Whether you count macros or stick to an all clean diet, they both can seem like a full  time job. I mean, after time macros seems like a piece of cake but when you’re first starting to count it definitely takes time and energy. And we all kind of know my stance on totally eating clean. I mean, it’s just stressful. At least for me it is. But again, if it works for you then more power to ya! Regardless of what your daily diet consists of though, traveling, going on vacation, having a weekend of special occasions/festivities can throw all of us for a loop.

Look. In the past, I used to get so stressed if there was something that was going to cause me to deviate from my normal eating routine. Birthday dinners for friends? My entire week of eating had to be planned around it. Going out of town for the weekend? God forbid I had two days of not eating clean. I think that is what initially encouraged me to look into macros. I was feeling like my “healthy” lifestyle was no longer healthy but this mentally exhausting journey to have the perfect body.

Anyway! Point being. I can tell you now that is no longer my approach and I am 100x happier. Granted, macros has a lot to do with that because it allows me to work towards my fitness goals while still having freedom and flexibility to eat a variety of foods. I never feel restricted. However, let’s talk about my mindset when it comes to traveling, vacationing, special occasions…

To sum it up, DON’T STRESS! Eat what you want. Now, I’m not saying that you have to go totally overboard and adopt the mentality of IT’S MY UNTRACKED/CHEAT DAY SO I’M GOING TO EAT EVERYTHING IN SITE!!! But  what I am saying is, when you’re traveling and you have the opportunity to try new restaurants, do it! When there is an opportunity for ice cream just because, eat it. When you’re at a girlfriend’s bachelorette party for the weekend–eat what you want. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m such a foodie and enjoying food whether it’s at a new restaurant, a friend’s wedding, whatever it may be…brings me enjoyment! I would be really miserable if every time I travelled or had an occasion to go to that I had to eat so strictly…it just takes away from the whole experience.

Now, I think that there are choices you can make during your time away from your normal eating routine that are beneficial. Like, remembering to stay hydrated especially if you’re drinking some. Or, still getting in a workout at some point during the day. Or maybe you eat more protein based meals for breakfast and lunch because you know you’re going out and indulging for dinner. What I’m trying to say, is it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing attitude. You can still make mindful choices if that helps you find a better balance. Point is, during these non-routine days, you shouldn’t let your normal routine take away from those experiences.

So, as you can see it’s not an exact science, but I think it’s a good balance in order to still enjoy life and everything it has to offer! Because at the end of the day, is deviating from my routine for a few days going to ruin my progress? No! Will I maybe feel more bloated at the end of those days? Sure. But that’s just temporary. Don’t freak out when you’ve been deviating from your normal routine and not feel as lean and think all your progress is lost. I mean, that’s just crazy guys! Your body doesn’t change after a few days of unhealthy eating, just as it doesn’t suddenly tone up after a few days of strict eating.

Anyway, hope this post offers some valuable insight! And if you just started counting macros, be sure to take a look at my post with my top 10 tips for starting out! I also have a blog that explains how to track when you’re going out to eat, so if you do want to count macros when you’re traveling and out and about read up on that here. And I promise to do more posts on macros and food in general since so many of you have said you want to hear more about it! But next blog post will be covering our trip to Charlotte, NC for my birthday so stay tuned! xx

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