Back to Basics

Apr 7, 2024

Hi everyone, it's Karen here. I did some fun travel with my family last week, but I tell you what...my body is pretty out of whack right now ;) I kept a different sleep and activity schedule, and ate a bunch of food I don't normally eat. While all of this was intentional and part of the family vacay fun, I am ready to ease my body back into some normalcy. So how do I transition after a hiatus from my usual habits? Let me share some thoughts that you might find helpful whenever you find yourself in a similar situation.

My first instinct in times like this is to "get back to basics." For me, this means returning as quickly as possible to what I usually eat. I think there can be a temptation to get extreme in situations like this, and be very restrictive with eating as a way to counteract perceived overindulgence. But I wouldn't advise this, and I think it will probably backfire for most folks. Just trying to return to baseline at this point is enough of a challenge, so I stay focused on that!
Whenever I travel, I know my hydration suffers. I don't drink nearly as much water as I would at home, so that is usually the first thing I commit to when I get back. And keep in mind that many folks drink more alcohol when they are on vacation, which can have a dehydrating effect (and increase hunger!)
I also know my fiber intake is lower when I travel, so I try to get back to eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These things are harder to find when traveling, but I also know I don't choose them as often even when they are available (I mean, am I really going to order the fruit plate for dessert when there is tiramisu on the menu?)
One of the first things I did when I got back home was to make a Kroger Clicklist order. The fridge and pantry are usually pretty bare by the time we leave for vacation, so I don't waste any time restocking it with the basics (this also helps with my usual post-vacation intention to limit eating out for the next little while).
When I travel, I suspect the food I eat is generally sweeter and saltier than I am used to, so I make an intentional effort to minimize sugar and salt as much as possible after travel. Most of this can be accomplished by simply returning to my normal habits and preparing food at home. But I do try to stay extra conscious of this because, even after just a week, I felt my taste buds ramping up to crave for more sweetness and saltiness!
Finally, I am going to be gentle with myself. I know that how I feel and my habits won't go back to baseline overnight. It will take a little time, and that is okay! I feel better just knowing I am trying :)