We had been looking forward to this vacation all year. Working hard, saving up, counting the days. But one thought kept coming back before the trip: how would it go with my weight? Three weeks in Thailand with all the amazing food, cold beers, and lazy days – not exactly the easiest situation to stay balanced.
So, I made a simple plan before leaving. I packed my running shoes and brought my Apple Watch – my best workout buddy.
Once there, I set some rules: move every day, keep an eye on calories, and avoid oversized portions. I ate whatever I wanted, but in moderation. Vegetables and protein were a priority, while carbs took a smaller role. And of course, I had a daily goal of at least 10,000 steps.
We also went on two trips during the vacation. First, a four-day tour up in the mountains around Nan. I managed two power walks there and stuck to my step goal. Walking in that scenery didn’t even feel like exercise – it was pure joy.
Later, we spent four days on Koh Kood. We had chosen a hotel with a gym, which turned out to be perfect. Every morning before breakfast I hit the gym. That way I could enjoy the rest of the day without feeling like training got in the way of our plans.
And the beers? Yes, I drank and enjoyed the cold Thai beers. But I also knew one 33 cl can is about 150 kcal. Balance was the keyword – enjoy everything, but don’t go overboard.
When we got home, I stepped on the scale and it showed the exact same weight as when we left. A small but satisfying reminder that you really can enjoy a holiday to the fullest – and still maintain your weight.
