Chicago Vacation calories don’t count

2025/8/10 Edited to

... Read moreWhen visiting Chicago, many travelers adopt the fun mindset that “calories don’t count,” allowing themselves to fully enjoy the city's rich and diverse culinary scene. Chicago is renowned for iconic foods like deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and a vibrant dessert culture, including famous treats like Garrett Popcorn and decadent chocolate shops. Vacationers often treat themselves to these local specialties without worry, embracing the concept that indulgence is part of the vacation experience. This philosophy aligns closely with the popular social media hashtag #vacationeats, which celebrates enjoyable, worry-free eating while traveling. Sharing meals and food experiences enriches the sense of travel and connection with the local culture. To maximize enjoyment, travelers can balance their indulgent meals with other activities. Chicago offers plentiful opportunities for physical activity — such as walking along the scenic Lake Michigan waterfront, biking through Millennium Park, or exploring the city's neighborhoods on foot. This way, visitors can offset caloric intake naturally while enjoying world-class sights and experiences. Moreover, mindful eating tips can help vacationers savor their food more deeply, appreciating flavors and textures, which promotes satisfaction even when indulging. This enhances the overall travel memory and aligns with wellness principles. In summary, adopting the “Chicago vacation calories don’t count” mindset encourages embracing local culinary delights with pleasure and without guilt, while also enjoying the city’s vibrant culture and ample outdoor activities. Following #vacationeats and #lemon8challenge communities can provide inspiration and tips for making the most of a tasty, healthy-balanced Chicago vacation.

Related posts

At Disney, calories don’t count 😋
THEY’RE EATING THEY’RE EATING THEY’RE EATING! I always eat so much when I’m at Disney lollll #DISNEY #disneyworld #disneyparks #disneyfood #disneyfoodie #disneysnacks Walt Disney World
Nicki 🏰🐭✨

Nicki 🏰🐭✨

984 likes

A single cinnamon roll, generously covered in white icing, is presented in a black and white striped bowl. A spoon is partially visible, scooping into the roll. Text overlay indicates it's a "350 calories Cinnamon Roll."
A clear glass bowl contains white flour, with a small amount of baking soda and salt, on a gray countertop. The text overlay instructs to "Mix dry ingredients" including "1/4cup flour, 1/4 tsp baking soda, salt."
A clear glass bowl holds white flour with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top, ready to be mixed. The text overlay states "Add 3 tbsp Greek yogurt" and to "Mix and knead until just incorporated."
Single Serving Cinnamon Roll & Only 350 Calories 💛
I was craving something sweet but only wanted to make one! This recipe is 350 calories with 9g of protein. I was super impressed with myself when I made it! I used monk fruit sweeteners which are 0 calories. You can (of course) use regular sugars or other alternatives The dough: • 1/4 cup flou
Abby

Abby

1284 likes

Chicago Travel Guide: Fall Edition🍂🎃
📍 Riverwalk The riverwalk is so fun and a great way to see some fall colors!! 📍 Chicago Botanic Garden 📍 Jack's Pumpkin Pop-up is so much fun and a great way to visit a pumpkin patch without having to leave the city!!! There are so many opportunities for fun pics too! 📍 Starved
Symantha

Symantha

83 likes

QUICK HEALTHY SNACK IDEA (UNDER 100 CALORIES) 🥒
i saw a few different people post about this and thought i’d give it a try. i usually hate cucumbers and will purposely take them out of everything because i genuinely do not like them. but THIS. this tasted sooo good !! the everything bagel seasoning changed up a taste so much and made it so so
amanda marie

amanda marie

4275 likes

A white plate holds six chocolate cupcakes in white liners, set on a wooden cutting board. Green text overlays read 'Under 100 Calories' and 'CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES', indicating a low-calorie dessert.
Ingredients for the cupcakes are displayed on a counter: a box of zero sugar cake mix, a four-pack of vanilla protein yogurt, and a chocolate protein shake. Text states these are the necessary ingredients.
Two muffin tins are filled with cupcake batter in white liners. Overlay text provides nutritional information per cupcake: 75 calories, 4g protein, 16 carbs, 0 sugar, and 1g fat, for 24 cupcakes.
Under 100 Calories Dessert
You can still enjoy sweets on your weight loss journey! Here’s an idea for you #weightlossdessert #caloriedeficitdesserts #chocolatecupcakes #weightlossfoodideas #weightlosssnacks
Janeé | Fitness & Health Coach

Janeé | Fitness & Health Coach

2311 likes

#Chicago🇺🇸Save this Amazing Rooftop in Chicago👇
🌇 Get Ready to Be Wowed at Château Carbide! Imaging sipping cocktails with the city’s vibrant energy at your feet, and catching a sunset that will make you never want to leave. Plus, with its chic décor and cozy vibes, you’ll have a great experience. 🎶 Whether you’re planning a date night, meet
Marisol - Globe Traveler

