How often have you returned home from vacation feeling more exhausted than before you left? What was supposed to be a relaxing break somehow turned into Spring(er) Break.

For most New Yorkers, life can be pretty stressful. Not many of us seem to be exempt from the work hard/play hard mantra, even while being away from the city. Simply put – vacation is an escape from our “real” life. Exercise, nutrition and sleep patterns usually get thrown out the door. But why should we throw days, months or even years worth of living a healthy lifestyle out the door? Do not get me wrong – I’m not saying to become a total prude and refuse beach cocktails or order the chicken when you really, really, really want the steak. But what I am saying is to simply find a balance.

I was able to practice this concept of balance on a recent vacation to Aruba for a dear friends’ wedding. Not only was I able to transform my trip into a self-imposed triathlon training camp with a daily self-taught open water swimming class (ok so one day I only swam 10 minutes), but I also drank beer daily, ate food pairings and even conducted a bar review of Miami Vices.

Did you know that an 11.27 ounce can of Balashi Beer goes quite well with the chicken salad at the Radisson Hotel beach front restaurant? But the bar neglects to top its Miami Vices with a dark rum floater, which is, in my opinion, the best part of the frozen concoction. (We never did figure out the reason behind the 11.27ounce can.) My point is – if you create manageable guidelines, anyone can stick to a balanced health regimen while still enjoying yourself and not return home feeling the need to detox on the latest fad juice cleanse.

With that being  said, my friends and I came up with our top 5 vacation guidelines that hopefully will help you stay balanced while on your next vacation.

1. Be active every day, even if it’s just a walk on the beach or a quick swim

2. Sleep enough, whether you go to bed at a reasonable hour or nap during the day if you had a late night

3. Allow yourself one frozen drink per day. You might drink more alcohol than this, but watch your calories, these bad boys can easily cost you 400 each.

4. Eat 3 square meals. Make one light so you can enjoy dinner and/or dessert. No snacking

5. Drink plenty of water

Vacation season round two is upon us so if you blew it this Spring you have another chance this Summer to practice balance!

This entry was written by Physical Equilibrium Registered Dietitian Sarah Currie.