We are all out there trying to be the best version of ourselves each day. It's a (tough) commitment that I've made to myself over the last few years. This mentality doesn't stop when I leave the house! You can maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. It's possible there is a balance to it all. Here are 5 tips I use on a consistent basis to keep my mental & physical health in check while on the go.
Grab a coffee & walk the terminal!
1. Plan a daily walk, even on travel days.
I don't always feel like exercising or have time when on a family vacation. I know that movement is key to keeping my body active & functioning correctly. So, I always plan to walk each day. Nothing crazy fast or strenuous, just 30 minutes. This could mean exploring an outdoor shopping area, nature trail or nearby neighborhood. At the airport, my husband and I like to walk the kids back and forth through the terminals (no sitting down until closer to flight). This is good for all of us! *Tip* - wear your walking shoes on your travel day....saves space in your bag & encourages you to move!
Road trips are a bit different. . . simply plan to explore a bit once you get there (aka walk outdoors or around a shopping area) OR take a walk (or workout) before you get in the car. I always try to fit in a workout the morning of travel if possible, it makes me more relaxed! ​If I'm feeling extra motivated. . . Lately, I've been packing a fabric "booty band" with me on trips. It's super light and easy to cram into a full bag. I don't always use it but it gives me the option of fitting in a leg/booty sequence if I want to. YouTube is a great source for quick resistance band workouts or simply use bodyweight! The fabric booty bands I love {does NOT slip or smell like rubber lol}: single // set of 3 A more traditional rubber resistance band set: set of 3 
2. eat outside as much as possible.
My husband often makes fun of me due to my love for outdoor dining. This might seem like a funny tip but trust me it's a huge benefit for your mental health. Which we all know is key to our overall health. The fresh air, sunshine & outdoor noises always make me feel lighter. They help me enjoy my location in a deeper way. Plus the vibe outdoors feels less rushed vs inside a restaurant. If you have kids, the scenery is built in entertainment! Bonus they learn the important life lesson of how to shield food from bugs!
Always trying to fit in a picnic on vacation!
3. Plan Snacks & Breakfast food.
4. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate!
Staying hydrated (& fed) are my top concerns when it comes to our wellbeing on vacation. I'm very easy to get along with if these two requirements are met!! If possible I bring a reusable water bottle to use on trips. I will fill it up throughout the trip & carry it everywhere. We purchase large jugs of water once we reach our destination for easy refills. Obviously, there are some instances that a reusable bottle is just not the move....for me the beach is a no-go. Sand everywhere no thank you.
See my favorite reusable bottles for adults & kids linked below! Other hydrating drinks: Sparkling water: any & all yes please Coconut water "Spa water": aka water with fruit, yum I also like to bring Nectar hydration packs for a little something different. These electrolyte packs travel so easy! I like these specifically because they have no added sugar, only slightly sweetened with stevia. The sunset orange reminds me of drinking orange Gatorade as a kid. They make the perfect afternoon fruity drink that hydrates & provides essential minerals! Linked HERE.
- ADULT HYDRATION -
- KID HYDRATION -
5. Research healthy restuarants & grocery stores prior to traveling.
Take time to look at your destination on Google Maps before you head out. See what restaurants or food stores are nearby or available at the hotel. READ THE REVIEWS! Check out their Instagram or website. You can learn a lot about restaurants with some quick sleuthing.
My husband and I are gluten free so this is essential when traveling! We have to know what places can accommodate our diet. This goes for choosing healthier dining options as well. I highly recommend looking the menu online before you visit a restaurant. Look through it & pick out what you want to order ahead of time. Not when you're hangry & sitting down. This always helps me make better choices when it comes to food because I have more time to think it over. "Are you ready to order yet?" - The worst feeling when you can't decide!! thanks for stopping in. Catch up with me on Instagram or leave a comment below with your tips!
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 Greetings! It's been way too long! I just got back from a fun family vacation in Florida. We had the BEST time together! Much needed for all of us. I felt really good coming back from vacation & realized I kept up with my healthy habits while away. So difficult to do! This is honestly one of two times this has actually happened. Lol. Both in the last year. I wanted to share 5 easy habits that I've implemented into my healthy routine that have really helped my daily life. They're simple & can be really impactful. 1. Eat at home as much as possible.
