I’ve started writing this post then stopped and tucked it away several times. I’ve thought about deleting it completely because it’s a topic that is not only super subjective, but also pretty sensitive not just for me, but for lots of people.
I write about personal stuff all the time on here but this is not just my feelings, it’s about disliking the girl I see in the mirror when she looks back at me and honestly that’s a tough one to swallow and especially to talk about at all. I know that some people will wonder why I’m complaining, and others might be struggling with the same thing. So I’m posting it for all of us, because sometimes knowing that you’re not struggling alone is the best way to move forward.
Traveling tends to make me gain weight, and though it’s been a struggle since day one, it’s a big struggle lately.
My weight tends to yo-yo. When I’m in one place, I’m laser focused on exercising and eating properly. When I’m on the move, it gets tough to stay so healthy.
When I was only finding super hearty food in Austria, Finland, and Patagonia for four months straight, it was pretty much impossible. Lucky for me those are cold places where I was wearing baggy clothing. It was hard to tell.
But then, I came back to spring in Europe and impending bikini season and my self confidence fell. It’s been a journey since then:
What I started with
I was a chubby kid when I was younger. I used to snack (and snack, and snack) all afternoon long after school. It didn’t matter that most of what was in my fridge at home was healthy, because at that volume the weight was bound to pile on.
As though some kind of “get out of obesity free” ticket came my way, I grew 6 inches in one year when I was 12 and went from a chubby kid to a really lanky and skinny teen. For the majority of my life since then I stayed active and watched my diet. It was easy back when I had a routine and even though I weighed about 130 pounds at 5’8, I wasn’t ever happy.
Back then I’d look in the mirror and see someone looking back at me who didn’t have a six-pack. I never had the exactly what I wanted. I never felt like I was fit enough. It didn’t matter how I actually looked, because I just didn’t see it. I saw everything that was wrong.
Now I look back at photos of myself from back then and I’m like, what the shit was I so worried about?
I did look good. Why didn’t I let myself enjoy it? Because I didn’t look like the girls in the magazines? My god, they don’t even look like that either without epic lighting, and editing after!
Fashion magazines are total dicks, aren’t they?
Unrealistic expectations + travel
Over the past few years, my weight has been subject to yo-yos when I have times that I’m stationary for a month or so, and times when I’m moving around constantly. I’ve never figured out how to stay fit if on the move. Even if I’m hiking, which I do all the time, it’s not enough to offset the food I’m eating. I’ve never been the type who can just look good without continuous exercise routines and hiking every two weeks while eating steak all the time will not cut it.
I tried traveling with a yoga mat for a while and committing to working out every other day, but I was staying in cheap dorms with fans in countries with 90-degree heat and humidity to match so that died out quickly. When Cebu Pacific airlines lost my yoga mat 2 months in that put the final nail in the coffin.
I googled ‘gaining weight abroad travel blog’ hoping for some solidarity and most of what I saw was blogs proclaiming that you won’t gain weight abroad. I saw 9 reasons why I’d lose weight (um, no), how losing weight was a perk of long-term traveling (nope!), and how someone else lost 25 pounds.
What I was reading made me feel like a fat failure, except for a brave one by Alex in Wanderland, thanks girl.
Maybe that’s the case if you didn’t work out a bunch at home and eat kale smoothies for lunch but that’s what I did back when I was a full-time Californian. I really had to work for it. When I was in the rural parts of Argentina and Chile, by comparison, I could only find empanadas, steak, sandwiches made with cheese and white bread, ice cream, fries, and hardly any vegetables.
For someone who is on the road almost all the time and in really small and rural towns, you often simply have to take what you can get.
Reaching my heaviest weight and making changes
It hit me when the jeans that were always too big for me were suddenly a struggle to zip up. I found myself getting depressed about it constantly. I didn’t want to look in the mirror and almost every time I saw a photo of myself, I hated the way it looked.
What do people think when they see me? Do they think I’m overweight? Will my friends at home notice? They all still look so good. Will I look like the whale of the group now?
Then I realized that if I didn’t change the way I saw myself I might not bounce back. I needed to confidently start working out and eating healthier. I had to get that self-love back and be my own cheerleader.
I also came to realize that pretty much everyone has issues with this. I don’t know anyone who looks in the mirror and really thinks perfection is staring back at them. There’s always some kind of struggle. Five more pounds, a more defined core, a smaller nose, the list goes on.
