How to Vacation with Clean Cut

How to Enjoy Vacation Without Overdoing It

Let’s set the scene: you’ve worked hard to look and feel your best for this vacation. The bags are packed, you’ve got fresh outfits, maybe even a new bathing suit. You’re ready to go. But how do you truly enjoy every minute without going “overboard”?

Our goal? For you to feel satisfied, not stuffed. Satisfaction means feeling good, not guilty. That overfull, sluggish feeling? That’s not a good look or feeling. Visualization and pausing can set you up for success. Imagine how you want to feel tomorrow—energized, confident, beach-ready—and let that guide your choices today. It’s all about saving room for the next cheat, not blowing it all on the first night. This brings us to your first key: MINDSET.

Step 1: Mindset – Mastering Vacation Brain

Vacation brain is real. You feel like you have to cram in all the experiences to make it count—sound familiar? But here’s the truth: you can have your cake and eat it too, if you do it right.

It’s about moderation, timing, and planning. Want those famous wings or that epic cheesecake? Great. But savor it. You don’t need the entire thing on night one. Try this: take three wings, sip a clean cocktail (like vodka or tequila with muddled lime/orange and seltzer), and enjoy them. Slow down. Soak in the surroundings. People-watch. The moment is what makes the memory, not the extra wings.

Step 2: Timing – Take It Slow

If you go full throttle on Day 1, by Day 7, you’ll feel like a bloated tick—and we mean that. Overindulgence shows in the mirror and the vacation photos.

Instead, save the indulgences for the back half of your trip. Start light. Choose one treat per day (a big breakfast, dessert, sugar-loaded cocktails). By Day 5 or 6, you’ve earned that “F-it” moment and it won’t derail your progress. Timing creates sustainability.

Step 3: Planning – Be Prepared

Pack your go-to healthy snacks. That way, you’re never left out—you’re just making smarter choices.

• Renting a home? Stock up the kitchen with whole foods.
  
  
• Staying at a hotel? Clean up the mini-fridge and keep healthy options close.
  
  

Change your mindset from “I’ll just avoid the chips” to “I can have them—on my terms.”

Road Trip or Airport Tips

Got a thing for road snacks? Caren used to love gummies on flights, and Lori couldn’t resist salt & vinegar chips and a fast food stop on the road. Here’s the trick: save that treat for the way home (if you still want it). Starting the trip strong avoids the “vacation brain” domino effect.

Pack instead:

• Hummus
  
• Vegan cream cheese
  
• Chicken salad wraps
  
• Crackers
  
• Protein power balls
  
  

These swaps feel reasonable, not restrictive. Be kind to yourself.

Navigating Days 1–4

Don’t jump into that big breakfast—save it. Maybe try intermittent fasting and wait until lunch. It frees up calories for your evening cocktails and dinners.

Avoid grazing. It leads to mindless eating and messes with your metabolism. Plan your meals. Stick to them.

At dinner, consider:

• A light appetizer or two instead of a heavy entree
  
• Lighter sauces (think garlic & oil, not creamy)
  
• A few bites of someone else’s dessert instead of a full one
  
  

Move Daily & Stay Hydrated

Earn your indulgences. Walk, hike, snorkel, paddleboard—move. Avoid the “sit-all-day” trap that leads to boredom eating.

And don’t forget water! Aim for half your body weight in ounces each day to stay refreshed and flush out excess.

End of Trip – Indulge the Smart Way

By the end, go ahead—hit your favorite restaurant. Order the pasta. Get the cheesecake. Relish every bite without guilt. You’ve earned it with smart choices all week.

Healthy Swaps So You Never Feel Left Out

• Flackers crackers
  
• Kite Hill vegan cream cheese
  
• Bitchin’ Sauce
  
• Siete grain-free tortilla chips & wraps
  
• Hummus (any flavor)
  
• Pickles, olives, salsa, guacamole
  
• Edamame
  
• Clean drinks: think Vodka and Tequila
  
• Flavored natural seltzer
  
• Pink Himalayan salt (bring your own!)