We just returned from a cruise and we had an amazing time…until we got home and I hopped on the scale. I sort of knew what the scale was going to show: Double cheeseburgers at the lunch buffets, two dinner entrees, desserts, and other stuff led to the 4 pound gain that showed up on that scale. Nataliya, on the other hand, dropped a pound. The difference between our approaches? I went into the cruise with my “Vacation Mentality” including a “vacation” from my more normalized eating patterns whereas Nataliya excluded the eating/drinking as part of her “Vacation Mentality”.
So, for a further explanation about what I am referring to when I write “Vacation Mentality”: There are a number of aspects of our lives that are sort of “everyday” chores/tasks/routines that define our daily behaviors/activities. These will include work responsibilities, commuting, attending to childrens’ homework/afterschool events, walking and cleaning up after the dog, shopping for food, tending to our lawns, etc etc. Many of these daily routines are not too much fun and even may be considered onerous or even overwhelming. Taking a “VACATION” implies getting a break from these mundane tasks and instead, enjoying a change in scenery, fun activities and not having to do all of those daily taskings that drain our energy.
Taking a “VACATION” from our dietary adherence to healthy eating patterns is also a welcome scenario. Bring on those carbs, sweets and alcohol as well as other foods/drinks that we deny ourselves during weight control efforts. “Vacationing” from these strict dietary guidelines of high protein/low carb/low sugar/minimal alcohol is something to look forward to.
If the “VACATION MENTALITY” of coming off your prudent dietary approach is a once or twice a year event, then little damage to your long term weight control goals will occur. However, if that “VACATION MENTALITY” extends to every weekend and perhaps weekdays that you target as “cheat days” then you will never reach that healthy/happy weight you strive for.
During a long-term weight control journey try to limit your “DIETARY VACATIONS” to only several times a year…special holidays, birthdays, the yearly trip…but maintain your focus and discipline for the majority of the year.
Remember the “Vacation” movies with Chevy Chase? “Christmas Vacation” was my favorite. Here is a song from the movie soundtracks that was in both “Vacation” and “Christmas Vacation”. “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham.
