Exercising During Summer Vacation

I feel the gasps already vibrating through my bones! Take a deep breath; it's all right. Exercise during vacation is easy. (Yes. E. A. S. Y. Annnnnd- FUN! double gasp.)

If exercising (any time of the year really) is so gruesome that you'd rather go to the dentist (or to the OBGYN as some people I know refer to) then you have the WRONG activity. Exercise and physical activity (yes there's a difference!) should be FUN! (Get it?! Exercise=fun!)

FYI. (I digress. My apologies.) Physical activity is an activity that gets you up and moving. This can include gardening, cleaning, laundry, walking the dog and so much more. On the other hand, exercise is planned and structured physical activity such as hiking, biking, participating in aerobic classes and more. (One of many sources!)

Earlier this summer, I rewarded myself with a long, overdue two week vacation! (For those of you who have never taken advantage of that banked benefit time, well it's time to jump on the band wagon and use it! Vacation is great- mentally and physically!)

(Second digression over. Point of story begins.)

My personal treat was a cruise to Bermuda. And boy was it a treat! Bermuda is such a beautiful, peaceful little island. Although I can babble on and on about a thousand different topics regarding Bermuda, my focus today is to talk about how to put a handle on the excitement and emotion and tap into a little reality.

I'm not a believer of living in your own personal bubble and pretending that avoidance of reality is acceptable! Sorry! So, reality is that even on vacation it is important to have some sort of structure. Indulgence is great! Overindulgence is not!

On the first day of the cruise, I did not exercise (no planned physical activity), but there was plenty of physical activity (such as walking, carrying my very heavy bag, exploring the ship, and more.) Before I boarded the ship, I had a game plan regarding exercise. I knew that I would be on the island for 1.5 days and on the ship the rest of the days. That left me two complete days on the ship! So on those two days, I went to the gym! (What is this? The fourth gasp?! Oh my!) Yup! I did it. I used the elliptical for 45 minutes TWICE while on vacation. And believe it or not, it was WONDERFUL. Who would have ever believed that using the elliptical staring out into the ocean could be so peaceful and so enjoyable! Unbelievable, I know, yet so very true. So next time, put the skepticism away and give it a try! You just might end up loving a little planned exercise!

Also, when I was done with my structured exercise, I was off exploring the ship more, swimming in one of the few pools. Although I didnt get to everything that the ship offered there were a variety of fun activities to choose from such as dancing, aerobic classes, wall climbing and more! Like I said, exercising on vacation is completely 100% doable AND FUN!

The day and a half that was free time to explore the island was left for
1) snorkeling
2) (additional) swimming
(How could anyone say 'no' to the beautiful water surrounding Bermuda?!? I just don't think it's possible!)



3) lots and lots and lots (have I mentions a lot!) of walking (I'm mean how else am I supposed to get from shop to shop! ;))



Although physical activity is only half of living a healthy (and happy) lifestyle, this half is a great start! Happy adventuring!! :)

Organic Fruit and Vegetable Salad

The beauty of buying organic vegetables is that you can eat the skin. I don't know about you, but I loathe the waxy skin on the cucumbers from the market. No matter how hard you scrub, that wax is not coming off. Goodbye skin!

On the other hand, if you buy organic vegetables there is not gunk to deal with! YAY!

Today's salad recipe is simple.
1. Use all organic produce
2. Use any variety of fruits and vegetables you enjoy
3. Keep the skins on
4. Enjoy!

What I did....

Mix together greens, chopped carrots, sliced cucumbers, freshly sliced strawberries, one chopped hard boiled egg, a sprinkle of cheese (my favorite being Trader Joe's freshly shaved parmesan, romano, and asiago cheese!), with a splash of your favorite vinegar! (I used red wine vinegar! YUM!) Oh so simple and quick. I love it!

A Simple Hearty Breakfast

Do you ever feel that there are TOO many options for breakfast, which then causes an overload resulting in complete and utter confusion? Despite wanting to eat breakfast you probably just decide to skip breakfast all together; why go through the agony!?

Everywhere I go I see ads for ginormous breakfasts- waffles with butter, syrup, whipped cream, and a side of bacon OR an egg sandwich on a large bagel with cheese and ham and sausage, for example. OH YA- don't forget that side of home fries!! And for an extra buck perhaps, make it two sides.

The other day after waking I thought to myself, 'Geez. All I want for breakfast is something wholesome, hearty, quick and simple.' I thought. What did I eat when I was kid? Well there are many foods as I kid that I would absolutely not eat as an adult, but I took the concepts from the past meals.

My breakfast was a bowl of Kashi Go Lean cereal with 1% milk and strawberries. I laughed to myself. So simple. Yes I have cereal now and then, but I think we all get caught up in one advertisement or another. Should I have eggs for breakfast? And why kind of bread should I buy? With or without cheese? The questions go on and on...



I cant even tell you the last time I put fruit into my cereal. It was great! I loved it. By no means is this a new concept. It's just a matter of taking a step back and realizing that you already know what to do; it's having the strength to avoid the mixed media messages (ie those whole grain high sugar cereals.) Take a step back. Think simple! And voila!