Love, Cook, Eat : How did I keep up my healthy routine during vacation?

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I was a bit worried to leave my daily routine, my kitchen, my juicer, my grinder, my seeds and my gym… I was not sure how I would manage to stick to my healthy eating habits while traveling and enjoying the company of my family and friends.

Food is such an integral part of expressing emotions and love that I knew I was going to be surrounded by food, and I wanted to enjoy good food. I knew people would be happy to see that I have lost so much weight… and I imagined they might just encourage me to eat what I wanted NOW, just as the DIET mind set teaches us… Yet that is not my point of view...‘

'I am not depriving myself of food, I simply eat what I want!'

The new me - June 2013

The old me - September 2012

I was very realistic about the difficulties of sticking to my healthy routine as I was going to be out of my locus of control. I thought it will be difficult to eat fresh, nutritious food prepared healthily, make my juices in the morning, drink enough water daily, and exercise during my vacation : 3 weeks in Paris and 3 weeks in Seoul.

I knew that my family and friends would treat me to delicious meals involving wine and dessert. I knew I was going to be invited over where they would cook my favorite meals for me. And I was ok with it as long as I did not gain my 17 kg back in 2 months… I actually wondered:

‘Is it possible to gain 17 kg in 2 months?’

So I planned to try to be careful and to stay in control. I decided that I would enjoy some food that might not necessarily be healthy, during meals. I would be in control of what I knew I had control over such as having 3 meals a day, avoiding snacking in between meals, eating veggies and fruits, drinking enough water and exercising.

Now, after returning to my routine and reflecting on my vacation, the big revelations and surprises are:

1- My body did not want to gain the 17 kg back! Praise the Lord! My body was acclimatized to a particular meal portion and I could not eat more than that. Every time I had a big/heavy meal, I felt like I needed to go on a detox the next day, which I could not do always but I naturally had a healthier next day.

2- I sought after healthy food and was becoming very creative with food. I was able to still eat and cook healthy. I could easily adapt my cooking and recipes with ingredients I found over there.

3- In restaurants I picked healthy food from the menu (when it was possible) but did not deprive myself of enjoying dessert, as you can see... ;)

Ile flottante

Gaufres chantilly

Crème brûlée

Korean waffle ^^

4- I loved food but now I have confirmation that I enjoy a different taste, and variety in texture, color, and flavors… I had the perfect wine with a perfect fish dish or steak…

Foie gras, confit d'oignons

Steak, garlic roasted potatoes

5- My body needed to exercise. I just listened to what I felt. When you eat healthy you have so much energy that you feel like walking, running, dancing, hiking, and just being active! I had no access to a gym in Paris, but I biked, walked instead of taking the bus or subway, took the stairs instead of the lift, I danced and exercised at my place whenever I could.