As the sun shines brightly over Miami, our annual tradition of skipping physical gifts and opting for a weekend getaway continues. This year, the anticipation of soaking up the sun is paired with the excitement of culinary adventures both in local restaurants and with some creative hotel room meals. While we are weekend trip enthusiasts who cherish our cats and home routines, this short escape promises both relaxation and delicious experiences. Join us as we plan and execute a healthy eating strategy, from ordering Whole Foods delivery to indulging in local flavors, while navigating the balance of enjoying vacation and maintaining wellness on the go.
Breakfast and Whole Foods Prep
To ensure our meals are both convenient and nutritious, I’ve decided to utilize Whole Foods’ delivery service, which is a godsend for hotel stays. This allows us to avoid the pitfalls of airport food and overpriced hotel breakfasts. Each day, breakfast consists of rice cakes topped with creamy avocado, paired with a crisp apple. While the concern of rock-hard avocados lingers, the backup plan is to bring one from home if needed. The simplicity of rice cakes provides a perfect base for the avocado’s richness, and the apple offers a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the meal.
Lunchtime Simplicity with Soup and Fruit
For lunch, soup becomes the star, with options like Thai Carrot Chickpea and Spicy Cajun Jambalaya soups from brands known for their wholesome ingredients and oil-free recipes. These soups are not just flavorful but are also filling, offering a warm meal that requires minimal preparation. I pair each soup with another apple, maintaining a balance of savory and sweet. While I wish for more veggies, travel often requires compromise, and I’m okay with that.
Dinner Plans and Flexibility
Dinners are more fluid, with reservations made for local restaurants over the weekend. The key is flexibility and not stressing over missing vegetables. Instead, I focus on enjoying local cuisine, knowing there’s room for indulgence during these dinners. On our first night, room service brings complimentary coconut macaroons, a delightful surprise that my fiancé enjoys thoroughly, allowing for a shared moment of delight.
Healthy Snacks and Supplements
Traveling also means being prepared for those in-between times. My travel essentials include sesame and sunflower seeds for snacking and seed cycling, which I find beneficial. I also never leave home without my vitamins, primarily B12 and D3, to keep my energy levels stable throughout the trip.
Fitness on the Go
With all the focus on food, keeping fit is crucial. I pack resistance bands, which are perfect for quick workouts in the hotel room. With these, I can perform various exercises targeting different body parts, all without the need for a gym. This approach not only saves time but also allows me to tailor workouts to my energy levels and schedule. A beach run is an added bonus, providing both exercise and the joy of running beside the ocean.
Exploring Miami Accommodations
Our hotel upgrade is an unexpected delight, presenting a slice of luxury with two levels, two balconies, and direct pool access. It’s a space that beckons relaxation and makes the perfect backdrop for our stay. The added sauna is a personal highlight, offering a chance to unwind after a day of exploring.
Challenges and Creativity
Travel often necessitates a degree of creative planning, particularly when you must balance health with ease. For this trip, wholesome, easy-to-assemble meals are at the forefront, allowing for more time to enjoy the city. Despite the challenges of travel, maintaining a healthy diet on the go is achievable with a bit of prior planning and open-mindedness.
Conclusion: Embracing the Experience
As I relish the few days away from my routine, these meals become a testament to the balance of health and indulgence. Whether at a local Miami eatery or enjoying a homemade meal in our hotel suite, the experience is enhanced by knowing I’m taking care of my body while embracing the beauty and vibrancy of Miami. Each meal, each moment by the pool, and each workout set the scene for a rejuvenating trip, celebrating not just the season but the gift of health and togetherness.
This trip is more than a break; it’s a rejuvenation ritual that exemplifies how with a little planning, you can have your vacation and eat well too.