For when you want a bit of balance on vacation
From former model to nutrition consultant: Michelle den Hollander flew around the world from shoot to show, but also experienced the struggles of having the ‘right’ sizes. This brought her to where she is now and on Amayzine she gives tips. This week about keeping everything in balance.
In May, a week in Portugal was on the agenda, but just like many people, that plan unfortunately fell through. Now my boyfriend and I are hoping for a week in October, but until then we are enjoying ourselves in our own country. A few days in Cadzand-Bad it was this time. (Mini)holidays for me are all about coziness, good food, good drinks, relaxing, and going out. Yes, you read that right: even a nutrition consultant is happy with this. A bar of Tony's for the car to kick off the holiday and a good glass of wine upon arrival, to relax a bit. A fish croquette that I definitely treat myself to on vacation and enjoy intensely. On days like this, I think about a healthy ‘mind’ and a little less about the body. I am quite stress-sensitive outside of vacations and corona is not doing me any good. Did you know that more cortisol is produced during stress, which in turn causes your immune system to work less? Time to relax and produce cortisol, where a walk through the dunes or a nice swim also helps to clear your head.
However you approach that vacation, from not paying attention to a bit of balance, everything is of course fine. But if you want some handles to stay in balance, then I have vacation tips.
1. Choose what you really like at the breakfast buffet and go for it. Don't torture yourself with a bowl of yogurt or fruit if you prefer something else; you can eat that when you're home.
2. Bread can sometimes cause a bloated feeling, making it harder to enjoy other treats.
3. It's also wonderful to move around on vacation. Take a walk, go for a swim, or rent a bike to explore the area. This way, you often find the nicest spots that you can't see from the car.
4. Alcohol-free is really nice these days, think of those zero-point-zero beers or an alcohol-free gin and tonic. It's fun to drink, but without the hangover the next day.
5. Alternate heavier dishes with a nice salad or some fish.
6. But the most important thing: enjoy. If you feel good and have no stress for a while, your body will truly thank you.
I lovingly alternate the wine with the shrimp croquette with a ceviche and an alcohol-free gin and tonic. And I combine that culinary lunch with a nice beach walk. It's just what you like, because nothing is mandatory and everything is allowed.
Michelle den Hollander is a nutrition consultant and hormone expert. With Michelle's Good Food, she shows that a healthy lifestyle is not a punishment and can also be easy. This way, she helps you choose delicious and good food to feel better. Want to learn and read more? Visit her online.
Text: Michelle den Hollander