The most important thing is to love the positive things, and work on what is within my control, and that’s my own health and well-being. I want to be strong. I want to be healthy, and I want to be appreciative of what I do have instead of focusing on what I don’t have. I might not be exactly where I want to be right at this moment, but I’m on my way. About half-way, to be exact, after reuniting with vegetables and Pilates again.
Have you ever felt this way, too?
Kiara Gallop says
Where did that myth come from that you’ll lose weight when you’re travelling long-term? It’s one that I believed when I first hit the road for an extended amount of time, but it’s simply not true!
So yes, I think you’ve raised an issue that a lot of us struggle with.
I’m still a little perplexed by how walking pretty much every day for long periods of time (apart from travel days) and doing regular hikes can cause me to put on weight when compared to sitting in an office for 8 hours a day 5 days a week at home. However I’ve come to the same conclusion as you – it’s what you eat rather than how much of it you’re eating.
And I also think that when you travel long-term and are constantly moving, you eat at odd times and don’t have a regular meal pattern, which messes up your metabolism unfortunately :-/
Kristin says
When I’m really careful and only ordering what I know is healthy I’m OK. it’s easier in places like Vietnam or Thailand where there are plenty of healthy and easy options. All that rich food that I had in Europe and Patagonia was just too much, though!
It’s definitely up to me to get up, go to the gym, drink less, look into which food options are better for me, and to eat wayyyy fewer carbs. If I really did all that, I would be fine. I guess it’s about the discipline too!
Brianna says
The timing on this post could seriously not be any better. I leave for Australia in three days and as I pack, I can’t help but feeling very blurgh about my wardrobe and the way I look in it. I’m going to be seeing friends I haven’t seen in almost 10 years and for some reason, I’m super concerned about how I look for this trip. I just figure once I get on that plane, the travels will be distracting enough for me not to be concerned 😛
Kristin says
Once I was complaining about gaining weight when I travel and one of the girls I was sitting with said, in a very satisfied way, “it’s worth it,” which made me realize she’s right 🙂
Elina says
Thank you so much for posting this! To be quite honest, every time I’ve seen your pictures I’ve sorta secretly hope that I would look more like you, so it is surprising that you feel that way. However, everyone has their own ideal of what they want to look like – that’s why I kinda hate it that if you complain about your weight or the way your body looks, you’ll always have some friend interrupt you with: “But you look great! Even if you are insecure about __, no one even notices!” Well, that’s not the point. I don’t care what others think of me, I just want myself to be happy with the way I look. I admit I’ve been putting a lot more pressure on myself lately. Travelling in SE Asia was terrible since you see so many other girls that look great without makeup and hair messy, or girls with bikini bodies so much better than yours. But you are right, it’s all about working towards that goal and loving where you are now. Thanks again for posting this, it’s an important thing to talk about.
Kristin says
Aw, it’s much better to look like you! You’re right that everyone has their own ideal, and mine is unrealistic considering what I’m looking at is airbrushed models, but publishing this and seeing that so many other people struggle too really did help. I hope it helps you too!
Anni says
I don’t even fight it anymore – I always gain weight when I stay in a new country and then I lose it again when I head home. I even managed to gain weight while walking the Camino de Santiago for 35 days straight 🙂
It’s a constant yo yo and not even my scale knows what I am supposed to weigh anymore!
Huge thanks to say this out loud. I think all the pictures of pretty girls on the road with their perfect bikini bodies laying on the beach make the rest of us insecure every once in a while 😉
Kristin says
wow so many people are saying that they gain weight when hiking! How is that even possible? Maybe our bodies go into fat storage mode from all of the exercise?
I did notice that my legs got super muscular though which I really dig 🙂
Marg says
Kristin, I’m not a full-time traveler but I do go on a lot of hiking trips where yep – weight gain happens (don’t even get me started about European hut to hut hikes)… even at home when we hike for 5-7 days straight in the wilderness eating dehydrated food. I notice it revs the metabolism to such a degree that you eat like a damn horse afterward. For too long! So, avid traveler, hiker, backpacker who will never be skinny. Luckily at my age I am okay with that and just work hard to balance it all and maintain a healthy body that will and does fluctuate. Thanks for the post, you know we ALL can relate to it!! Keep up the great blog : )
Kristin says
Thanks Marg! It’s crazy that almost everyone who does long hikes has commented here that they don’t lose weight on them. How insane that walking for 20-30 miles up mountains doesn’t make me a twig after.
