice of staying mindful. It also makes that Friday night glass of wine that much more special! When I’m traveling, this rule goes out the window, and I just try not to go overboard.

I have some sort of dessert every.single.night. Can’t go to bed without something sweet! Some nights I’ll eat a chocolate Siggi’s full-fat yogurt, a small mint chocolate truffle, or, my favorite, “Banaynay Blends” – one frozen banana, a dash of almond milk, and a dash of cinnamon in a food processor. I swear it’s better and creamier than ice cream! While traveling, I’ll order dessert out one night, and it’s usually a stop at the local ice cream shop.

Mental Health

Keeping mental health in check is just as important as it is to keep your physical health in check. While mental health regimes vary for everyone, I am a big believer in quiet time and holistic health. While traveling, I always make sure to take time alone to recharge, or spend time outside. For me, working out boosts my mood, and makes my body feel better, so I always try to stay on track with 30 minutes or more of physical activity, or 10k+ steps a day. I also love seeking out massage places (they don’t need to be fancy spas) while traveling and at home. I truly believe in the power of a good deep tissue massage. Other things I try to do for myself is cupping, acupuncture, or seeing a chiropractor. All of these things promote relaxation and de-stress my mind and body. Let’s also not forget the power of self care – if I need an extra pep in my step, I have no shame in booking a blowout at Drybar or a SoulCycle class if I need an extra confidence boost.

Fitness

Working out is a huge part of my daily routine both at home and on the go. I’m a big morning workout girl – I feel off all day if I don’t get my morning sweat in. While traveling, I use the following apps and hacks to get my workouts in:

BBG Sweat App: I’m sure you’ve heard about the BBG cult following. I don’t use this app while at home. To be honest, I can’t get myself to workout in my living room or a regular gym, but it’s perfect for giving me a quick 28 minute workout while in a hotel room or gym you aren’t used to. It’s $20/month and I cancel and restart my membership whenever I’m traveling.
Use your surroundings! While in Mexico, I love walking the beach. In Vermont, I’ll go on a long hike with my Dad or a friend, or in Italy, I ran the steps up and down from our Airbnb to the beach for 30 minutes a day. I love running or walking through a city in the early morning, it’s the best way to see a new place!
Pelotons. I’m obsessed. I’m not in the market for one just yet thanks to the price tag and limited space in my city apartment, but I try to stay at hotels that have them. A quick review or Google search will easily let you know. Most Westin, St. Regis, Four Seasons and Crowne Plaza properties have them in their gyms.
ClassPass. I’ve been a member for years, and use this service as my primary gym membership at home. It’s fun to try new classes in big cities that offer this service, and it doesn’t cost any extra if you’re already a member.

At home in San Francisco, I’m a full-time ClassPass user, no gym for me! Boutique fitness studio’s keep me committed and encouraged. I wrote a post on my favorite classes in the city a few years ago, and my current favorites are Karma Yoga hot pilates class, BodyRok Cycle, Proworks Pilates, and Core40 Megaformer classes. I’ve also been super into getting 10k steps a day. I’ve been taking morning hour walks to the beach, or making time for quick walk breaks while at the office. You’d be surprised how many calories you burn by becoming mindful about your steps, and how much time outside moving your body can increase your mood!