Whether you’re jetting off to Europe or booking a solo hotel night, this episode has your back. Kelly gets real about how to enjoy vacation food without spiraling, how to stay satisfied, and how to break free from that “I’ll start over Monday” trap.

You can eat the food, drink the drink, and still feel good on vacation. It just takes a little mindset work, loose planning, and tuning into what actually feels good for you. Let go of the food rules and say hello to beachside food freedom. 

🎢 The Pre-Vacation Madness: A Walk Down Memory Lane (in Sweaty Gym Clothes)

Picture this: it’s March, grad school-era Kelly, fresh into CrossFit, Paleo, and peak diet delusion. The trip? Dominican Republic. The vibe? “No grains, no sugar, no fun.”

I’d slap magazine-thin women on my fridge (yes, in my parents’ house—awkward), replace my phone wallpaper with quotes like “No pain, no gain,” and attempt to willpower my way into vacation abs. Gym twice a day? Obviously. Almonds for dinner? Inspirational. Did it last? Approximately one-and-a-half working days.

And when the weight didn’t fall off like a magic bikini reveal?

Cue meltdown. Cue binge. Cue all-or-nothing spiral. “If I can’t lose the weight, what’s the point? Might as well eat like I’m prepping for a hibernation season.” And eat, I did.

I once inhaled three donuts, a vanilla bean Coolatta, and a ham croissant sandwich at the airport before we boarded. My friends went to the bathroom. I went to food town. Solo.

🥴 The Vacation Vortex: Binge Like No One’s Watching

That trip? I don’t think I drank a drop of water. Just frozen cocktails and regret.

By Day 2, my clothes were tighter than my pre-vacation expectations. Every meal was a “last supper.” I’d eat until I was physically sick and convince myself I’d “detox” when I got home (spoiler: I didn’t).

The aftermath? Gained all the weight back—plus some. Plus emotional damage. Plus a mild addiction to pina coladas.

💡 Fast Forward: The Balanced, Breezy, Still-Foodie Me

Today, I vacation very differently.

I still love food. Heck yes, I do. I’m from Jersey—we’re practically born at a diner booth. But now, I eat with intention, joy, and, most importantly, balance.

Here’s how I do it without feeling deprived or going full buffet bandit:

✨ Tip 1: Choose What’s Actually Worth It

I ask myself: What food/drink will bring me the most joy?

For me? Virgin piña coladas. (Pregnant, remember?) I’ll have one a day, and I’ll LOVE IT. But I’m not chasing them down with five rounds of all-you-can-eat fried appetizers just because I “already messed up.”

Pick your faves. Enjoy them. No side of guilt needed.

🍳 Tip 2: Bookend Indulgences with Nourishing Meals

If I know dinner’s going to be a sushi-hibachi-tapas feast of dreams, I balance it out. Breakfast? Omelet with veggies and fruit. Lunch? Something light. Maybe sneak an extra fruit cup for later (don’t judge me—just look away).

It’s not about damage control. It’s about feeling good. Nobody wants to tour ruins with a food baby.

🧘‍♀️ Tip 3: Prioritize You Time

Moms, listen up: vacation is NOT just a new zip code for your chaos.

This year, instead of a spa massage for Mother’s Day, I told my husband I wanted five uninterrupted hours on the adults-only side of the resort. Just me, the beach, and silence. (Spoiler: Best decision ever.)

Also? I do a 15-minute beach meditation in the morning. Life-changing.

🚶‍♀️ Tip 4: Move Because It Feels Good—Not Because You “Should”

No more “earning” my meals through 6 AM burpees. Now? I move because it makes me feel alive.

Beach walks. Kayaking. Snorkeling. Floating in the pool like a goddess of calm. It all counts. Movement ≠ punishment. It’s permission to enjoy your body, not battle it.

🙌 Bonus: A Member Win Worth Bragging About

Shoutout to Sharon, a Food Freedom Society rockstar. She went on a one-week all-inclusive trip, didn’t gain weight, didn’t binge, and felt amazing the whole time.

Her secret? Listening to her body. Skipping the “last chance eating.” Saying no to the all-or-nothing trap. And yes to enjoyment, fullness cues, and freedom.

💥 Final Thoughts: You Can Be a Foodie Without Being Food-Obsessed

Vacations aren’t cheat weeks. They’re life. And you deserve to live yours fully—without spiraling over a scoop of gelato or a third round of chips and guac.

So plan your trip. Eat the good stuff. Skip the food guilt. And for the love of all things sandy, drink some water between those frozen cocktails.

If you’re ready to ditch the food drama and eat like a normal human on vacation (or any day), come hang with me in the Food Freedom Society. We’re redefining what it means to truly enjoy your life—without dieting it away.

Follow me for daily tips on Instagram! @kellylwellness

Are you ready to stop overeating and finally be in control around food? Watch my FREE training How to Stop Binge Eating (Without Cutting Out Your Favorite Foods) to learn how it’s possible!