Does make my muscles bigger and more defined though, which I love. Plus, the experience is the reward.
Isabelle says
I hear you – and thanks for bringing that topic up. I gained weight on my first South American trip – climbing volcanoes on one side and hiking but on the other: eating avocados at least once a week, trying all the food and the *evil* candies and sodas. Winter in Patagonia didn’t help 🙂 It wasn’t fun but it all went away as soon as I had returned home.
A few years later as I was starting my year long RTW I had learned my lesson – try to keep away from sodas (luckily I don’t like alcohol!) and fast food etc. Not always easy but I did well in the end and I was happy with myself. And pretty sure carrying a heavy backpack and a few extra bags for miles sometimes did help. Exploring cities on foot helped too, also staying in hostels with a pool and taking the opportunity to go for a swim and other little everyday ‘habits’ that I had picked up but can’t remember now.
But it can be a hard task and I have met many other girls and guys who were struggling with it. We are not alone 🙂
Kristin says
I was able to drop a lot of the weight when I came home too, so that’s good! I never liked soda but I do love beer and wine so we are probably evening out there!
Avocados aren’t something I’ll give up, though. I’ll find a way to have that green mayo in my life 🙂
Jess says
I may be sitting in a cube instead of on the road, but the struggle is real for all of us. I’m sure you’ll figure out a strategy that works for you. For what it’s worth I think you look gorgeous, and not because of clever photo angles!
Kristin says
Thank you so much, and I’m glad I posted this after all. It’s nice to know we’re not alone and that we pretty much all feel this way.
Cliodhna says
Lovely, honest post. I have travelled with a friend who is very concerned with gaining weight and my attitude is always, I’d rather go home carrying a few extra pounds than miss out on an amazing local delicacy. That being sad it’s still a mystery to me how hiking, walking and exploring isn’t enough to counteract a few heavy meals but I suppose the lack of routine probably contributes to the body holding onto some extra weight. Either way, it’s a sacrifice worth making in my opinion!
Kristin says
It’s a mystery to me too! Then again my hiking food is usually high in fat, salt, and carbs so that I can keep going. It’s fuel. I never eat like that in normal, regular life so that’s definitely not helping.
chewy says
In recent years, I haven’t traveled for more than a few weeks at a time, so I can’t really tell if I put on loads of weight. When I did a study abroad summer in China, however, I put on a lot of weight. So much so, that my sister commented that she was “scared” for me…
In any case, I think I’m very much like you, as you mentioned in a comment, if I don’t have too many carbs I’m usually ok. I’ve also figured out that I have some food intolerances that came about after a year of taking a few different courses of antibiotics. I’m super careful about food now, and it hasn’t been too much of an issue in shorter travels. I’m going to Australia for at least 3 weeks later this year, though, so we’ll see how I fare then!
Kristin says
You’ll be able to find salads and grilled meats (if you eat meat) in Australia so you shouldn’t have too much trouble there. Another big thing for me is the sugar. It’s hiding everywhere!
Kaleena's Kaleidoscope says
Oh my gosh, girl you are so not alone! I just got back from 18 months of traveling and I am not exaggerating when I say I LITERALLY DON’T FIT IN MY PANTS. Like not even close, thank god I live in SB where it’s always warm because dresses have been my only option. Everyone always talks about losing weight on the road so when I gained 20lbs in the last 6 months I was SO ashamed. Some people are lucky and gifted with high metabolisms whereas I just have to look at a cookie and my hips expand. Now that I’m back I’ve been really depressed and struggling with what I see in the mirror but I’ve been working hard to get back on track (it gets a lot harder post-30, I’m realizing though!). But when I think back on all the amazing foods I tried, fun times drinking wine with friends, and lazy days on beaches I would honestly do it all again! All I can say is be kind and forgiving to yourself in the process and know that you’re not alone. Xo
Kristin says
What helped me drop about 10 pounds was cutting carbs. I never did that in life before and it made such a big difference! When I’m mostly eating plants (but enough so that I’m not hungry because I’m not down with that), I am able to drop it much more quickly. It also helps that I really like Pilates and spin class. I guess it’s all about just finding the things you enjoy that can help you burn the weight. I was about 20lbs over too and I was like, HOW DID THIS HAPPEN. But traveling was worth it!
