Protein, Popsicles, and Peace of Mind: The Fit by 50 Vacation Protocol

I’ve eaten more ice cream in the last week than I probably should have.

And guess what? I’m not mad about it.

Vacation mode hit hard and early this time—sunshine, sleep, and the kind of not-stressed-out eating that doesn’t involve a scale, an app, or a second thought. And I needed it.

But let’s be real: this isn’t a total “screw it” kind of break. I’m still me. And “me” packs a protein bar next to the s’mores ingredients.

The Vacation Nutrition Game Plan (Unspoken but Understood)

• One bun per meal, max.

Burgers, dogs—sure. But if I go back for seconds, it’s just the meat. Call it protein-forward cookout strategy.

• Daily anchor habits:

1 protein yogurt

1 protein bar

1 protein shake

These three keep me grounded. If I can nail 75–90g of protein before dinner, I can enjoy my evening without playing macro math in my head.

• S’mores? Every other day.

It’s not no sweets, it’s controlled indulgence. Plus, they’re basically marshmallow creatine sandwiches, right?

• Ice cream? Yeah… there’s been a lot of that.

But it’s been hot. And good. And I’m not going to beat myself up for it.

But the biggest win? Peace of mind.

No late-night guilt.

No frantic logging.

No waking up feeling like I failed the plan.

Just… rest. Walks with the family. Some light movement. A chance to actually feel good without chasing a number.

This isn’t me slipping backward—it’s me pulling back the slingshot. Because when I get home, I’ll be ready to lock back in and get after it.

The Mindset Shift That’s Working

This trip reminded me of something I tend to forget when I’m deep in the grind: sometimes the best gains happen in the pause. I’ve been consistent. I’ve earned this breather. And when I step back in, it won’t be from scratch—it’ll be from strength.

Still lifting. Still losing. Still showing up. (Just not logging my popsicles.)