Keeping to program on holiday, lessons from a mama dragging her toddler around Kenya

My husband has an adventurous gene...maybe more than one of those but definitely enough to keep us living out of suitcases for a good part of the year.

I love routine. I should have been an accountant, I would have been good at it. My own mother makes fun of my schedules saying that children should not be brought up that way. My argument? It keeps me sane knowing what's supposed to happen at what time otherwise with ad hoc arrangements, traveling with a boisterous toddler can get hectic.

But my OCD tendencies are not the reason behind this blog, it is how to keep healthy, and exercising while traveling.

My advice? Be a little OCD about it. Plan ahead. It is true that failing to plan is planning to fail. So far, this is what has been working for me.

1. While packing, be sure to pack suitable wear for whatever physical activity will be available where you are going. If there is a swimming pool, pack swim wear, if there will be hiking, pack hiking gear, if you plan to run pack appropriately. How will you know what to pack? Call ahead and know what kind of space is available and what activities are possible, e-mail, google, look at trip advisor, lonely planet, whatever, just be in the know. Don't be afraid to sound stupid or too much, you're probably paying for it, it is their duty to answer every stupid question otherwise you will take your money elsewhere.

2. If you think you need equipment, keep it simple. Ever since I discovered and learned to use bands effectively, my life is so much easier. I can do resistance wherever I am and they weigh almost nothing considering all else I am carrying (and occupy very little space), so I am less afraid of my muscles withering away while on holiday. Also consider other items that can be used as weights, like your children for example (:-) )

3. Do not miss any days on the build up to travel day. If at all, try to plan your rest day on travel day as it is more likely you will miss a workout on the go than when you're in your comfort zone. I tend to work out up to the day of travel and then consider that day my rest day.

4. You might be on holiday, but wake up earlier than everyone else. It might not be the 4 or 5 am on a normal day, but those few minutes to an hour ahead will give you enough time to get a small workout in. Yes, it sounds a bit too much but trust me, when you're eating that dessert after dinner, you'll be glad you put in that 5 mile run in the morning.

5. Don't be afraid to cheat a little. Watching what you eat is important. Especially when confronted with sinfully delicious calorie full artery chocking foods. Don't feel bad if you cheat a little, but remember to still watch your portions. Getting back to where you were is more difficult than maintaining it for now.

6. Do not feel the need to justify yourself every time anyone makes a snide comment about your habits. Everyone seems to know more than you about healthy living. Why don't you eat like I do, I am ok and I don't workout. Don't be mad, just keep on doing what you know is good for you, what is working for you, what makes you feel good, what keeps you healthy. Don't go to Dr. Google to justify why you're doing it, they probably have a smart phone, let them use it.

Have an active day will you

:-)

You can exercise anywhere

This was my gym today. I did a strength and endurance workout today behind the family tent using my bands. So you see? Even on  vacation you can get a workout in.

It's all in the state of mind... Finding satisfaction and pride in the little things you do

Sometimes, life is just difficult. Sometimes being healthy, exercising, watching what you eat...it all seems so difficult because...well, life gets difficult sometimes.

Work gets in the way, family gets in the way, illness gets in the way, social life tries to get in the way. In fact, all these things can seem to come together to sabotage our efforts! The whole world is fueling on energy drinks and sugar, why can't I?

I have said it before, being conscious of what you do, what is around you, has a lot to do with how committed you remain in this journey. I try to always have an equation in my head of what I am doing, keeping the healthy side  tilted further down, scoring more healthy than unhealthy points so that overall, I can pat myself on the back and say that despite the constant temptations and excuses, I came out on top.

I also try to remain happy and upbeat, no matter what little things turn up to sabotage my day. My daughter slept later than usual today which meant I couldn't work out at the time I had planned. Instead, I chose to do something else and not dwell on it...(burden you with my thoughts :-) ) I will find time later.

One of my closest friends visits with her toddler and they proceed to turn my house into a warzone....I laugh about it because I know her daughter feels safe in my home and therefore is herself with my daughter. And that is okay, because they both enjoyed themselves.

I have too much work to do and end up snacking on only milk or yoghurt and a few nuts the whole day. That's okay. At least I get some good nutrition. I don't have to have an hour or two to prepare an elaborate meal.

If I eat a cake, fine, don't dwell on it. Move on and place that on the naughty side of the scale in your head. Guilt makes us do stupid things, like reach for another cake saying I can just as well get killed for the sheep as well as the lamb. It's all in your mind.

I also try to find satisfaction and take pride in every little thing I do. A feeling of self worth is very important. At your work place (your boss will be very happy to read this)...do your job to the best of your ability not only because it is demanded of you, but because you demand it of yourself. While exercising, exert yourself, because you know you deserve the results you are looking for. At home, play with your kids with your whole heart, because they deserve it, and because it makes you happy. Nothing half hearted about making dinner...make the plate look attractive. Who says you need a five star restaurant to have meals that you're dying to eat.

It all comes back to you, your motivation. Never sell yourself short. You can do and be a lot more if you just put your mind to it.

Have an active day!

This is the reason photos can be a motivator

I was actually reminded by a friend (thanks Vicky) that I did have an ab photo for before insanity, so here it is, taken on the 20th of February this year. I was really proud of myself then having got rid of my CS Apron (All Caesarian Section Mommies can relate to this). 

Come to photo no. 2. Post Insanity taken a few days ago. In all fairness I should have taken the photo on the day I finished insanity but I forgot. I haven't been eating clean, however, there is a big difference. Oh wow, I am so glad I put myself through that. Right now, I'm concentrating on a lot more weight training and falling in love with my kettle bells once more. I still do a few HIIT style workouts including some from the Insanity Series especially because my diet isn't that clean and I do need to keep burning what excess calories I consume. 

Lesson of the day...Slow and steady wins the day!

Have an active month! Happy July people! This month, I turn a year older!