Keeping Healthy on Holiday

Going on holiday doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to all physical exercise and mindful eating.  In fact, if you are someone who regularly exercises and eats well, then stopping could make you feel sluggish, lower your self esteem and make your holiday a little unenjoyable.  Recently returning from a week in the UK myself, I wanted to share my tips to keeping active and feeling great while on holiday.  

1. Move Everyday

Like I said, if you're used to exercising pretty much every day, stopping can have negative effects.  While I was away, a few mornings I made the most of the fresh, crisp air, the beautiful countryside and my lingering jet lag (hello 5:30am wake ups...everyday) to get outside and jog.  Now, I was lucky that the weather in the UK last week was unexpectedly dry, but one morning I got caught in a bit of drizzle, making the experience more fun! *Rain becomes a novelty when you grow up in the Middle East* On the days where it was too dark, or I didn't know my way around town, I did a little workout inside.  20 - 30 minutes of body weight exercises (very Kayla Itsines of me) including circuits of burpees, push ups, sit ups, lunges, squats, jack knives and mountain climbers, got my blood pumping and actually made me sweat! The best part was I didn't need my trainers for that, ideal if you have limited luggage space.  The first couple of nights we were in Cardiff, staying at the Marriott, and were lucky enough to have access to a pool, gym and sauna. I made the most of it by getting up, doing a proper workout, swimming a few lengths and then relaxing in the sauna.  But remember, you are on holiday after all, and if all you feel like doing is walking and exploring the city you're in, then that's great! A couple of years ago I visited Amsterdam and Paris, and we must have walked about 30kms per day! You don't necessarily have to throw around weights and sprint 10kms.  As long as you're feeling great and moving, that's all that matters. 

2. Eat Mindfully

Now, my idea of a holiday includes eating. I want to try everything, savoury or sweet, and don't want to look back and think 'I could have eaten that'.  However, the key is balance.  If you want that Nutella crepe, go for it! Do not feel guilty about it, it's your holiday that you've worked very hard for, and you are more than entitled to enjoy it! While I was away I made the most of the fresh, affordable produce available in the UK;  I have honestly never tasted eggs so delicious.  I took complete advantage of things like greek yoghurt, fresh berries, delicious cheeses and Marks & Spencers ready made salads and snacks (obsessed).  That's not to say I didn't enjoy pork pies, caramel slices and hot chocolates. Everything in moderation.  If I knew I'd be having a big lunch, I'd choose a light breakfast.  To me, holidays aren't a time to count macros and worry about your carb or fat intake.  However, eating fresh food does make me feel great.  So it's just about enjoying yourself, eating what you feel like and what you would maybe (regretfully) reject any other time.  Before you know it you'll be back at work and normal life!  

3. Enjoy A Drink Or 3...

A lot of people enjoy a few drinks while socialising and catching up with old friends and family when on holiday.  Having a few drinks (even every day) is NOT an issue.  A couple of glasses of wine, or a sneaky G&T will help you relax, socialise and have a great time.  I had a few drinks every day last week, and it has done me no harm whatsoever.  BUT as with eating, you have to be aware that if you go overboard on the booze, you will feel below average the next day.  So know your limits.  If you can polish off a bottle of wine without a smidgen of a hangover, then go ahead (and wow I applaud you).  If one glass of champers is all your body with allow you, without a dodgy stomach and blurry head, then stop there.  There's one thing that's worse than having a hangover, and that is having one while you're on holiday.  I personally would not want to waste a precious day feeling less than OK, and let me tell you, train journeys become a whole lot harder when you've had 3 (strong) G&Ts the night before! 

4. Banish Guilt! 

Finally, as I've said, this is your holiday. DO NOT feel guilty about having an extra (half bottle of) wine, or that chocolate pudding, or opting to lounge on a sun bed instead of running along the beach.  Holding on to negative feelings and guilt can actually impact your stress levels, increase anxiety and release of stress hormones; which will not only ruin your holiday, but can cause problems like IBS and bloating.  Do whatever makes you happy and you will have a wonderful break.  

