We’re taking a short little vacation up in beautiful Whistler (site of the 2010 Winter Olympics) in British Columbia, Canada. The mountains here are truly spectacular. Yesterday we took a gorgeous hike; today we walked around a stunning jade-green lake and then I went to the fitness center for a little workout.
It used to be that the word “vacation” was synonymous with: eat as much as possible because you might not ever have this opportunity again; exercise as little as possible because this is supposed to be a “rest.”
But this vacation has showed me how much my mindset has changed. When we first arrived in Vancouver the other night, I discovered that there was a Nia (!) class taking place about a mile from our hotel. I was so excited. International Nia! I put on my running shoes after dinner and took off in the direction of the class. I realized I only had about 15 minutes so I knew I’d have to run. It was fun, running through the crowded city streets in search of Nia. When I finally arrived at the building, the receptionist told me the class had JUST ENDED. Whoops. I am pretty bad when it comes to military time! So hubby and I walked back to our hotel (he had come with me to keep me company, not that he had any intention of doing Nia, LOL) and on the way we stopped in at a Lululemon store (nifty workout clothes). We both tried a bunch of things on and I bought a very Nia-esque top. And I thought, wow, THIS is different. Finding a workout in a different location (a different country, even!). RUNNING to get there. Shopping at a store that features exercise gear. All of these things would be fairly unheard of a year ago.
I feel like I haven’t fallen into “vacation bottomless pit mode” just because I’m on vacation. That is a relief and it feels good. Happily, we have a little condo type unit with a kitchen, so we haven’t had to go out for (and pay for) breakfasts and lunches. I was bummed to see that the supermarket here had NO WHOLE WHEAT English Muffins, let alone the double-fiber ones that I like. Likewise, no Fage nonfat yogurt! Needless to say, no super fiber waffles. I’ve been eating eggs for breakfast.
It has shown me that vacation can be fun and celebratory and relaxing and it doesn’t have to mean falling off any wagons. What a revelation!
foodfoodbodybody 
August 30, 2009 at 5:23 am
Three million cheers for you! We take vacation from our work or lives, but not our good nutrition and exercise.
I loved your Nia story. Sorry you missed it.
My hubby and I did that in Italy. We were looking at the train schedule and were upset because there were hardly any running at 4:00 pm. He stood in line to talk to someone while I stood staring at the board as if the times would change. And I grew very confused when people would walk up and say things like, “Oh good. There are frequent trains. We can go grab something to eat and still make it.” “Oh look we are fine there is a train in a few minutes.” I wasn’t seeing what they were seeing. So I kept looking! I knew it was there and I was missing it! So I stared. And then I changed my tactic! Instead of looking at the time, I decided to look at the area of the board that “had frequent trains.” That is when it dawned on me that we had been looking at 4:00 in the morning and not 16:00 (is that right? Would 16 be the 4:00 hour?). It was funny. We caught a train just fine and got back to our ship!
August 30, 2009 at 8:10 am
Love the picture. What great success! Sounds like you are feeling GREAT! Keep it up! It’s inpiring and impressive. Going to google NIA now. . .
August 30, 2009 at 6:46 pm
So glad you are enjoying your vacation and you won’t have any regrets when you get home! I’ve been looking for a Nia class here on Long Island since I read about it in your last post. Haven’t had any success yet, but I’m determined! Sounds fun.
Looks like you have a beautiful vacation spot! Enjoy!
August 30, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Have you checked out this place? Even if it is not close to you I bet they could recommend a place if you contact them.
http://www.niacenterliny.com/
August 31, 2009 at 5:50 pm
It sounds like you’re having fun! I love the picture!
August 31, 2009 at 11:56 pm
You go, Foodie! What a fabulous photo. I love thinking of you dodging the crowd to get to NIA! You truly have transformed your life. I love keeping up with your new life! Your enthusiasm is catching. I’m going out for a walk up the hill behind my studio! Catch you next time.
September 1, 2009 at 12:24 am
Way to go foodie! Look at you and your new outlook. That is my biggest fear, to leave my comfort zone. Whe you spend most of your life planning around food instead of planning around life you miss out on alot I am sure.
Be so very proud of yourself your awesome!
XO
September 2, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I am so enjoying watching your journey!! Isn’t it amazing how your mindset has changed? Such a big part of that journey.
You’re doing so awesome and your vacation sounds wonderful!