Vacation is a time to relax, but it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your fitness goals. Bodybuilding coach Greg Doucette shares his secrets on staying true to your physique goals even while enjoying your time away. Here’s how to make it happen without sacrificing the fun.

The IFBB Pro coach posted a video on his YouTube channel that disclosed him being on vacation. Rather than indulging himself in junk and unhealthy food, the 48-year-old stayed true to his fitness goals by replacing unhealthy food items with veggies and fruit.

Greg Doucette’s ultimate advice on maintaining balance

In the video, Greg Doucette explained that the first step upon checking in to your hotel room is to tackle the minibar. The IFBB pro advised, “Check out the bar fridge and make room for healthy groceries.” He suggested replacing high-calorie snacks and alcohol with fruits, veggies, and other nutritious options. “You want to hide that, get it out of sight so that you’re not tempted,” he emphasized.

He even took to his Instagram to share a glimpse of his vacation. His caption read, “How to become fitter than last time during vacation!” However, it would be best if you headed to a nearby grocery store to stock up on essentials like fruits and vegetables to replace the unhealthy food items given to you in a hotel. Doucette highlighted the consumption of affordable and healthy options like honey crisp apples, strawberries, and bananas. Bringing your own protein bars from home can also help you avoid unhealthy temptations and save money, he said.

Now, when you stock up your hotel room and whenever you roam around the city, eating out every meal can be costly and unhealthy. Doucette, therefore, suggested, “By eating some of these meals at home and having snacks available, you’re going to save yourself a ton of money.” The 48-year-old explained that opting for low-calorie, high-protein snacks like Smart Pop popcorn or cucumbers with mustard can help us snack healthily.

Greg Doucette emphasized balancing meals over strict dieting. “Have one good meal where you can eat whatever you want within reason,” he suggested. Enjoying a treat in moderation can keep you from feeling deprived. He also recommended drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks and excessive alcohol. After the dieting insights, he emphasized the importance of workouts and physical activity.

Coach advocates staying active while vacationing

Vacation doesn’t mean a break from physical activity. Doucette stated, “Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you don’t have to work out.” Whether it’s hitting the hotel gym, going for a walk, or renting a bike, find ways to stay active. He added, “I love going to the gym, I love riding my bike—why would I stop doing these things?” Maintaining your routine helps ease back into normal life post-vacation. The fitness influencer warned, “If you take an entire week where you just eat anything and everything you want, it’s a lot harder to start back.” Staying somewhat consistent with your diet and exercise prevents a post-vacation slump according to Doucette.

Before heading out, pack your gym clothes, extra shoes, and any supplements you might need. Bring your favorite low-calorie snacks and plan to stay active daily. Greg Doucette’s final piece of advice: “Keep doing what you need to do while on vacation. Keep those habits going because if you do stop for a small period, it’s often much harder to get back on.” So, while you enjoy a few cheat meals like pizzas and other stuff, just keep in mind that no matter what, your routine cannot be disrupted.

By following these practical tips from Greg Doucette, you can enjoy your vacation without compromising your fitness goals. Remember, it’s all about balance and making smart choices to stay on track.