Life after vacation

Getting back to routine after a holiday is hard, but it's the best time to kick-start a healthy, new diet and lifestyle

If you are like most people, vacations are a time of utter indulgence. Late mornings, lazy days, lavish meals and little or no regard for the rigours of exercise - after all, it's a vacation! Normally, I tend to spend my vacations with wild abandon, but this year I chose to do things differently and it changed everything for me. I decided on a solo spiritual retreat in a skiing town in Europe for a month and it was an amazingly eye-opening experience.
As the mother of a young child and a wife, it's not always easy to get a break to focus on yourself. But, this vacation, I vowed to take better care of myself. I made healthy meals, exercised daily, went shopping for fresh food every couple of days and nourished my spirit in ways I have neglected over the years.
I fed my mind by exercising and pushing it to new places because, even though exercise involves the body, it is very much a head game. I fed my body by eating well - meaning, lots of high Omega 3 fatty fish, and fresh, local and organic heirloom vegetables. I fed my soul with massages using soothing natural oils. I also made sure I took lots of long walks and hikes to enjoy the fresh mountain air and made it a point to smile and greet others, even if we did not speak the same language. Everyone understands the language of a genuine smile.
I was so on point, feeding every aspect of my being that when I returned home, I have struggled since to remember to take care of myself. I had a baby to make up to, a husband to attend to and things to be done, so I have since found myself slipping back into old patterns. But I will not stop here.
Life after vacation is hard. Whether you had an incredible time by having new experiences, or worked towards getting your food and lifestyle plan on track, shifting back to your regular routine with its everyday stressors can throw you off. How long you stay off track, however, is entirely up to you. I've found that the trick is to watch yourself; give yourself no more than two weeks to adjust and create a plan that is practical for you to kick-start a new, healthy routine.
Tips to save on food costs ?after vacation expenses
It's hard to get your head back in the game but it is worth it - and the sooner, the better. If you find yourself short on cash, be wise with your food shopping. This is the time to put a hold on eating out and to make your meals from home. Fresh, unprocessed foods are relatively affordable in the UAE, if you shop smart.
Do not buy too much perishable food unless you're sure you're going to be able to consume all of it - otherwise, it will be an unnecessary waste, if they spoil, and you will lose your money. Stick to healthy portions of seafood, fresh vegetables and fruit and other plain basics; remember to keep portions small.
More than anything else, try to do something everyday outside of food that lifts your spirit. It could be a walk or a drive, but connect with nature or people outside of your daily life in order to breathe freshness into your everyday routine. Soon the farmers markets will be open on Fridays and Saturdays but you can still enjoy organic produce year round from trusted suppliers like Down to Earth Organics, The Farmers Garden and Greenheart Farm Shop.
Remember to feed yourself well. Bon appétit!

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