Vacations should be relaxing – not a free-for-all that leaves you bloated, exhausted, and digging yourself out of a nutrition hole for two weeks afterward. For the last 10 years, our family and another have taken a beach trip together. And every year, we use a meal plan.
Yes, even on vacation.
Why? Because planning ahead saves money, reduces stress, and helps us feel good while still making room for donuts, cocktails, and ice cream. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
If you’ve ever felt like vacations wreck your routines, here’s your reminder: you don’t need to white-knuckle your way through or go off the rails completely. You just need a plan that gives you structure and space to enjoy yourself.
Why We Plan Our Vacation Meals (And You Should Too):
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We share the load. Two families, one plan. Everyone knows what’s coming, who’s cooking, and what needs to be bought.
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We save time and money. Fewer last-minute trips to the store, fewer meals out, and way less food waste. Specialty ingredients are brought from home as opposed to purchased.
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We feel better. It’s easier to enjoy treats when the rest of your meals are built around protein, produce, and smart portions.
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It’s still fun. We had donuts, ice cream, alcohol, and a night out. A meal plan doesn’t equal no fun it just ensures more balance as if we were at home.
How We Shop:
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Costco run together before the trip. We stock up on bulk essentials like meats, eggs, snacks, and drinks.
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Aldi sweep for budget-friendly extras.
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Each family packs what fits in their car/cooler.
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Instacart delivery for anything else that is scheduled for delivery around our arrival.
Vacation Meal Plan:
BREAKFAST
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Saturday (Arrival): Travel day snacks
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Sunday–Friday: Eggs, bacon, chicken sausage, yogurt, cottage cheese, fresh fruit, protein shake, pancakes, and/or cinnamon rolls. It’s very much a “choose your own adventure” approach for breakfast.
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Saturday (Departure): Breakfast out @ Fixins OKI
LUNCH
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Sunday: Chicken cobb salad 🥗
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Monday: Ham + turkey sandwiches
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Tuesday: Grilled hamburgers
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Wednesday: Sandwiches or leftovers
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Thursday: Chicken pitas 🥙
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Friday: Leftovers
DINNER
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Saturday (Arrival): Pizza 🍕 (Pepperoni Grill)
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Sunday: Instant Pot Tikka Masala
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Monday: Poblano beef tacos + refried beans 🌮
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Tuesday: Salt64 (dine out)
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Wednesday: Kung Pao Chicken + Asian cucumbers 🥒
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Thursday: Seafood boil + corn + tuna poke
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Friday: Leftovers / Breakfast for Dinner / Order out
Kid-Friendly Options:
We always pack backups because kids are gonna kid. Our go-tos:
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Chicken nuggets + frozen fries
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Mac & cheese
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Spaghetti with butter or sauce
- Grab and go snacks: Fruits, veggies, string cheese, applesauce pouches, yogurt tubes, chips.
These saved us more than once when they weren’t into the adult meals.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need a spreadsheet, a cooler full of kale, or a rigid schedule. You just need a plan.
Whether you’re heading to the beach with friends or doing a weekend in the mountains with your family, planning out meals gives you the freedom to relax without feeling like you need to “start over” when you get back.
If you want to feel better while you’re away and when you get home, a little forethought goes a long way.
If you want to feel better while you’re away and when you get home, a little forethought goes a long way.
Want help building a plan that works for your real life, vacation or not?
Book a complimentary nutrition discovery call with OSI’s nutrition coach, Kat Entwistle. You can learn what balance looks like for you!
