The number 1 question I’m receiving while on vacation in Italy is, “what are you eating?”

While I could simply answer this question by proclaiming, “anything I want!” — I felt it important to write this blog.

Why? Because we are so food and weight obsessed! Geez people — I am on a vacation of a lifetime in the pasta, bread, and wine capital of the world. So yea, I am eating the bread and drinking the wine! And guess what? I not stressing over it either!

Regardless, I decided to write this blog to shed light on my strategies and my perspective on this ever so important topic: surviving vacation without destroying all your progress.

After undergoing a total mind and body transformation with 80 Day Obsession in the last year, and then educating myself with 2B Mindset, I’ve become a new person when it comes to food and weight. I learned that I am in complete control over my weight and the way I look. No outside factors control my body — it is 100% ME. So, I know that even though I am taking liberties in my diet right now and may gain a few pounds, I know exactly what to do to get back on track. I know that as soon as I get home, I am going balls to the wall with LIIFT4. And I am so jacked up about it, too. I’ve been going hard in my fitness for almost an entire year working out 6 (sometimes 7) days a week! So this small break in Italy is actually a great thing. I am mentally preparing to jump back in when I’m home and give this new program all I’ve got. And that’s exactly what I am going to do.

But for now this is how I am dodging the “Freshman 15” during our two week Italian vacation.

And you can check out our adventures in Italy here.

5 Tips to Avoid Gaining (Too Much) Vacation Weight

1. Drink Water

Lots and lots of water. And learn from my mistake — I made the mistake of not bringing a bottle to refill using the water fountains around the city, so we’ve been spending plenty of Euros on bottled water! Staying hydrated is crucial in preventing weight gain and also helps burn fat while walking miles and miles all over Italy! Being thirsty also masquerades itself as hunger — so drink up!

TIP: Bring a refillable bottle from home and take it with you everywhere!

2. Bring Snacks

You don’t want to get caught empty handed and hungry. For our trip, I stocked up on BEACHBARs and have carried them with me everywhere. They are perfect for waiting in lines, riding on trains, or even satisfying your craving for sweets. Shakeology is a good option too, but understand that it is not usually easy to get ice on vacation, that’s why I’ve defaulted to snack bars for this trip instead.

3. Pass on Carbs (Sometimes)

Not always but a few times a day. My strategy for this trip: avoid bread and pasta at night. Dinner is the meal that I am opting for veggies and protein, especially if I am having cocktails or wine. Also, don’t eat the whole loaf of bread — a small piece will suffice and you will feel satisfied. Load up on veggies and salads as much as possible, actually, I’ve eaten some of the most incredible veggie medleys while in Italy. So delicious!

4. Exercise When Possible

Yes, you will be walking a lot and that helps, but if you have some downtime or get up early, do a quick 20–30 minute workout! While I have not been able to workout daily, I have worked out with Beachbody on Demand (Mes De Más in particular since it doesn’t require equipment). This will get your metabolism engaged and burning even more calories!

5. Don’t Stress

It’s proven that being stressed about your weight will not help. So, RELAX. You are on vacation. Your diet will not be perfect nor should it be! You’ve probably waited a long time for this trip, spent tons of money, and want to have a great time. So, allow yourself to enjoy it to the max!  

Listen, I am as far from perfect as everyone else. Sure, I can get strict and lose a ton of weight but I am on vacation. And a vacation I am going to enjoy to the fullest. I will not stress about a couple of pounds and I won’t look back on this time and have regret over not having that panini, not having that cocktail, or the carbonara. I will follow the tips above and just do my best. And guess what — GAME ON when I get back. I am going to crush LIIFT4, get jacked and feel incredible.

But for now, pass me the Chianti!

P.S. If you want to join me for LIIFT4 and get back on track with me, check out THIS PAGE and fill out the form at the bottom!