Mai says
I can very much relate to this. Before I started travelling, I was about just 100 lbs. The first travel I had been was in Japan for a 3-week camp. With almost everyday you have “buffet” serving, all the hiking and moving activities was not enough to burn my excess food intake! I came home 5 lbs heavier. Since then, My weight did not go back to 100 lbs.
With the new environment, new food, how can one not be excited to explore the different taste of a new place has to offer?
I became my biggest after a three week holiday in Europe! I think I weigh 120 lbs something… I was afraid to weigh myself and just relied to how my friends reacted seeing me… “You gained weight!”
Those reactions don’t anymore bother me as I now have a trick to not receive those reactions again. A month or two before travelling, I do my best to lose about 5 lbs or more through diet and exercise. So when i travel, i can taste all the food a place can offer knowing that if I gain that extra pounds, it’s not that obvious.
Kristin says
That’s a good idea – go into it with a little bit of room to gain 🙂
Linda says
The timing for this post is just perfect. I just finished a 7 months travel through Malaysia and Indonesia and I’m now in New Zeland. Before I left home, I was a gym rat, a runner and was exercising at least 5 times a week, stick to a really healthy diet and had my comfortable weight. Then I left to humid, tropical weather where running was simply not possible for me (tried it several times but I can’t stand the heat and the humidity) and for the first time in my life working out was not a priority anymore. I’m a foodie, so I tried almost all the national vegetarian specialities without regreting. I did hikes and jungle treks, I’m used to walk a lot to discover places, in Java I walked 21 km to the other city, I’m a scuba diver but even during my divemaster course where I did 3 to 4 dives a day I could not prevent from putting on weight – and I still ate healthy and did chose the healthy options but well, I realised that I just have to exercise as before to keep my weight down which was not possible (this is not an excuse, after 3 dives I don’t have the energy to go to the gym afterwards) when I travel.
So the result are 6 kg more on the scale. And no, it’s not the end of the world. I started running again (at the moment only 5 km but every run I improve my time), I start running with a runner group here and my Plan is hitting the gym if I have the occasion.
Since the age of 16 I fight my body with exercising and strict eating habits. During my travel I learned to be more relaxed about my body, I’m far away from saying that I feel comfortable right now but hey, I don’t regret the awesome and delicious food I had, the shared meals with the Indonesian families, the cakes for breaking fasting with friends during Ramadan,….
I know how to get back in shape but I decided not to stress about it. I’m not overweight not would people me consider fat (but I feel like that). And I think it’s more Important to Enjoy life and our travels instead of counting calories and worrying about our figure.
I completely feel with you and right now I would not Show up in a Bikini.
I thank you very much for the post, I wondered if I was the only one struggling with that. And I don’t know where the statement that actually say you lose weight when you travel comes from ?
I love your blog and your articles.
I wish you an awesome time.
Kristin says
I felt like you were describing me when you talked about how much you exercised at home and what you’ve been able to do abroad. I couldn’t deal with the heat and humidity either and it still would keep me from working out. I don’t regret the great experiences I’ve been able to have that revolved around food, either, and it helps to know that others have similar struggles.
Stephanie Craig says
I think this is a great topic. Thanks for sharing! As a plus-size travel blogger, I find that the body types of most of the well known female travel writers are a little intimidating. It’s nice to know that everyone can have insecurities about this stuff.
Ijana says
Yes this article is perfect! I love that you write about stuff like this. I think honestly most women struggle with weight and body image issues, but think they’re alone because nobody else talks about it. I personally have previously had nagging thoughts about how your body looked way better than mine! So I guess everything is subjective.
Kates McAllister says
Hi, Kristin Thank you for your post. I’m just wondering how do you maintain your weight when you are not traveling? Actually, when I’m travelling, I usually maintain a healthy rhythm by exercising in doors. I think you should try Insanity Asylum or the normal Insanity or Focus T25 if you want an exercise that is that not that intense, It’s more on cardio and strengthening your core have you tried that exercise already?
Kristin says
I do pilates and spin classes at home. I just love that combo
Tonia Turigliatto says
Hi Kristin, I’ve been following your blog for the past year and absolutely love your content. I’ve found your lifestyle so inspiring that I signed up with Superstar Blogging to launch my own travel blog (Wanderlust Coach) to marry my Lifestyle Coaching business with my passion for travel!
