10 Best Tips for a Healthier Summer Holiday
Memorial Day tends to mark the unofficial start of summer.
The weather gets nice, school is out, routines disappear, and suddenly every weekend turns into a BBQ, a trip, or “just one more drink.”
And listen… I get it.
Before I lost over 100 pounds, summer basically meant all structure went out the window. Late nights, skipped workouts, eating whatever was around, and telling myself I’d “get back on track Monday.” Which, of course, never really happened.
The problem is, summer turns into fall REAL fast. And then suddenly you’re trying to undo three months of “it’s fine, it’s summer.”
So here are my real-life, actually doable tips for enjoying your summer without completely derailing your progress.
1. Get Up at a Normal Time
I know. Boo. No one wants to hear this.
But staying up late and sleeping in sounds way better than it actually feels. It messes with your energy, your hunger cues, and your motivation. Late nights usually lead to poor food choices and zero desire to move your body.
You don’t need to wake up at 5am, but try not to shift your schedule too much. Keeping some structure makes everything else easier.
2. Create Simple “Anchors” in Your Day
Pick a few non-negotiables that anchor your day, no matter what else is going on.
Maybe it’s:
• Drinking water when you wake up
• Taking a walk after breakfast
• Having your shake or protein mid-morning
• Doing a short workout before everyone else wakes up
When life feels chaotic, anchors keep you grounded.
3. Bring Your Own Food
This one matters.
BBQs, pool days, road trips, family gatherings… food is everywhere. Instead of hoping there will be something “healthy,” bring something you actually want to eat.
Not sad food. Real food you enjoy.
That way you aren’t standing there starving, surrounded by chips and desserts, trying to convince yourself you’ll “just have a little.”
4. Make the Best Choice Available
Sometimes your options are limited. That’s okay.
When you’re faced with choices, pick the one that gets you closer to your goals, not the one that completely derails them. Grilled over fried. Water over soda. A reasonable portion instead of saying “screw it.”
Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about making the best choice available in that moment.
5. Don’t Oversleep
I know sleeping in feels amazing, but it usually backfires.
Oversleeping often leads to grogginess, skipped meals, and feeling “off” all day. Try to keep your wake-up time close to normal so your body stays regulated and your energy doesn’t tank.
6. Move Early
Getting movement in early changes everything.
A walk, a workout, stretching on the patio, anything counts. Once you’ve moved your body, you’re more likely to make better choices the rest of the day.
It also takes the pressure off later, so you can enjoy the rest of your day without guilt.
7. Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals almost always backfires.
You end up starving, overeating later, or feeling out of control around food. Eat regularly, even on busy or travel days. It keeps your energy stable and helps you avoid the “I’ll just eat everything” spiral.
8. Be Smart With Drinks
Alcohol and sugary drinks sneak up fast in the summer.
You don’t have to avoid them completely, but alternating with water or sparkling water makes a huge difference. You’ll stay hydrated, feel better, and still enjoy yourself.
9. Plan the Comeback Before You Leave
This one is big.
Before your trip or weekend even starts, decide what “back to normal” looks like. When will you grocery shop? When will you work out? What day are you getting back into your routine?
When you have a plan, you avoid that “well, I already messed up” mindset.
10. Remember Why You Started
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about feeling good in your body and your life.
You don’t have to choose between enjoying summer and taking care of yourself. You can do both. And when you stop treating summer like a free-for-all, it actually becomes way more enjoyable.
You’ve got this. And if you need help staying on track, you know I’m always here. 💛