I know it's hard. Making food every day & night can be tiresome. BUT it doesn't have to be fancy, time consuming or special. Save special meals for 1-2 times per week when you have the energy to be creative. Eating at home 5-6 nights per week (& prioritizing lunch at home/packed) has really moved the needle on my family's overall health. I know what's going into the food we eat. I can control portions, ingredients & food quality. It also helps us appreciate being at home & spending time with one another. Mental health bonus points! When we travel we always pack food for the plane, have a stash of our own snacks, ship bulky items (protein powder) & shop at local grocery stores for supplies. - Browse my IG @jenkinshouseonthehill or HouseOnTheHill.co for lots of meal inspo. - Search "easy meal ideas" or "easy healthy meals" on Pinterest, Instagram or YouTube. SO many ideas out there! - Check out my month of meal ideas resource: Eat 6 Challenge 2. Make a grocery list & stick to it. OR Buy Groceries online. You most likely aren't adding the splurge or crave worthy foods on your list. Simply add the basics (eggs, fresh fruit, protein, greens...) & allow yourself 1-3 special items that weren't on the list. For example, I like to drink cold brew so I will grab a single serve one with oat milk or a fruity iced tea. Or if I need something sweet I will pick up a nice bar of chocolate. My husband likes to pick out a bag of chips that he hasn't tried & the kids will find their item as well. Allowing yourself to browse every single item in the store....results in lots of unnecessary junk & money spent. Full up a majority of your cart around the perimeter of the store! If you prefer online grocery shopping, follow the same concept. Make a list of items you need and type in the search bar for each one. The favorites or "buy again" tabs come in handy if you purchase routine items. Not physically being in the store & being unable to wander really helps me focus on the items I actually need. Much less impulse buying! 3. Recognize how specific meals or foods make you feel afterwards. One of our favorite coffee shops. Clean coffee without all the added sugar! We all have those restaurants where we leave feeling very icky. I personally don't choose to visit those establishments anymore. OR I find something on the menu that isn't going to derail me. A delightful meal for me is never worth a regretful evening in the bathroom. : ) Your gut will thank you later. At home I pay attention to products I buy or specific ingredients & how they make me feel. Certain ingredients (beans, dairy, garlic, soy) just don't agree with me personally so I watch my intake of them. When I pay attention to what my body is telling me & make adjustments I feel so much better! I have never felt bad after eating a nourishing meal.....funny how that works. 4. A daily Smoothie. Watch my latest vlog below: 3 Reasons Why I Drink a Smoothie Almost Every Day 5. A morning & evening routine.I focus on a small set of things to complete each morning & evening. There are small changes at times but it mostly stays the same. Having set tasks to complete for each routine helps me make the most of my time. It is so routine at this point that I feel off when I can't complete it! I definitely feel healthier & more mentally focused when I have these routines. Morning: 6:15-7:15 am - Coffee with collagen (My favorite collagen - use code JENKINS10 for 10% off) - Glass of water - Get ready & listen to a podcast/book/relaxing playlist - Start a load of laundry or tidy kitchen - Make a smoothie & take AM supplements Ready to join the family to start their day! Evening: 8:30-10:30 pm - Catch up with Brandon & finish any clean-up - Fill up a large water bottle & take PM supplements - Pjs, dim lights & turn on diffuser - Wash face, brush teeth, take out contacts - Read or watch a show I hope you found these 5 healthy habits helpful! These habits have helped me build a healthier lifestyle. Your health is dependent on your goals, form habits that fit you personally!  If you've never been to Bentonville, Arkansas you should seriously consider! Bentonville is a beautiful, fun & trendy place to visit. The people here will treat you like their own family, seriously they're SO nice! With endless options for things to see & do around this small town you won't grow bored easily! Plus, their restaurant selection is top notch. I have personally visited all of these local spots with my husband. We love trying new places so we can share our experience with others. I hope that one of these places finds a special place in your foodie aspirations or simply a new stop to add to your next road trip! 10 Places to fill your belly & your soul:*A few of these restaurants we visited prior to going gluten free. I cannot personally vouch for their ability to accommodate allergy restrictions. I have included their websites for your own reference. I have also noted the places that were allergen friendly.
Enjoy my fellow foodies! |
Hi I'm Kelsey.
I help busy women embrace cooking at home with my fuss-free family recipes! Archives
November 2022
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