I don’t know about you guys, but I think I’d have to say that one of THE toughest things about returning from a vacation is getting back into a normal eating routine.
Before we left for Mexico, I was doing a fairly good job of following my nutrition plan and was feeling great. I was eating three small meals a day, with two or three snacks in between each of those meals.
However, once we arrived in Mexico, that all went out the window. I went from eating 5 or 6 small meals/snacks all day long, to three large meals with my only “snacks” during the day being of the liquid and alcoholic variety.
(In case you missed it, you can take a peek at my WIAW post from this past week.)
Oh yeah, and the guacamole? Holy cow. I honestly think I ate more guacamole and homemade tortilla chips in all of last week than I have in my entire life combined.
That scoop was probably my smallest of the week, even though half of it is being covered. The stuff was incredible.
Needless to say, while I didn’t totally throw caution to the wind, I definitely allowed myself to indulge which, in turn, does not take long to turn back into a habit for me. Last night, we still hadn’t gone to the grocery store and after watching “Pizza Paradise” on the Travel Channel for about a half hour, Jay and I decided that we were both not only starving (our bellies are used to more food!), but totally in the mood for pizza.
So we remained lazy, decided to give into our cravings, and ordered some pizza from one of my favorite local spots, DeFazio’s.
Neither of us could agree on a pizza, so we ordered two smalls: BBQ Grilled Chicken + their “Low Cholesterol” Pizza, made on whole wheat dough with part skim mozz, green peppers, onions, roasted red peppers, and sautéed spinach.
We also got a large house salad to share since we’ve both kinda been lacking in the veggie department.
Both pizzas were great, but I was still partial to my veggie-filled choice. I went back for another slice and a half after those two there because I was hungry.
Well, either that, or I was just justifying eating more by saying I was “used to eating more.” Ahh well. It was good, I don’t care.
*****
This morning, I was up nice and early since I have a short shift back at work today. Ahh yes, reality is setting in all around! I squeezed in a quick, 30-minute treadmill run (alternating 3 minutes @ 6.5mph / 1 minute @ 8.0mph), showered up, and got working on breakfast. Today’s choice?
Peanut Butter & Banana French Toast Oatmeal, which tasted extra delicious thanks to a very overripe banana and the remnants of my cinnamon raisin swirl PB.
You know, I didn’t realize it at the time, but I really missed having my own coffee last week. I really didn’t love what they had down there, so today’s mug was tasting mighty delicious.
Home Sweet Homemade Coffee.
Alrighty, time to head off to work…hope everyone has a great Saturday! Anything fun on the agenda?
**Quick side note: If any of you have left me comments in previous posts in the past week, I apologize if I have not yet responded! It was tough to stay on top of things while away, so if I happened to miss one, feel free to ask again here or just shoot me an email. I’m planning on catching up with the email inbox this weekend!
Kaitlyn @ Pain Can Be Fun says
Wow, that French Toast Oatmeal looks delicious! And I completely hear you….vacations ALWAYS mess up my eating schedule, too! But it’s good to indulge once in a while :) We ordered pizza to satisfy a craving last night as well.
Have a great weekend! :)
Presley says
I always go into a mini-depression after vacation. And then when that subsides, I start dreaming up ways to convince my husband to plan another trip :)
Laura @ LauraLikesDesign says
I agree–it’s so hard to get back into routine when you’re still craving vacation foods. Plus it’s worse when you feel like you NEED to eat super healthy when you get back.
I think for me, what helps the most is just hitting the gym really hard and with that, the cravings for healthy foods usually return!
Josie @ happycorrdora.com says
Your vacation looked wonderful! I love guac too :)
I like the salad with the pizza… it’s amazing how adding a bit of lettuce almost makes it seems healthy :)
Khushboo says
My appetite multiplies during and after holidays! Fortunately you didn’t let go off yoyr workouts!
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says
I have a question! Where did you guys stay? Was it a Sandals?
Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real says
Getting back in the groove after vacation is so hard! We almost always order pizza the night we get home too, because we have not gone to the store yet. Good job for ordering a salad though to get your veggie in. It is also good that you got right back into an exercise routine this morning. Within a few days, vacation will just be a memory :( That means it is time to start planning your next vacation!
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
I definitely agree with you – it is SO hard to get back to normal eating habits after vacation. I’m going to Vegas for the first time next week and I’m already nervous about how I’m sure I will be eating, even though I’m going to go into it with the best intentions. We shall see what happens.
