You know that moment on vacation when the “F it” switch flips and suddenly you’re in buffet-mode with zero brakes? Been there. In this episode, Kelly shares how you can take your habits with you—even to the beach. Learn the power of simple habits and how they help you feel good in your body, no detox required.

The Beach, The Buffet, and The One Thing Healthy Women Do Differently

Let’s talk about vacation mode.

You know, that magical time where emails get ignored, sunscreen becomes your signature scent, and your “out of office” is working harder than your metabolism after that third pina colada.

But amidst the sandy toes and buffet lines, there’s a strange phenomenon happening…

There are two types of women on vacation. And no, I’m not talking about Team “Tan Now, Peel Later” vs. Team “SPF 50 Is My Religion.”

I’m talking about:

1. The Vacation Overachiever (pre-trip):
   She books the flight and immediately decides she needs to lose 20 pounds in 3.5 weeks. She’s googling “how to lose weight fast” while meal-prepping celery sticks and ignoring the haunting whisper of the Oreo sleeve in the pantry. She goes all in—detoxes, cleanses, gym selfies—and spoiler alert: she either loses 3 pounds and panics… or gains 5 and cries into the hotel mini bar peanuts.
2. The Calm, Mysteriously Radiant Unicorn:
   She’s walking the beach in the early morning light. Her buffet plate somehow has a reasonable amount of fruit and eggs, and she’s sipping sparkling water like it’s a cocktail (but we all know she will have a margarita later—she just won’t spiral into a week-long binge because of it).

If you’ve ever stared at these unicorns in awe (or mild jealousy), thinking What cult are they in?—I’m here to tell you: it’s not magic.

It’s an anchor.

Okay But… What the Heck Is an Anchor?

It’s not a workout.
It’s not a food plan.
It’s not a trendy smoothie with ashwagandha and crushed unicorn horn.

An anchor is a simple identity-based habit that keeps these women grounded, even when life (or a beach buffet) is swirling around them.

It’s that one thing that makes them feel good, consistently—whether they’re in Miami, Madrid, or their own messy kitchen at home.

And no, it’s not “I have to do this.” It’s “I am someone who does this.”

Let me explain:

🆇 “I have to get 10,000 steps today or I suck.”
✅ “I am someone who moves my body every day because it feels amazing.”

See the difference? One feels like punishment. The other feels like… you just being you.

What Do These Anchors Look Like?

They’re wildly un-glamorous. But wildly effective.

• “I am someone who walks 10,000 steps a day.”
• “I am someone who eats vegetables at every meal.”
• “I am someone who strength trains 3 times a week and doesn’t apologize for flexing in the mirror.”
• “I am someone who journals before looking at my phone.”
• “I am someone who doesn’t scroll TikTok until their thumb cramps.”
• “I am someone who prays, meditates, or at least breathes like a calm human before diving into emails.”

These aren’t about restriction. They’re about identity.
They’re not: “I do this because I’m on a diet.”
They’re: “I do this because it’s who I am.”

And Guess What? They’re Not Perfect Either.

These healthy women? They still eat the fries. They still drink the margarita. They still fall asleep in a wet swimsuit watching Netflix.

But the difference?

They don’t spiral.
They don’t say “screw it” and deep dive into three pizzas and a shame spiral.
Because they have an anchor. They return to it. It’s what centers them.

And if you’re thinking, “Well, I don’t even have an anchor, I’m more like a floating pool noodle in a sea of chips and self-loathing,” I get it. I was you. For a long time.

But the good news?

You don’t have to do everything to change. You just need one anchor.

So What’s YOUR Anchor?

Don’t overthink it. Don’t write a Pinterest-worthy morning routine that requires a sunrise hike, matcha latte, gratitude journaling, and seven affirmations.

Just pick one thing that feels doable and meaningful.

• Maybe it’s a morning walk.
• Maybe it’s starting your day with 3 things you’re grateful for.
• Maybe it’s brushing your teeth without calling yourself names in the mirror (yes, that counts).
• Maybe it’s drinking actual water before your third iced coffee.

Whatever it is, make it yours. Make it your identity.
Then watch how the small things build up, day by day, trip by trip, snack by snack.

Takeaways:

The healthiest women on vacation aren’t “perfect.”
They’re anchored.

So instead of planning your next all-or-nothing food overhaul, just ask yourself:
“What’s one small thing I can do today that makes me feel like me?”

Pick your anchor. Stick to it. Then go book that vacation.
(And yes—get the piña colada. You’re anchored, remember?)

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!