Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

Greetings from your wandering wellness strategist! 

As many of you know, I’ve done a lot of traveling this year, and it’s been an incredible experience. With all the travel comes the challenge of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle so that I can continue to climb all the hills / stairs, sightsee all day, and do all the things that I love to do while traveling. That’s why today, I want to talk about how to make it work—without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.

One approach that’s been helpful for me and my clients is thinking in terms of the PFC3 philosophy of red light, yellow light, and green light meals:

• Green Light Meals: These are the cleanest, healthiest, and most balanced. These meals are what I focus on as much as possible, ensuring that I’m fueling my body with the right PFC balance.

• Yellow Light Meals: Not as clean, but still balanced. I have these in moderation.

• Red Light Meals: All-out celebrations! When I’m traveling, I certainly indulge in these, enjoying the local cuisine and treats.

So how do I manage to travel, enjoy everything, and still feel great? It’s all about balance.

For example, while in Sicily, I decided I was going to enjoy the cannoli, the pasta, and the wine. In fact, we did a cannoli cooking class on our last day! Earlier in the week, we visited Marsala for a wine tasting with delicious food pairings. And yes, I savor it all—without guilt. But I don’t throw all of my habits out the window all week. I make sure to balance it out by staying active and mindful of my choices.

Training for Balance

BeBefore I travel, I like to train—and I use that term loosely because I’m not a professional athlete! But I do work hard to stay active and eat clean at home. This prepares me for trips like this, where I can indulge in amazing food without any stress.

For me, it’s about setting the foundation at home. When I’m not traveling, I focus on clean meals, getting enough sleep, and staying active. That way, when I’m in Sicily climbing up hills and cobblestone streets, I’m ready to fully enjoy the experience. I don’t have to say “no” to the food or experiences—I’m able to do it all!

Stress-Free Indulgence

The key is not to stress. I keep my blood sugar balanced, stay mindful, and listen to my body. Whether I’m hiking through the Sicilian countryside or sitting down for a multi-course meal, I’m enjoying the moment without feeling like I have to hold back.

Sleep is always a priority, especially when I’m traveling. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but making sure I get enough rest helps me feel my best and enjoy the trip to the fullest.

You Can Do It Too!

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to balance travel with a healthy lifestyle, I’m here to tell you that it absolutely is. You don’t have to deprive yourself. It’s about choosing your seasons—there’s a time for training, and there’s a time for celebrating.

The goal is to live a life where you can enjoy all of it—the clean meals, the indulgences, the fitness, the travel—without any of the guilt.

If you have any questions or want to share your own tips for balancing health and travel, drop a comment below! Let’s continue the conversation and help each other live fully and joyfully—no matter where life takes us.