Coming back to my normal routine after a vacation is always a little challenge, and Italy makes it even harder. There is something about Italian food that makes you completely forget about balance and routine. Pasta, pizza, desserts after every dinner, long evenings, slow mornings – it all becomes a part of you so quickly that once you return home your body keeps asking for the same comfort. And honestly, I don’t regret a single bite. I don’t punish myself for enjoying food while traveling, and I never let guilt take over just because I allowed myself something I don’t usually eat during the week.

I get so many messages asking how not to feel guilty after a cheat meal. My answer is always the same: guilt comes only when you don’t have harmony with yourself. Once you find balance between your body and your mind, everything becomes easier. During the week I really try to give my body everything it needs: I avoid added sugar, I stay away from heavy fatty food, I eat lots of vegetables, greens and fruits, I make sure I get enough protein, good fats and complex carbs. I treat my body with respect and it responds back with energy, motivation and a feeling of lightness. I know that I am taking good care of myself, so one ice cream on Saturday will not ruin anything. One slice of pizza will not change your progress, your appearance or your health. What really matters is what you do consistently, not what you eat once in a while.

This mindset changed my life. Eating clean and staying active give me confidence, but even more importantly, they help me build a healthy relationship with myself. I don’t believe in restrictions or punishing your body. I believe in balance. I believe that you can enjoy food, travel, dinners out, and still live a healthy lifestyle without stress and without guilt. When you treat your body well most of the time, it becomes natural to allow yourself moments of pleasure without overthinking them.

So yes, I am not in my best shape right now after vacation, and that is completely fine. I will go back to my usual routine, I will feel better again in a few days, and I will still keep all the beautiful memories from Italy. Life is not only about discipline. It is also about joy, experience and allowing yourself to live without punishing thoughts. That is the balance I choose every day.