How to Meal Plan When You're Going on Vacation

How to Meal Plan When You're Going on Vacation

Weekly meal planning has been a huge game changer for me. 

I've found that when I plan meals, I

• save money
• save time
• eliminate the "what's for dinner" stress

So each Sunday I sit down and plan out my meals for the week, write out my grocery list, go shopping, and prep what I can. 

My meal plan is a little different this week. I'll be heading up to Lake Wallenpaupack for our annual family vacation from Wednesday evening through Sunday. I have no way of knowing in advance what we'll be eating but I will have control over what I eat once I'm there. 

I know that I'm far more successful in making healthy choices when I have a plan in place, and I'm not willing to throw it all out the window, so I got to thinking! 

Breakfast- Each morning at the lake, my mother in law has a special trick for waking up the guests...BACON! Yep, fatty, greasy, bacon. It's smell is intoxicating and truly does the trick.  This starts our day and is the first meal that everyone gathers around for.  Normally I have my shakeology at this time, but my plan is instead to have eggs, spinach, tomatoes, fruit, and some ezekiel toast. 

Lunch- Typically lunch time at the lake is a 'fend for yourself, grab and go' meal.  By this time of day, the boat is trailing a tube, we're floating on noodles, or reading a book by the dock. So we just grab whatever is leftover and take it with us. This will definitely be the PERFECT time for me to enjoy my Shakeology. I can easily whip it up as I'm prepping lunch for Grayson and drink is while we're sitting outside.  It will curb my cravings when people start snacking on chips and such. 

Dinner- This is usually a group effort. The aunts usually gather around and brainstorm the evening meal and delegate different parts. Typically we have flank steak, salmon, or chicken accompanied by fresh summer salads of some variation. I know that this will be a clean meal and I'm excited to offer up some of my clean recipes, especially some of the yummy vegetable dishes from the 3 day refresh! I know everyone will LOVE them! 

Snacks- While on vacation it is easy to either go without eating because you're busy, or snack mindlessly while playing a game or chatting, so I know that snacks will be a struggle.  This is where preparation will be key. I plan to have items on hand for my green smoothie each day. I'm sure I can make a big batch to share. I'll also plan to have my banana and pb roll ups which I'm sure my nephews will snag a bite of! 

While I'm unable to have a meal plan that is set in stone, I'm confident that I'll be able to make smart choices and stick to eating clean.  I have learned so much about portion control and eating a balanced, clean diet from the 21 day fix, that I feel really good about this week! 

That's not to say I won't indulge in a roasted marshmallow or one of my father in laws "Pop Pop Sundaes", but I like to follow the 80/20 rule so I'm not going to be too hard on myself.  

My PiYO workouts will be joining me as well.  I'm excited to start my day with this workout each day.  I know that completing these restorative, yet, butt kicking workouts while looking at the lake will really set the tone for my days.  Plus, I know that I can enlist a family member or two to get in on the sweat session with me! Being prepared and thinking ahead will be very important for me this week, but it can be done!!

Here are some other tips to help you plan for your upcoming vacations:

-consider packing a cooler with drinks and meals from home

-prepare and freeze meals to bring along

-scope out local eateries and check out their menus ahead of time

-pack snacks: proportioned almonds, lara bars, kind bars, apples, oatmeal packets, oranges

Click here for the above meal plan 

Above all, enjoy your vacation! 

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