We have just returned from an anniversary trip to New York. It was a much-needed break and a fabulous change from the norm.

When travelling, I’ve tried to stick to my normal lifestyle. I normally manage to get a workout in by starting early, before the day gets under way.

Then, I will indulge in a cup cake or amazing chocolates, while still trying to make healthy choices such as sticking to proteins and vegetables instead of burgers and fries. I’ve also had those I’m-going-to-eat-whatever-the-heck-I-want types of trips.

Finding balance is ideal. If you’ve been working extremely hard to lose weight and get to where you are, you don’t want to trash it with a week of indulgences. But how do you rein it in after vacation is over?

Don’t weigh yourself

Never weigh yourself after a vacation! If you can feel you’ve gained a few pounds, what is seeing the number on the scale going to do for you? Even if you are motivated by seeing numbers, don’t beat yourself up about the choices you’ve made. Focus on the future and move on.

Hydrate

After days of not cooking and eating high-sodium restaurant foods your body is longing for water. It will be the best detox for you.

Try and drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, daily. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, that would be 75 to 150 ounces of water a day.

Sweat

Working out is probably the last thing on your to-do list after your vacation. However, you don’t want to build unhealthy habits by continuing the sedentary vacation lifestyle.

Don’t dwell on how many workouts you’ve missed, think about how awesome they will be now that you’ve given your body a rest. Whether it’s group exercise or personal training, JUST DO IT! A good workout will give you the motivation that you need to get back on track.

Go grocery shopping

Start healthy and fill your cart with lots of your favourite fruits, vegetables and proteins. Incorporating healthy foods into your first week back will help you feel better and more energetic.

Go to bed

This is very important for getting your sleep back on track, even if you try and get in bed only 15 minutes earlier each night. Making healthier choices and decisions are much easier when you are well rested.

Eat at home

Think about how easy it was to splurge when out to eat, then decide not to do it — at least for a while. Try and pack your own healthy meals to take to work, which will save loads of money as well!

•Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Check her out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/B.ActiveForLife