I found this article to hit home for me in a big way. Although I haven’t been on the move traveling and dealing with finding healthy food options like you have, I’m also the heaviest I’ve been in years and feel how it mentally takes a toll on your self-esteem and perception of yourself when you look in the mirror.
I’ve had eating habit issues since high school and although I no longer suffer from the bulimic mindset. I still am struggling with getting myself motivated to get back into a regular workout routine, even though I’ve made some progress since moving to Seattle this year. I agree with you that it takes constant mental check-ins with yourself when you’re in the thick of it to realize yes, you are beautiful and everything starts with self-love. I just wanted to say thank you for showing up honestly and vulnerably the way you have, it does mean a lot to know you aren’t alone.
Much love <3
T
Kristin says
Thanks so much for being vulnerable as well! It does really help to know that you’re not alone, and it also helps me tremendously once I get into a routine. If I’m getting endorphins, seeing results, and doing workouts I really enjoy, it’s easy. It’s just making the decision to do it that can be difficult. But yes, it starts with self-love
Jackie says
Thank you for writing about this and being real! It’s nice to see that someone had the same struggles that I’ve had!
Kristin says
I’m glad you connected with it!
Los Arina says
Thank you for your honesty! This was a great read, and as you pointed out, relatively uncharted territory. I’ve found that one of the biggest drawbacks of budget travel can be food choices.. my sister and I spent 3 months in South America (the Andes) with a minimal budget. 9 times out of 10 dinner was chicken and chips (fries).! there were gorgeous healthier options in many places but we had priced ourselves out. lesson learned.. just because you “can” get by on a certain budget… doesn’t mean it’s going to be a healthy experience!
And definitely hiking food is always so salty and fatty! love me some trail mix! 🙂
Kristin says
I can probably also blame all of the snickers and ice cream I indulged in, but yes, healthier is sometimes harder on the road when you are on a budget.
Sylvie says
So true about the food in Chile and Argentina! I experienced the same thing. It was a real struggle.
Kristin says
So many carbs!
Alison says
Have I ever felt this way? Oh only all my life since I hit puberty, and I’m now 69! And yeah fashion magazines are total dicks. I too found the diet in Patagonia difficult. SE Asia was the best for me – lots of veggies. Central China really difficult because they put chilli in everything.
Thank you for sharing this. I never would have thought you would have had this issue. You seem so on top of everything.
Keeping a good diet, staying healthy, and exercise while on the road is really difficult. In our 60’s/70’s we were completely nomadic for nearly 6 years and like you it was much easier when we stopped in a place and led a kind of normal life for a few months. Being on the road there’s never any routine and finding the right food can be really difficult as you know. One night in China dinner was battered deep-fried potato! Which just about says it all I think.
Kristin says
Southeast Asia is so easy for healthy food! But change up the environment and it can get so hard – I hear you! I still struggle unless I’m in one place or on an active trip, but the traveling is worth it too.
Penney says
Hey,
This sounds awfully familiar. I never respond on people’s blogs but this totally resonates with me. I have this thing of getting super crazy in shape before I go on a solo trip finally reach my goal before the flight. Have the best time in remote places but yeah you can’t always choose what you eat and they don’t have the right foods in supermarkets wherever you are in the world. Most of the time it’s even hard to find some sort of supermarket. So you eat what’s there and think well we will check what’s the damage when I get home. And yes back at your old weight again. It’s so stupid to put yourself under so much pressure to look a certain way. I think during trips enjoy in moderation and watch the alcohol. You can’t be picky specially not when you are sharing a meal with others. You can only keep control when you are on your own. I’ve started with adding protein to my diet and less carbs and it’s working very well to stay in balance:) but I know once restrictions are gone and it’s time to travel again I’ll just enjoy.
I was in New Zealand until last July so glad it was winter and I could cover myself up in lots of layers cause I gained those lockdown corona kilos ? then came back home to the Netherlands where we had summer and I thought shiiiiit. No time to get that summer bod ready now haha.
Kristin says
Yep that’s 100% my experience too, and it’s so sad because almost every woman I know puts this pressure on herself. I’m so glad that there’s more body positivity now, and that brands are becoming more inclusive, because we did NOT grow up with that, we grew up looking at super skinny, airbrushed models. Ugh.