I went on vacation to Ocean City, Md., with my family last week. For me, vacation isn't a justifiable reason to stray too far from my normal lifestyle. Because I feel good when I eat healthy and exercise, I'm health conscious even when at the beach for a few days.
For many people, vacation is a chance to relax and escape routine. However, there are many societal occasions -- such as holidays, weddings, parties and summer picnics -- that influence that same mindset. If such events were rare, splurging wouldn't be a problem.
I usually hold back my nutritional opinion unless asked, except when I'm with my family -- where any topic is fair game. They're pretty healthy, but not as paranoid as I am, especially when on vacation.
I first spased out when I saw the amount of processed snacks. My mom brought bags of candy, chips and probably four types of foods that had cheesy cracker as an ingredient. Next, I reacted to 2 percent milk instead of skim and white instead of whole-wheat bread. Most of that would never be found in my parents' home, and I wondered why it should be any different while at the shore.
My youngest brother, Jason, overheard me comment on the surplus of junk food. He apparently just got an earful from my brother Mike, who's also a health nut. Mike told him that he shouldn't eat Easy Mac because he's "in training." Jason, 17, plays hockey and has had a six pack since he was 4. He can eat whatever he wants and never gain a pound. For him, listening to my obsession with nutrition gets old because he doesn't worry about it. "You're on vacation!" he said, after telling me and Mike how annoying we are. He had a point.
Every time I ordered a salad or went for a run, I heard about it from someone. "I think you're addicted to running," my mom said. Her tone suggested my addiction was synonymous with crack cocaine. I think sometimes there's a stigma against being healthy during times when it's OK not to be. It's not that I try extra hard not to partake. I just prefer the way I live every day and how good it makes me feel. I don't think everyone should live like me, but I worry about my family. However, I know they care about their health and that they returned to their normal lifestyles once vacation ended.
I usually don't talk about what other people eat because it's a personal decision. I probably shouldn't have scrutinized every snack in our kitchen. It irked me too every time someone commented on what I ate or how often I exercised.
I know I sometimes need to tone down my passion for nutrition. I shouldn't judge other people's choices, especially while on vacation.
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