A comment was made to me today about weight gain on vacation. I was in the locker room and this person thought I was stepping on the scale to check my weight after vacation. I was not, I was just standing near the scale. My reply was that I never worry about weight gain on vacation because…..it’s a VACATION! I like to take a break from worrying about calories in or out. When I go on vacation I go to relax. Sure I’m active….I walk a lot and I hike and I do whatever is outside that is active. Stand up paddle boarding, biking, hiking, golfing, swimming. I usually try to stay out of the hotel gym because after being in one all day for work I want to get away from that environment. Other people will relish the fact that they can go workout in a fitness center on vacation…when they have time and are relaxed, but because I’m in one all day, I choose to get outside on my time off. Each to their own.
As for food, I relish eating what I want on vacation! Ice cream for one! Donuts for another! These are things I wouldn’t normally eat, but on my time off I like to indulge a little bit (everything in moderation) I usually end up staying at my current weight or actually dropping a pound or two. I chalk this up to the fact that my body is more relaxed and my metabolism is burning calories more efficiently (not a proven fact, just my theory) and second is that since I’m using different muscles with my outdoor activities, my calorie burn is different. I’m mixing it up and shocking the body out of it’s regular routine. Just my theory and I’m sticking to it!
So, how do you vacation? Do you love your alone time in the fitness center? Do you plan lots of activities or do you like to lounge by the pool with a good book? All of these are great options. It’s our chance to break from our routine and daily grind and relax and unwind. If eating and lounging are how you do it, then enjoy it, don’t worry about it!
Vacations are almost sacred to me. I love escaping and getting away. Unplugging. Recharging. That’s what it means to me. What does it mean to you? I’m interested! Let me know!
The other thing that I like to do is pay it forward. Living in California, most of us have visited Hawaii at least once since it’s such an easy flight. So I’d like to share my experiences and recommendations on activities.
Hotel – Hyatt Grand Resort in Poipu. Awesome property! They pay attention to the details and the pool is a magnificent experience! What I liked best about the hotel is that they had purified water dispensers all over the property. They wanted you to refill your water bottle instead of buying more plastic ones. I thought that was way cool! Thumbs up! They weren’t out to make you buy bottled water at every turn.
Surf Lessons – I did a private surf lesson with Shane Stedman. I got his name from one of the local shops. He was great! Fun but professional! He can take up to 5-6 surfers at one time. The location was a nearly secluded beach in Hanelei that had some good waves, not just baby waves. I would definitely go see him again! Besides lessons, he also will take out a more seasoned surfer to different locations – give them a sampling of surf spots on the island. Here is his contact info:
Shane Stedman at shanehiny@yahoo.com
cell 808-639-2420
Scuba Diving – I hadn’t gone diving in about 20 years so I did a shore dive in Poipu with Fathom Five Divers. Jesse was my Dive Master. She was pretty hard core! Since I hadn’t been diving in so long, I experienced a moment of panic under water. I motioned to her that I was going up and she followed me. Once I surfaced she asked if I was ok, when I said yes, she replied “Ok, when you’re ready, come back down, that’s why your here, not to wait on the shore!” And with that she disappeared underwater. No coddling or hand holding, just no nonsense and a firm assurance that it would get easier, I just needed to get back down under and practice. So I did, and it was a great experience! I calmed down and relaxed and had a great dive! Thank you for the tough love Jesse!
Fathom Five Ocean Quest Divers
That’s my take on vacation…..and my referrals.
