Why “Adult Camp” Might Be the Healthiest Thing We Do All Summer (And It Has Nothing to Do with Food)

For the past two summers, my husband go to our own “Adult Camp.” While our kids are at day camp down the Cape, we take the entire week off from work and frolic like we did pre-kids. Just the two of us.

We explore Cape Cod — new beaches, hopping from one town to the next, enjoying restaurants (and food we don’t have to share!), and taking long walks on the beach and bike trail without anyone asking us for snacks or needing sunscreen. It’s bliss. It’s restorative. And, after two years now, it’s officially a tradition.

But here’s the thing: this blog post isn’t about what we do during Adult Camp. It’s about what happens because of it.

By the end of the week, I can feel the shift in our entire family unit. My husband and I are more connected, more grounded, and more supported — not just by each other but within ourselves. There’s a deeper sense of ease, and that energy trickles down to the kids, whether they realize it or not.

Surprise Stuffies and Other Accidental Traditions

Out of a little parental guilt the first year 😂 — we started surprising the kids with a small gift or treat when we picked them up each day — something simple like a stuffy, a stop at the go-karts, or ice cream before dinner. It all started because Joia was genuinely upset that we went to the beach without her (fair!).

But those little surprises turned into some of our favorite family memories. Even though we had “our time” during the day, we ended each night reconnecting and creating new joy together as a family. That blend of individual space and intentional reconnection is the real magic, and it made me realize something important:

This isn’t just a vacation.

It’s primary food.

What IS Primary Food?

In the world of holistic health, we talk a lot about the thing that fill, fuel and fulfill us but don’t come on the plate — things like relationships, exercise and spirituality. We believe that when our primary foods are in balance, the food we eat becomes secondary.

The main primary foods are:

• Relationships

• Career & purpose

• Physical activity

• Spirituality

Some others are loop creativity, joy, home environment, and exercise.

Primary foods are the areas of life that make us feel alive. When these are full and aligned, you’ll often notice you’re less inclined to reach for food out of boredom, loneliness, stress, or a desire to numb. Not because you’re being “good,” but because your cup is actually full.

When Food Is a Symptom, Not the Root

Many of my health coaching clients come to me with nutrition and fat loss goals. And yes, we absolutely talk about balanced blood sugar, reducing cravings, and nourishing your body with real, whole foods.

But more often than not, the food stuff is a symptom of something deeper.

When we’re feeling stuck in our relationships, disconnected from our purpose, creatively uninspired, or overwhelmed at home, food can quickly become a Band-Aid. 

So one of the first exercises I do with clients is called the Circle of Life. It’s a visual tool that helps you assess your level of satisfaction in different areas of your life — the “primary food” categories — and see where there might be gaps.

The goal isn’t to have a perfect, full circle (no one does!). The goal is to notice what’s lacking, and start small. One small shift. One new boundary. One spark of joy.

Want a copy of the Circle of Life exercise?

Email me at rhianne@believeinyourhealth.com and I’ll happily send it your way.

Your Health Is More Than What You Eat

Adult Camp reminded me (again) that health isn’t just about what’s on your plate. It’s about the life you’re living outside the kitchen. Are you making space for joy? Are you investing in your relationships? Are you feeding your soul, not just your stomach?

When we feel seen, loved, connected, creative, and alive — that’s when true health starts to unfold. Nutrition matters, yes. But it’s not the whole story.

And maybe your version of “Adult Camp” looks different — an afternoon to yourself, a night out with your partner, a morning walk before the house wakes up. Whatever it is, make time for it. Not out of guilt or hustle, but because you deserve to feel nourished in all the ways.

Food is important.

But you are more than what you eat. 💛