Ahh, the beach. Where all of our weeks, or even months, of hard work go right out the window.
The daily workouts and healthy eating are gone with the wind, like my sarong in the Gulf breeze. Isn’t it ironic that we try so desperately to get into that teeny tiny bikini, only to slip it on and lounge lazily about drinking sugar-bomb tropical cocktails and drowning our seafood in drawn butter — that is, if it’s not fried to begin with? No wonder most of us come home from vacation busting out of the seams.
Of course, we all need quality down time away from all of life’s obligations and responsibilities, to refresh and renew our overstressed brains and bodies. But that doesn’t have to mean parking your butt in a beach chair for 10 hours, James Patterson novel and fruity cocktail in hand, only stirring to reapply sunscreen or cool off in the surf.
If you shift your mindset just a bit, being active and healthy at the beach can be easy and even fun. This past weekend my husband and I put this theory to the test in Grayon Beach, Fla. (Oh, the lengths I’ll go to for a good column.)
The first vacation fat trap is the journey itself. I like to bring my own snacks so that I’m not tempted by the junk at convenience stores when stopping for a restroom break. Although, I do have to say, I’ve noticed more and more places carrying an array of fresh fruit, which makes me very happy. One of my favorite road trip snacks is simply an apple and a stick of 2 percent cheddar cheese — super healthy, with fiber and protein to keep me satisfied.
The second vacation fat trap is doing a whole lot of nothing … all day long. And it would be a shame to waste a perfectly good vacation that way when there’s so much fun to be had. Everything is more fun at the beach, even just a stroll.
Walking/running in the sand burns way more calories than on a paved surface. Plus it’s a great way to check out the beachfront real estate. (What do these people do for a living anyway?)
Biking is another great beach workout and bikes are readily available to rent. Most of the beach communities along the Gulf Coast really cater to pedestrian traffic, with great bike lanes and trails and slow traffic speed limits. Ryan and I barely used our car. We biked everywhere, to breakfast, to the beach, and to shop (those handlebar baskets came in handy).
There are lots of other ways to be active at the beach — a pick-up game of beach volleyball or Frisbee, paddle boarding or kayaking, swimming, or even just fighting the waves on a windy day, all burn major calories while having a blast.
The third and final vacation fat trap is, of course, beach food! Especially after a day playing in the sun and surf, it makes me so hungry. That’s why it’s so important to have regular healthy snacks all through the day. If you’re starving, you’re going to make bad food choices. On the other hand, if you’re not out-of-your-mind ravenous, it’s easier to select a grilled fish with steamed veggies, or to skip the drawn butter that comes with your crab legs. And, heaven forbid, say “no” to the fruity cocktails; some of those things have a day’s worth of calories and a lifetime of added sugar. I like to stick to a summery white wine or maybe a “skinny” margarita.
Most importantly, have fun, recharge your batteries, relax, and even indulge a little bit. Just not too much. You still want to look hot in that teeny tiny bikini when you get home, even if it’s just at the river.
Leah Sullivan of Columbus has been on a productive journey to a healthier lifestyle and shares some of her experiences with readers. Follow {Nourish} on Facebook.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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