Olivia says
I totally agree with the whole nothing like your own coffee at home, especially when you’ve been away. I mean, except Starbucks or takeout places you like! But generally resort/hotel coffee isn’t so great!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
it always takes me a few days to back into the groove of things when we return home from vacation… my sleeping schedule is off, my meal & snack schedule is off, etc. it always feels great to get back into it though!
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
It’s always hard to get back into a routine after being on vacation. It usually takes me about a week!
Arimey says
So ironic that you posted this today because I actually tried DeFazio’s for the first time last night with a friend. Their pizza is delicious! We opted for a small goat cheese one, but both your choices looks great too. I’ll definitely be giving that veggie one a try!
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
i agree with you..it is definitely hard to get back to a normal eating schedule after vacation! it looks like you are doing a good job so far though!
Laura@mypurposefullife says
I definitely agree that the toughest thing about coming back from vacation is getting into a normal eating routine. It’s SO easy for me to get into a habit of eating whatever I want, whenever I want (ie vacation mode), and takes a lot more of a conscience effort to eat smaller, regular, lighter meals. You’ll get back into it in no time!
Jen @familyfoodfitnessandfun says
I would have to agree…when we were in Mexico last month, I missed my coffee the most!
Caroline says
Sometime you just have to give into pizza cravings :) I’m off to a new winter farmer’s market today – so that should be fun!
Alyssa @ Fit and Fun in Third says
My eating habits always take a few days to get readjusted once I’m home from vacation. Whatever, it happens! Can’t wait to hear about the resort you stayed at… I’m guessing a Sandals (those blue chairs are a giveaway)!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Welcome Home! I know it’s so hard to eat when you away from home especially while on vacation. My Husband always says indulge your on vacation, enjoy life. I do, and maybe to much! You all already on the right track with breakfast!!
michelle kim says
I have the toughest time eating the normal amounts after an indulgent vacation. I even have a tough time after a weekend with a couple of dinner parties!
Looks like your breakfast was a good way to start back on the healthy eats.
… and I know what you mean about homemade coffee! Some places just don’t make it the way I like it (strong!).
Mallory @ Have Your Cake and Eat it says
eating well and sticking to good habits, for me, is something that ive realized requires “momentum” meaning- when i’m good i’m good and when i slip, it’s hard to get back right away! i’m sure you will get that healthy momentum going again really soon- plus, that pizza looks too good to resist! you only live once :)
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
I totally agree that getting back to healthy eating habits can be a challenge. When I went to Disney this past summer, I got spoiled eating gigantic meals, always with dessert. It does feel good to get back to “normal” though!
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
I totally agree! Even though getting back to a normal eating routine is one of the things I look forward to about getting home from vacation (I always love indulging, but by the end of the trip I find myself craving my usual things), but it can be so tough to get back into the habit. Sometimes it takes a couple days :-)
And now you have me craving guacamole!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
It’s so hard to get back to eating normal when you get back. It’s just so much fun to eat whatever you want!
Jessica Brennecke says
you know what is crazy to me, after a vaca and splurging on food choices my body seems to almost reset itself. Since I eat pretty healthy when I do splurge for a few I usually end up loosing a few pounds. weird!
Amanda @ Semi-Health Nut says
Was the weather way different when you came back too?? That always seems to be the kicker..especially if you live in the midwest like moi. :-)
Don’t worry though (not that you are), a week of indulgences never hurt anyone! :-)
Also pizza with broccoli is amazing!
Marie says
You’re still doing so great! My husband and I are committing to eating cleaner this year. Last September, we went to Destin and honestly with all the holidays following, we needed a major overhaul this year. It does feel awesome to eat great, though. I’ve alway just focused on exercise more because I love to workout but this year, I’m concentrating on clean eating more. It’s definitely harder to keep the lbs off as I age. ;)
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I always love getting back to my own eating habits when I come home from vacation – I always feel sooo much better!
Melissa says
Getting back on track after vacation IS so hard! I’m sure you’ll get right back to it, though. :)
I got my own nutrition plan from Jim White’s studio, and I start tomorrow! I’m excited–mostly because it gives me a reason to be accountable!
Kaelin says
I had a tough time returning from our all-inclusive honeymoon trip a couple of years ago! I sooo missed the breakfast buffets and dessert bars. But I am pretty sure my wardrobe appreciated my return to normal eating habits.
Bummer about the coffee on your trip, also reminds of the burnt coffee we chugged on our honeymoon every morning. Had to have it, but it was nothing like our coffee at home!