I recently returned from a holiday on the seaside. It was a week of complete relaxation … I mean I did not move a finger. What can I say, a well deserved vacation after lots of work and accumulated fatigue. I sat basking in the sun (of course with SPF cream), ate three meals a day and read a lot. But I was careful to observe some nutrition rules so as not to return home with an extra “luggage”, if you know what I mean.
We all need to get lazy and do nothing one week per year. If the hotel you choose offers a buffet meal plan, full board or all-inclusive, that means children are taken care of and, as far as I am concerned, temptation is great. But, to be really honest, (I usually don’t like that phrase but now it is the most appropriate one) I care a lot about my figure. I work hard to keep a good shape, run every day and restrain from too large portions. Here are a few easy rules to follow in order to remain supple even after the holiday.
Choose small plates
When you face a buffet with everything your heart desires, the temptation to fill up your plate is great. Most often, we eat more than we need. So a smaller portion is always better. Then, when you take a trip back to the buffet, you have time enough to realize that you already full. I always choose small plates or bowls of soup.
Breakfast
I never let myself tempted by a croissant with jam or chocolate cream. In fact, I don’t even feel the need to eat something like that. Instead, I eat fruit. I particularly enjoy feeling their natural flavours, and that gives me a good mood, plus a great energy. So afterwards I go to the beach with flat abs.
An euqally tasty and nourishing alternative is a little plain yogurt with cereal. Or a fried egg with a small slice of whole grain bread. Until noon it is definitely enough.
Lunch
For me the ideal lunch consists of cream soup (ideally, this would be one of my personal favorites: tomatoes, carrots, celery, broccoli) and large a salad. We have spent this holiday season at Ana Hotels Europa in Eforie Nord. And I was elated to discover an entire buffet with salads prepared with lots of imagination. My favorite was the one with kale, nuts, pomegranates, apple and cranberries. Absolutely delicious !! But I had other choices every day. A Cesar salad, a Greek salad, tuna salad, coleslaw, salad with tomatoes, onions and cheese. I’m sure your mouth is watering already, just as mine is now, remembering them!
This is the moment when I am tempted by dessert. I said already I am not into a specific strict diet, I eat whatever I’m craving, but in small quantities. So if something sweet winks at me, I will not hesitate. But if I do not feel like eating it right after lunch, I keep it on a saucer plate and eat it around five o’clock, after my noon sleep, at coffee. Yes, Yes! During holidays I do sleep at noon, and it feels great!
Dinner
While on holidays, I do not know why, but it never eat late. Around 19:00 I get hungry so I don’t wait longer. Nutritionists say a perfect dinner should be made up of protein and vegetables. So I stick to that. Most of the times I choose fish with grilled or sautéed vegetables, beef with cabbage or lettuce salad.
But on some evenings, though the temptation is high, I will not restrain myself from a delicious lasagna or other pasta dish. And if I crave for dessert (which I’d better not), then I choose a cup of lemon sorbet or two teaspoons of any other sweet delight I crave for.
Snacks and beverages
Avoid sweet juices during holidays. A lemonade with mint, sweetened with honey is a very inspired choice for those who want to stay slim after the holidays. Drink plenty of water. Besides being well hydrated, your hunger will be reduced. As far as a glass of wine or prosecco or champagne, go for it without hesitation, we know it is even recommended by doctors …
These are my own diet rules while on vacation. I want to enjoy the time without getting frustrated. There can be no question of keeing a diet during this period. However, I eat so as not to throw away my entire work in just a few days. So I keep moving, running, exercising. But about the sports I practice during holiday I will talk about in the second part of the series.
So stay supple during and after the holidays!
Enjoy your holiday but #stayhealthy and #stayfit!
Yours,
#SuperSonia
Sonia Argint Ionescu is TVR presenter („Vreau Sa Fiu Sanatos!”) and blogger.