Hi guys! I’m writing this on the floor in the Washington D.C. airport after spending 4 incredible weeks in Lisbon, Portugal. As a vegetarian, the city was a bit daunting and I will be the first to admit that I ate way more empty carbs than I normally care to consume. My physique escaped relatively unscathed with no major damage done. Therefore, I came up with these tips. Some I followed and some are things I learned from omission.
- Drink Water– This one I learned from failing at it. Especially in Europe, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of being served a wine and a coffee at every meal. My body honestly was asking me for water and I didn’t give it as much as it needed. Most places in Europe charge for water, so get a Brita water bottle and fill up in any sink or water fountain!
- Take the Stairs– Since you will probably be eating more treats than normal, burn calories where you can! This tip was a lifesaver for me. I took the stairs everywhere, even when my friends took the escalator. It’s a fun competition to see who can get to the other end first. And walk!!! You don’t need to take the metro or a bus if something is ten minutes away. It’s a good way to see the city and get your steps in!
- Take Advantage of Local Produce– Chances are wherever you are there are a lot of local fruit stands! Lisbon had tons of markets and store fronts selling fresh fruits and veggies for super cheap! Try to reach for these options when you can! If you have access to a kitchen, then stock up on fruits and veggies and cook a meal at home. It will save you $$.
- Establish Healthy Habits Before You Leave- This is probably my number one tip! You want to train your body to eat what it deserves. So a few weeks before you leave be strict on your nutrition plan. This will set you up for success because you have already established that HEALTH IS YOUR ROUTINE ( that way when you have unhealthy meals your body doesn’t see that as the norm). I know for me I ate pretty badly during my trip but my body was craving the nutritious foods I usually ate at home. It makes getting back into your routine at home much easier.
- EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING- So grateful to my coach who told me this. She could have told me to limit my intake of bread and cheese but she didn’t. She told me to experience everything, and I certainly did. Remember it is a temporary experience, not a lifestyle. Try everything. Try it twice. Love it. Enjoy it. And get back on track when you get home!
Hope this was helpful!!
Love,
Anna
- Anna Goes Adventuring - 