I have a confession to make: I used to book all inclusive vacations to show the buffet table and unlimited drinks who’s boss.

Whenever I saw a great trip deal online that only included a measly European Plan, I’d ask myself out-loud “Who’s even booking these trips!?” After every trip, I’d board the plane with an extra 5 pounds. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t from the weight of all my souvenirs that I took back with me.

So last month, when I booked an all inclusive trip to Varadero at the beautiful Grand Memories resort I vowed to come up with a wellness guide would still allow me to enjoy myself, the food and of course the drinks. After all, I’ve been really stepping up my fitness game and I wasn’t entertaining the idea of starting over because ice cream was now available to me 24/7.

You’re on vacation, you want to relax not count calories — Trust me I get it!

But you work hard for your bikini bod so I’m sharing my wellness guide that you need for your next all inclusive vacation.

Lay Off the Fruity Drinks

This one was the hardest for me. Pina Colada’s, Margarita, Bahama Mamas are amazing while getting a little Vitamin D in the beach. But do you know why they taste so damn good? Three words. LOTS OF SUGAR. These drinks have more calories than a cheeseburger. Would you eat 6 cheeseburgers before 2pm? Exactly! It’s totally fine to have them once in awhile as a treat, but don’t make them your drink of choice during your stay. Instead opt for a wine spritzer, vodka soda with lime or a light beer.

Stay Hydrated

Most resorts offer drinks in baby size plastic cups that you have to refill 89645126 times to get the daily recommended water intake of 8 glasses. So plan ahead and pack a large reusable water bottle. Research shows that the same area of your brain controls hunger and thirst, and oftentimes when you think you’re hungry, your body is just asking for water. Drink a full glass before each meal; the water will curb your hunger and keep you feeling full, which might prevent you from overeating or overdrinking.

Say Yes to Produce

Choose fruits or vegetables as one major component of each meal, and stick with it. It will keep you from filling up on less-healthy fare. Take advantage of the fact that you are in a tropical destination and the fruits don’t get much fresher than this. Not only are they a great source of vitamins and minerals but they are full of fiber which helps keep your digestive system happy. Do not take this lightly. Did you know 40 percent of people experience constipation while they’re away from home, partially due to their gut bacteria’s reaction to the change of setting!? So eat your produce people!

Choose Your Splurge Wisely

Choose ONE splurge a day. Just ONE! My vice is definitely sweets. I love the fruity frozen cocktails and there was no way that I was flying all the way to the Caribbean not to enjoy a few. So my daily treat to myself was a ONE-cheeseburger-equivalent-in-calories ice cold pina colada. And believe me, I enjoyed every last drop. And you should enjoy whatever your favourite thing is too! Heck, you’re on vacation, but just keep it within reason.

The One Plate Rule 

This one is tough. Food is good, and unlimited food is even better. Whenever I travel I want to try everything in site. In movie form, I’m like Fat Bastard in Austin Powers yelling at the buffet table to GET IN MY BELLY! But this time I implemented the One Plate Rule. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Only eat one plate of food. I found that eating  à la carte instead of going to the buffet really helped with the urge to go back for “just one more piece”.

Get Moving!

Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you should be sedentary the entire time. Find fun ways to stay active throughout the day, whether it’s just walking on the beach, joining an aqua class lead by the hotel staff or playing a sport with friends and family. Do something! Why? 1) You have time, so why not make it benefit your health 2) Exercising boosts your happiness 3) You’re bound to over eat and drink and isn’t life about balance?  I found that quick and effective 30 minute sweat session first thing in the morning worked best for me.  I loved getting it out of the way before breakfast and then any additional physical activity throughout the day was bonus!

I want to know. How to do you stay happy and healthy on vacation?