How to Track Macros While on Vacation

Tuesday, January 29, 2019


Yep, that's right, I said it. Don't track your macros while you are on vacation. Unless you WANT to or have some serious goals you are trying to reach, one week/weekend away from tracking is not going to hurt your progress. In fact, I think it HELPS your progress! Tracking macros can be mentally exhausting. Taking a week/weekend to not track and just enjoy life is necessary in my opinion. Constantly worrying about how you're going to log food into My Fitness Pal is not healthy. It can lead to obsessive behaviors around food and restriction which can lead to eating disorders. 

Even though there are no "good" or "bad" foods when it comes to macro counting, there are certain foods that are challenging to fit into your daily diet. Impossible? Absolutely not. But challenging, yes. A macro counter might plan to have a FroYo treat so they are mindful to eat lower carbs throughout the day in order to compensate. Which is great! But when you're exploring a new place with your favorite person or people, you don't want to worry about if a certain food is going to "fit your macros". And you probably don't have an idea of where you are going to be eating everyday. One of my favorite things to do while exploring a new place is to dive into their food by just walking around and following the smells (or Google reviews). 

The last thing you want to do is regret not eating that flaky croissant, or trying every single gyoza in Japan (just me?). Life is way too short to not eat all the foods. EAT ALL THE FOODS!

So you followed my advice, went on vacation, ate all the foods. 

Now what?

Go back to life as normal! Don't restrict. Don't reduce calories. Just jump right back in where you left off! If you've been tracking macros for awhile you will probably notice that you are craving plain, wholesome foods. Chicken, rice, fresh veggies maybe? That's what I crave after a weekend away! Keep it simple, and again, don't restrict.

All of that being said, there are some things that you can do while on vacation to keep your health game strong.

Don't skip meals. Bring some instant oatmeal or cream of wheat that you can easily heat up in your hotel room while getting ready for the day! I like to bring some whey in a baggy to mix in for extra protein and to keep me fuller longer. I hate when I'm starving and trying to find somewhere to eat in a new place. I always end up settling on something that isn't necessarily good and regret it! Some other things that are eat to pack and keep you full are Belvita crackers, almonds, mixed nuts, trail mix, protein bars, nut butter, apples, clementines.

Eat your veggies. Get a side salad or steamed/sautéed veggies with your burger and fries. Micronutrients are still important, even on vacation! And you'll feel better, too.

Drink water. Traveling can be very dehydrating. I don't know about you guys, but whenever I'm flying, driving, training (is that right? lol), I tend to forget to drink water. Especially with a baby now! So I always make sure I have my Hydroflask filled with cold water and in a convenient place in my luggage so that I see it and remember to drink it. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger so staying hydrated will keep your hanger at bay :)

Walk. Walk whenever you can. If you're in a new city, awesome! You have so much room to walk and explore. If you're at the beach, even better! Who doesn't love a long walk on the beach at sunrise or sunset?? If you're visiting family, great! Take a long walk instead of sitting around the TV. I bet the conversations will be much better!
I absolutely love macros as a tool for overall health. I truly believe it is a great way to understand your body and its needs. It's a balanced approach that requires patience, but the results you get (both physically and mentally) will last a lifetime. It's time to put an end to yo-yo dieting and extreme exercising. Eat what you love and exercise because you want to. Go on vacation and feel good in your shoes. Enjoy the season of life that you are in. You got this!

Have questions about macros? Shoot me an email or reach out to me on Instagram! If you're ready to get started with macros, click here to see what I offer. I would love to hear from you! 

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