How I Traveled to Napa Without Gaining Weight

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If you’ve ever returned from a trip feeling bloated, inflamed, exhausted—and wondering how did this happen in just a few days?—you’re not alone.

Travel is one of the biggest triggers for midlife weight gain. Not because we’re doing anything “wrong,” but because travel disrupts blood sugar, hydration, digestion, sleep, and the nervous system all at once.

I just spent a full week in Napa—wine tastings, restaurants, long days, indulgent moments—and I came home one pound up, which I’m confident was fluid weight. More importantly, I didn’t feel inflamed, puffy, or like I needed to “undo” my trip.

Here’s exactly what I did—and why it worked.


1. I Started With Support, Not Restriction

The biggest shift I made was focusing on what I added, not what I took away.

Before my two biggest meals of the day, I drank a greens drink..
👉 Balance Greens – Bravenly

Why this mattered:

  • Supports digestion and gut health
  • Helps blunt blood sugar spikes
  • Reduces inflammation from richer meals
  • Prepares the body to process food instead of storing it

This one habit alone made restaurant meals feel completely different in my body.2. I Anchored One Meal a Day With Protein + Fiber

I didn’t try to make every meal “perfect.”

Instead, I committed to one solid anchor meal per day—usually a salad with lean protein:

  • Grilled chicken, fish, or steak
  • Plenty of greens and fiber
  • Olive-oil–based dressing

That single meal acted like a daily reset—keeping blood sugar steadier, digestion moving, and cravings calmer for the rest of the day.

A woman stands smiling beside a white decorative tower adorned with lights, with a backdrop of mountains and a sunset. The ground is covered with fallen leaves.
Silver Oak

3. I Sipped, Swirled, and Savored Wine (Instead of Mindlessly Drinking)

Yes, I drank wine. Napa would be strange otherwise.

But I drank it intentionally:

  • I swirled
  • I sipped
  • I truly tasted and enjoyed it

No distracted refills. No drinking past my body’s signals. This naturally reduced how much I drank—without feeling deprived—and helped prevent the blood sugar crashes that often come with alcohol.

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a beige sweater is smiling while holding a glass of red wine.

4. I Walked Every Day—Gently and Consistently

No workouts. No hotel gym guilt.

I simply went for a 15–20 minute gentle walk every day.

Why this works so well in midlife:

  • Lowers cortisol
  • Improves digestion
  • Helps regulate blood sugar
  • Supports lymphatic flow (goodbye travel bloat)

This isn’t about burning calories. It’s about signaling safety to the body.


5. I Hydrated Aggressively With Electrolytes (Twice a Day)

Travel dehydrates us far more than we realize—planes, alcohol, salty food, disrupted sleep.

I drank Bravenly Hydrate twice a day:
👉 Hydrate – Bravenly

  • Once earlier in the day
  • Once later in the afternoon or evening

Proper hydration:

  • Reduces cravings
  • Prevents water retention
  • Supports energy and digestion
  • Helps the body release excess fluid

Ironically, hydration is often the key to less water weight.

A woman standing in front of a rustic red barn, wearing sunglasses, a white jacket, and black wide-leg pants, holding a black bag, with trees and fairy lights in the background.
Nickel and Nickel

6. I Kept My Blood Sugar, Nervous System, and Hormones Supported

I didn’t stop my routine just because I was traveling. I packed and stayed consistent with the same support I use at home:

This combination helped:

  • Stabilize blood sugar
  • Keep cortisol in check
  • Support hormone balance
  • Maintain energy without crashes

That consistency made a noticeable difference—especially with sleep, appetite regulation, and inflammation. When the body feels supported, it doesn’t go into protection mode, even during travel.

A fashionable woman stands in a manicured garden with a large building in the background. She wears a beige top and navy pants, holding a small black bag.
Domaine Carneros – the best caviar and bubbly pairing in town

7. I Did a Gentle 3-Day Reset When I Got Home

Instead of punishing my body when I returned, I supported it.

For three days post-travel, I used Bravenly Reset:
👉 Reset – Bravenly

This helped:

  • Reset digestion
  • Revitalize energy
  • Support detox pathways
  • Reduce inflammation and bloat

No extreme cleanses.
No starvation.
Just gentle support to help my body recalibrate.


The Biggest Takeaway

Travel weight gain isn’t about willpower.
It’s about disrupted systems.

When you:

  • Stabilize blood sugar
  • Stay hydrated
  • Support digestion
  • Regulate the nervous system
  • Move gently

Your body doesn’t feel the need to hold onto weight—even when you’re enjoying food, wine, and travel.

This is what midlife wellness that fits real life looks like.

Support > restriction. Always.


Gentle Disclaimer

The information shared in this article reflects my personal experience and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, nor is it meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Every body is different—especially in perimenopause and menopause—so please consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, supplements, or wellness routine, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a medical condition.

My goal is to share what has supported my body and to encourage a more compassionate, supportive approach to midlife wellness—always in partnership with your own medical team.


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