Back from the Beach

I just returned from a wonderful family vacation in Duck, NC. This year, my goal was to not overeat and stay active while I was at the beach.  We all talk a good game, but actually following through with a healthier vacation is easier said than done.

Despite the heat, I can say that I kept my pledge to stay active this year on vacation.  My secret was to try new things.  It is always easy to forget about your old routine.  But, trying new things on vacation keeps you feeling like you are on vacation.  We arrived on Sunday and by Monday night I was trying something new.  We kayaked through the maritime forests of the Outerbanks and learned a little something new.As the week went on, I went from kayaking in smooth waters off of the Currituck Sound to kayaking on the ocean.  I was lucky enough to see a Dolphin up close as it swam right underneath our kayak.  For me the kayaking was a huge triump. It was something new but I also something I never thought I would be able to do (I had shoulder surgery that I thought would limit my activities forever).

But that wasn't quite enough activity for a week.  I did the usual walk on the beach and we were in a great location where we could bike anywhere we needed to go.  We also jumped waves on Jet Skis and while I didn't think that would really be exercise, I was quite surprised.

I met my goals for the week. I did not gain a pound.  The lesson I learned -that most of you can use as well- is to make activity on your vacation fun.  If I would have stopped to go to the gym, I would have felt like I was missing something. I would not have enjoyed it-- but, I made that physical activity part of my vacation not something that took away from my vacation.

If you haven't taken your vacation yet this summer, try to plan at least one activity that will keep you moving. You may find that next time you will want to plan more!