Today’s Labor Day, and that means most people who took a vacation for the long weekend are headed back home to get settled in before “the normal routine” resumes Tuesday.

A huge percentage of these people will be returning at least a few pounds heavier than when they left.

Losing control and throwing your entire routine to the wind are common elements of vacation for most people.

Not only does this typically include inhaling as much food as you can get your hands on, but basic, core fundamentals, like staying hydrated and getting your sleep, also go out the window.

Being outside your normal routine can disrupt your sleep even when you don’t stay up all partying. It can also interfere with bowel movements.

All this being the case, it’s no surprise that whenever I take a trip, I’m asked what I order, what I eat, and how I stay on track.

Staying on track while you travel is just like staying on track when you’re at home.

Just because the scenery’s different doesn’t give you a free pass to throw your measures out the window.

I’m talking about measures like getting all your water in, getting your meals in before 6:30 p.m., not snacking between meals, and getting your sleep (including taking a sleep aid if you need it).

I’m talking about measures like making sure Code Red-approved food will be available; and if it’s not, bringing or buying your own.

When it comes to your food choices, if you’re still in weight loss mode, do don’t anything you wouldn’t do at home.

Meaning, just because you’re “on vacation,” don’t dive head first in to a slice of German chocolate cake when you know that if you were at home, you’d throw that piece of cake in the garbage rather than risk caving to temptation.

Granted, when you’re on a trip, sometimes things happen you can’t control, like your flight getting cancelled.

But no matter what’s going on, there’s always something you CAN control…starting with yourself and your own choices.

That way, when you finally return home from that trip, you won’t have 10 pounds, or a dump truck full of guilt and shame, to lose.

Believe it’s possible and that you can do it.

I know you can, because I have Rebels who actually lose weight on vacation.

If they can do it, so can you.