Do you tend to go on a strict diet before vacation only to ‘screw up’ and binge the entire vacation (and even after)? Have you tried losing weight before going on a trip, only to gain a ton of weight plus more? Then this is the episode for you. 

In this episode of the Food Freedom Society Podcast, I am talking all about my recent trip from Aruba and the three *most often* overlooked things to focus on to have a binge-free trip. 

I’m talking about who I was back in the day, what my trips are like now, and what I did to see a big difference (aka, eating normally and actually enjoying vacation)!

A Little Backstory on My Aruba Getaway

My family and I just got back from an amazing trip to Aruba, where we stayed at the Marriott Stellaris. Now, back in the day, vacation food would’ve triggered a whole spiral of guilt. I used to prepare for trips by obsessively dieting and planning every meal, only to end up bingeing when I was finally “allowed” to eat. Sound familiar? This time, though, I enjoyed all the meals (hello, gelato!), without overthinking, and I left feeling happy and relaxed—not bloated and guilty.

Before: Recognizing What’s Important on Your Trip

First things first: know your priorities. Are you traveling for adventure, relaxation, or pure foodie experiences? For me, Aruba was all about family fun, beach time, and good meals. But not every trip is food-focused. When my family and I hit the Outer Banks each summer, food isn’t the star—we’re just grilling and chilling! If food isn’t a big deal on your trip, you’ll be less likely to stress about it. But if it’s a big part of the adventure, like in Aruba or Italy, go ahead and enjoy it.

The “Old Me” vs. The “New Me” Mindset

Let me paint a picture of “Old Me” before vacations. I’d count down the days to my trip, not with excitement, but with the pressure to lose weight. As the trip approached, I’d be crash-dieting, skipping carbs, and basically running on stress. By the time I got to my destination, I’d swing to the opposite extreme—binging on everything, feeling guilty, and promising to start over “when I get home.” Sound exhausting? It was.

Now, instead of dieting, I focus on keeping my routines the same before a trip. I eat normally and keep up my usual exercise because that’s what makes me feel good, regardless of where I’m going. No more trying to “earn” my vacation treats—my focus is on feeling good and having fun, not how I look.

The Power of Preparation (Without the Diet)

Here’s a big one: stop crash-dieting before a trip. Think of it like a pendulum—if you swing too far one way (super strict dieting), you’re bound to swing back hard the other way (bingeing and guilt). Instead, approach your trip the same way you’d approach a regular week. This balance lets you enjoy your vacation treats without that nagging “all or nothing” mindset.

Choosing What’s Worth It

Ask yourself, “What’s really worth it?” For me in Aruba, breakfast wasn’t a big deal, so I stuck with lighter meals like eggs and fruit, saving my indulgences for those unforgettable dinners and nightly gelato. Pick the meals or treats that will make your trip memorable, and let the rest go. It’s not about restriction; it’s about choosing what’s meaningful to you.

The Secret Ingredient: Being Present

Seeing my son’s joy as he played on the beach reminded me how precious these moments are. And if I’d been obsessing over food or worrying about every meal, I would’ve missed out. Food is just a small part of the experience—it doesn’t have to take over your vacation memories. Focus on the sights, sounds, and laughter instead of what’s on your plate. Trust me, you’ll leave with way better stories.

Final Thoughts: Food Is Just Food, Enjoy Your Life

Here’s the biggest takeaway: it’s just food. If you find yourself stressing over what to eat or worried about losing control, take a deep breath and remind yourself it doesn’t need to be that serious. Enjoy the gelato, the local dishes, or the piña coladas, and savor every bite.

Make the decision to choose food that makes you feel good—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Life’s too short to let food guilt hijack your memories. With a bit of planning, mindfulness, and self-kindness, your next vacation can be free from food stress, so you’re fully prepared for all the good stuff.

And there you have it! I hope this gives you a little inspiration to make your next vacation all about enjoyment and freedom around food. Bon voyage, and remember: life is meant to be savored.

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!