The 10 Commandments of Holiday Dieting

Your trainer or sports nutritionist will probably tell you that he sticks to his diet while traveling. He’ll insist he always chooses the healthiest option, even when sitting in front of the world’s finest restaurants.

Do you believe him?
Yeah… me neither.

Honestly, I’d tell you to slip a hidden camera into his bag just to see what’s really going on. Because there is no universe in which I choose plain chicken breast over the finest European beef, sparkling water over German beer or Italian wine, rice cakes over a French croissant, or canned tuna instead of fresh seafood.

But here’s the truth:
Your nutrition isn’t measured by 10 vacation days.
It’s measured by the 365 days of how you live, eat, and move.
And during a vacation, when your main job is to relax and recover, you can - no, you should - allow yourself a little more freedom.

The 10 Commandments of Holiday Dieting
1. When you pack your bags, bring money - not canned food.

You’re traveling. Taste the world. Prepare your taste buds to be amazed.

2. Airplane food is… airplane food.

Eat before your flight or grab something fresh at the airport. There’s no prize for forcing down a dry roll at 30,000 feet.

3. After landing, fuel up.

First grocery store or restaurant - go in. Eat something fresh and high-quality. Don’t wait until you’re starving.

4. Choose fresh food whenever possible.

The taste and smell are worth it.
And if your partner knows how to cook, your trip just became even better.

5. Move your body because it feels good.

My husband and I love long hikes. We pack a meal or two depending on the route, and after the track we treat ourselves to a beautiful lunch or dinner with a glass of beer or wine.
It does wonders for your body and your soul.

6. Order dessert if you want dessert.

Share it or don’t - your choice.
Cake is just food. It will always exist. You decide the amount.

7. Leave the sports equipment at home.

I once packed my TRX for a trip. It never left the bag.
My body wanted a break - so I gave it one.
It also wanted a vanilla-cream donut and an apricot strudel… so I tasted those too.

8. Expect your routine to break - and let it.

You will gain a little fat.
You will lose your usual structure.
You will eat more than normal.
Is it bad? No.

Will you need to “pay” for it later?
Maybe. And the “payment” is simply returning to your normal routine. That’s not punishment - that’s life for people who know how they want to feel and look.

9. Remember the long game.

Success doesn’t come from dieting for 10 days in London, New York, or anywhere else.
It comes from steady, consistent habits over time.

10. Even your persistence needs a holiday.

Let it rest. It will come back stronger.

 

Bio

Orit Tsaitlin, CISSN, is a certified sports nutritionist and strength coach.
Founder of 4elements4life.com