Holidays should make you happy and make you feel refreshed and ready to get back to normal life! So embrace the holiday spirit but don't make it too hard to get back on track. Balance is key! 

V x 

Saladspo...

Since my return from Goa, one of the positive's is that I'm constantly craving salads and healthy, fresh food.  I've literally been having salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I don't even know why, maybe it's something to do with the crunch.  5 days with no food does that to you! 

So any way, I've been looking to Pinterest for some fresh inspiration, and now I'm going to share my discoveries with you! 

WARNING: viewing may cause severe hunger or extreme salivation. 

  

 And well, because blueberries. 

If you survived that without running to the fridge I applaud you! Obviously these aren't my photos or recipes, but I will be sharing some of my go-to's in the very near future! 

Eat colourfully and reward your hard-working body with nutrients; the internal benefits will show on the outside! Also, by including plenty of fresh foods and variety into your diet, you keep things interesting and are more likely to stay on track.  

My final piece of advice would be, as much as possible, stick to single ingredient foods then prepare and cook your food at home.  By single ingredient foods I mean FRESH PRODUCE - fruits, veggies, good quality proteins, grains and good fats.  Avoid things like packet noodles and pre-made marinades or sauces, which usually contain a long list of ingredients we don't know how to pronounce, never mind what they actually are! This way, you know exactly what is going into your body, without the preservatives and added extras that can occur if you eat out or 'cook lazily'. With a little bit of organisation and perseverance it will soon become second nature, and you'll be surprised how much you actually look forward to cooking, and of course eating, your own creations! 

Happy Eating! 

V x 

Nathalie's...

Last week I had the privilege of checking out the lunch and dinner menu at Nathalie's, located next door to Fit Republik, a highly equipped, state of the art gym that has recently opened in Dubai Sports City.  I love discovering new, trendy, delicious and healthy cafes in Dubai (Australia has one around every corner, so they fill a little hole in my heart!) and Nathalie's is no exception.  The location is easy to get to with ample parking, and of course highly convenient if you are a member at the adjacent gym. I happen to play netball up at sports city at least once a week, so I may be planning to return to Nathalie's quite regularly to fuel post game (hellooooo chocolate and pistachio tart).  

We were absolutely spoilt there, tasting nearly every dish on the menu.  To start, we sampled the Dips & Crunch (my favourite was the Edamame Guacamole) and Fresh Salmon Summer Rolls. Also, get your hands on their Zatar Bites - one word - addictive. The Kale Ceasar and Freekeh salad were also incredible.  

If you're feeling a bit cheeky, go for the Nathalie's Burger or the Adobo Chicken Quesadillas. Both are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and full of flavour. For the health conscious among us, they have The Portobello Burger (instead of a bread bun, you get your Angus beef patty between two juicy portobello mushrooms) and the Whole Wheat and Zuchinni Pasta with ricotta sauce.  The Grilled Salmon Fillet with Veggie Soba Noodles was a lovely nod to Asian flavours, full of vivacity and colour.  

We were told to return for the breakfast, and to be honest earlier that day I did some investigating and their breakfast menu looks amazing. Plus, anyone who doesn't enjoy going out for breakie is no friend of mine! 

And then....the desserts. Oh my. We were dished up a beautiful platter with samples of their delectable treats, including gooey Nutella Cookies, Baked Cheesecake with Salted Caramel and Peanut sauce, Chocolate Bark with plenty of yummy seeds and berries, Walnut and Date Bliss Balls and my favourite - the Chocolate and Halaweh Tart with crushed pistachios. It was so good I asked for one to take home and have the following night! 

So if you're up that end of town, I highly advise popping in and trying out Nathalie's fresh, tasty range of goodies.  The decor is eclectic and funky, which complements the food perfectly.  Plus, after your Nutella cookie (you won't be able to resist), you can always go and work out next door! 

Turnip the Beet! 

V x