I started writing this and it was a novel! Sorry about that. But it's hard to describe how happy I feel about this way my life has changed.
Sarah and I were looking to book a vacation to celebrate 10 years together (coming up this November). Now, I've been on cruises before - on our honeymoon when I was at goal but my lifestyle wasn't so strongly cemented, twice in high school when I was morbidly obese for a music competition - so they're not unfamiliar to me.
The first time I went on a cruise in high school, I did nothing active. Ever. I wasn't by the pool, when I wasn't rehearsing with my choir I was in my room, and all I remember was, sadly, the midnight buffet. And taking a plate, bringing it to my room, and binging.
The second time, I was on my honeymoon. In planning, I saw it as a *break* from all of the work I did to get to goal for my wedding. It was nice not to be afraid of photos because I was smaller, but I did overdo it food-wise, and we didn't really do anything active...I did work out one day of ten on the elliptical, and did start every day with a healthy breakfast, but then ended every night with cookies in bed. I don't have regrets about the trip, because it was truly what I wanted to do at the time, and I think that vacations should be focused on really enjoying yourself. At that point, my lifestyle was less solid...I had been doing it for a while, but I wouldn't say I was as committed/devoted. I did a lot of cardio and weights to look good in my dress, but ate lots of processed foods still if they were low calorie, and exercised primarily for the weight benefits...what I did was all about the weight loss, and I was happy that I looked awesome and felt awesome, and believe me, we had a WONDERFUL honeymoon.
Now, I'm really, by all counts, a devotee of a whole foods, healthy lifestyle. I want to enjoy my trip, but honestly, heavy French food doesn't make me feel good. I garden, cook every meal at home, make my own cheese, and can jams and marmalades from the produce I get on weekly trips to the farmer's market...all because I enjoy eating lighter, fresher food. I use my exercise not just as a tool for weight loss, but because it makes me feel awesome. And my body can do great things...it can hold a rockin' downward dog, climb mountains, and run for miles. And I love all of those things. And in planning this trip, I wanted something that would SUSTAIN that. I don't feel like I need a BREAK anymore - this is what I am and what feels good to me.
So we booked a cruise on Celebrity, which has a special class called "Aqua Class", designed for active people who love a spa experience. Perks include dining for breakfast and dinner in a restaurant which focuses on fresh ingredients, lighter sauces, and Mediterranean preparations, bottled water, iced tea, and fruit delivered daily to your room, a special room service menu with healthier options (and calorie counts!), and access to a library of wellness books to read during the cruise. The room has other perks to support calm (aromatherapy, access to the saunas and relaxation areas, etc). We're planning on booking very active excursions (hiking, ziplining, and biking are all being discussed). And I plan to take at least one sunset yoga class.
It's amazing to realize that not only do I maintain this lifestyle because it helps me maintain my weight, but because I really, really love it. I'm all about vacations being "special" and doing what I want on them, including food wise...but what I WANT, most of the time, is healthy, delicious spa-type cuisine and lots of activity. And yes, I WILL eat dessert and other treats on this vacation. But I'll do so in a way that fits with the way I choose to live my life. And that feels really, really good.