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In this episode, I’m sharing a detailed recap of our recent Sedona and Grand Canyon family trip — from red rocks and slow mornings to a scenic train ride to the South Rim that turned into a birthday memory we’ll never forget.

We talk about staying at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Pinion Pointe, why Sedona being an International Dark Sky Community matters, and how we’ve learned as a family that we don’t need to jam-pack every vacation to make it meaningful. Instead, we do what we can, enjoy it fully, and keep a list of what we’ll come back for next time.

I’m also sharing how I support my body while traveling — including:

• My simple grocery strategy and “plug-and-play” travel meals
• How I enjoy one meal out a day without feeling inflamed or bloated
• Why hydration, tea at night, and skipping alcohol make such a difference
• Gentle movement, early-morning gym sessions, walking, and resting when needed
• Why travel bloat happens (especially with flying and elevation) and what actually helps

We’ll cover highlights like:

• Visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument (a perfect family stop with fascinating history)
• Pool days, books, ping pong, and doing less on purpose
• Walking the South Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon
• Lunch at Bright Angel Lodge and sitting in the historic lodge area
• Riding the Grand Canyon Railway, where the train sang Happy Birthday to my son

Where we stayed:

https://www.hyattvacationclub.com/destinations/sedona-arizona/pinion-pointe

Other Resources:

Visit Sedona | The official site of the Sedona Tourism Bureau

Grand Canyon Train | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

Montezuma Castle National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

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Dry January is everywhere each January, but for many people it doesn’t lead to lasting change. In this episode, I share why deprivation often backfires and why consistency, balance, and awareness create far better results long term.

I talk about my own decision to stop drinking over a year ago, not because of a challenge or a label, but simply because I didn’t like how I felt. We explore what alcohol actually does in the body, how it’s processed, and why observing patterns over time matters more than short term restriction.

This episode is for high performers who are tired of extremes and want a more sustainable approach to habits, health, and growth. We cover how to track alcohol without judgment, how to separate the need for relaxation from the habit itself, and why replacement rituals are more effective than rigid rules.

I also share reflection prompts to help you notice where deprivation may be showing up elsewhere in your life and how to shift toward balance and consistency instead.

This isn’t about telling you what to do. It sees you where you are and offers perspective, awareness, and options so you can choose what truly supports your life.

My mocktails guide is linked for anyone looking for supportive, realistic alternatives that fit real life.

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/guides/mocktails-motivation?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

In this episode of Fit for Real Life, I’m joined by Liz from The Mid Size Optimize for a conversation that feels honest, grounding, and refreshingly real.

Liz creates content that cuts through the noise of extreme fitness, unrealistic beauty standards, and performative confidence. We talk about how we connected, why her work feels so steady and supportive, and what it looks like to show up fully in a real body while balancing two jobs, fitness goals, and everyday life.

We dive into her running journey, how movement supports her confidence and mental health, and what she’s learning about balance, consistency, and self trust. Liz also shares where she finds inspiration, what she’s working toward in 2026, and how she stays grounded in a space that can feel loud and overwhelming.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to feel more at home in their body, less pressured to fix themselves, and more supported as they move through real life with confidence and care.

You’ll walk away feeling like you just talked with a friend who truly gets it.

Liz can be found on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themidsizeoptimize/

TikTok: themidsizeoptimize1

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA