How I Get “Vacation-Ready” Without the Stress

My Real-Life Tips on Fitness, Food, and Feeling Snatched

Hey babe,

It’s Danielle here, and I just put out a YouTube video on this and thought I would share in my blog, I am talking vacation prep, bikini confidence, and how to cut the bloat without cutting the joy from your life.

Because let’s be real—there’s something about knowing you’re about to live in a swimsuit that makes you want to show up just a little snatched, right?

So whether you’re headed to the beach, hopping on a plane to somewhere sunny, or just want to feel your best in your own skin, I’m sharing exactly what I do (and don’t do) to prep before I travel—no crash diets, no juice cleanses, and no starving yourself.

First things first:

But after competing in four bikini competitions and placing first overall, I’ve learned a thing or two about what actually works. And more importantly—what doesn’t.

After gaining a ton of weight with preeclampsia, I finally said, “enough.” I stopped trying to figure it out on my own and hired a coach and a nutritionist. And that changed everything.

Here’s what I’ve learned (and what I actually live by):

Start with a Mini Cut (But Make It Maintainable)

I don’t believe in extremes. But I do believe in making a few smart swaps about 10 days before a trip. For me, that means:

• Cutting back on cheat meals

• Skipping margaritas and opting for something like tequila and soda

• Swapping pizza and pasta for grilled salmon or chicken

• Reducing carb portions slowly (literally just start by taking out one serving of rice)

This isn’t about punishing yourself. It’s about feeling good before you get to that vacation so you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Proteinis Queen + Plan Ahead

Here’s the deal—women tend to be either snackers or starvers. And neither helps you feel or look your best.

What’s worked for me:

• Keeping prepped protein in my fridge at all times (chicken, salmon, steak—you name it)

  
  

• Ordering meal prep with my husband

• Having real food ready so I don’t grab a bar or some random snack

When your body is fueled, your cravings stay down, your energy stays up, and you don’t find yourself face-deep in a croissant—unless you really want to be.

Hydrate Like a Champion

When I was competing, I drank 4 liters of water a day. These days, I stick to around 3. Hydration is EVERYTHING when it comes to reducing bloating, managing cravings, and actually feeling energized.

And here’s a shocker: I cut out caffeine years ago. I know, I know. But once I did, I had more energy—not less.

Water Manipulation (Not as Scary as It Sounds)

About 5 days before vacation, I start subtly dialing it in:

• Clean eating only (meal prep, no restaurant nights)

• Reduced carbs

• High water intake

Then—2 days before the trip, I start cutting my water:

• Half my usual intake

• The day before: just one liter

• Vacation morning? I wake up feeling lean, light, and ready to live

It’s not about weight loss. It’s about reducing inflammation and water retention so I feel my best when I land.

Let Go of the Guilt + Get Back on Track

Listen—vacations are meant to be fun. You will eat different. You will indulge. You might even feel bloated when you get home.

But guess what? That’s mostly water. Flying, sodium, new foods—all of it adds up. Don’t punish yourself.

Instead, just tighten up your diet and get back into your rhythm. For me, that looks like:

• Water

• Clean meals

• Back to the gym

By Friday, I feel like me again.

The Real Secret? Accountability

I’ve been weightlifting for years. I know how to train. And yet—I still have a coach.

Why?

Because when someone’s waiting on you, and you’ve invested in the process, you show up differently.

And that’s my final tip: If you’re serious about making a change, hire a professional. Not because you can’t do it on your own—but because the right coach will help you stop starting over.

Final Thoughts

You deserve to feel amazing in your body. You deserve to take care of you without guilt. Whether you’re a mom, a business owner, or both, I promise—when you feel your best, you show up your best.

Hope you loved this blog! 💛If you want more real-life tips on hair, beauty, fitness, and fashion, make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel and follow along on Instagram @daniellekwhite and @fitoverforty

Love you guys!– Danielle