Marisol - Globe Traveler

26 likes

A hand browsing through vinyl records in a Chicago record shop, with various album covers visible, including Dua Lipa and Lindsay Lohan. The store features shelves of records and posters on the walls.
A long, narrow aisle inside a record store, lined with wooden bins full of vinyl records on both sides. The store has a wooden floor, industrial ceiling, and neon signs on dark walls.
A section of a record store featuring a neon sign that reads, "If The Music Is Too Loud Then You're Too Old." A person is visible behind a counter, surrounded by records and posters.
Record shop in Chicago 💿
Shuga Records Stumbled upon this amazing record shop in Wicker Park, Chicago. Absolutely fell in love with this place and almost had a heart attack seeing an autographed Laufey Vinyl ( too bad it was $75🥲) also found a bad bunny vinyl ($200 🥲🥲) buuut there were plenty of other affordable option
Jenny📸

Jenny📸

119 likes

CHICAGO DUMPPPP
📍 Chicago📍 recently went to chicago this weekend so here’s a dump of our two days there!! if you have any questions, let me know! Chicago #chicagotrip #chicago #chicagolife #chicagoexplore #chicagotravel #chicagofood #travel #vacation #traveling #girlstrip
Kassidi Bailey

Kassidi Bailey

4 likes

1,000 Calories? Yay or Nay? Watch me do it!
Will this burn 1,000 Calories? I saw this workout that looked promising, but also like a lot of fluff. It will make you tired but is 1,000 Calories possible? I know we all search for hope online on our fitness journey but don’t let the lies and empty promises leave you defeated when you don’t reach
Tiara Marie

Tiara Marie

2461 likes

The calories don’t count on vacation
A time was had 😭 #universalorlando #foodie #whatIAte #vacationfood #Eat
Smells Like Joy ✨

Smells Like Joy ✨

12 likes

A person in grey workout attire poses in a gym bathroom, with text overlays indicating a 'Monday Split' focusing on 'GLUTES and CORE' for a full workout.
A black background with white text detailing the warm-up, stretching routine, and core exercises, including barbell V crunches, toe touches, bicycles, flutter kicks, leg raises, Russian twists, and leg pull-ins.
A black background with white text listing core exercises like flat planks and side planks, followed by glute exercises such as hip abduction, cable kickbacks, RDLs, Smith machine hip thrusts, and kick back machine, concluding with a cool-down.
Full Workout✨1.5 hr✨600+ calories burned🔥
✨Warm up✨ 🚴‍♀️10 min on bike, 5 mins on level 5 + 5 mins on level 10 ✨5-10 mins of stretching✨ - step forward stretch - forward bend stretch - lunge stretch - forward stretch - single leg forward stretch - leg raise stretch - Knee to chests - Around the world - Pretzel stretch -
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

519 likes

A person in grey athletic wear shows their glutes, with text 'LIQUID PROTEIN FOR BIG GLUTES 20 GRAMS'. An Isopure Infusions tub and a smartwatch displaying fitness metrics are also visible.
A person in black athletic wear takes a mirror selfie, with text explaining Isopure Infusions is a clear whey isolate, light, fruity, 20g protein, with only 5 ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors.
An Isopure Infusions protein powder tub in Citrus Lemonade flavor is shown, with a note stating 'No add sugar!'. The label indicates 20 grams of protein from 100% whey protein isolate.
20G OF PROTEIN & LESS THAN 100 CALORIES
Getting enough protein can be challenging, especially when aiming for muscle growth, like those sought-after juicy glutes. While protein bars, shakes, and chicken breast are common options, they often come with downsides like being dense, chalky, or high in calories. I found another way to get my p
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

922 likes

A hand holds a red and green pouch of watermelon-flavored konjac jelly, labeled as a 10-calorie, vegan, zero-sugar, gluten-free snack with collagen and vitamin C. A red box is blurred in the background, and text overlays read 'LOW CALORIE SNACK'.
Low Calorie Snack: 10 calories 🍉🍇🍑
I found these and cannot stop loving them!!! They have so many flavors and are surprisingly filling. It reminds me of boba jelly. 10 calories per bag!!! Its made from konjac which helps aid in so many different things. Studies have shown it can help with diabetes, aid in weight loss, cholesterol, b
🤎⚡️gigi⚡️🤎

🤎⚡️gigi⚡️🤎

1543 likes

A woman in a white floral dress stands smiling under a large, colorful balloon arch made of pink, orange, blue, and yellow balloons, some shaped like ducks, in a city plaza.
A giant inflatable yellow rubber duck with black sunglasses and a blue bib lies partially deflated on a city sidewalk, with buildings and people in the background.
A wide view of a bustling outdoor festival in a city plaza, with many people, colorful balloons, and iconic Chicago buildings like the Wrigley Building in the background.
Chicago Ducky Derby 2025👇
🐤This year will be the 20th anniversary of the Ducky Derby tradition! 🐤Watch 75,000 rubber ducks splash down in the Chicago River on Thursday August 7th. 🐤 I went last year and the Chicago Ducky Derby is a unique spectacle that you can’t miss in downtown, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
Marisol - Globe Traveler

Marisol - Globe Traveler

9 likes

A white bowl filled with low-calorie spaghetti pasta, topped with red marinara sauce, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a fork resting in the bowl. Text overlay highlights the pasta as "94 cAlOrlE PasTa?!"
A package of 'It's Skinny Pasta' spaghetti, emphasizing it is pre-cooked, gluten-free, and contains 9 calories per bag. Text overlay states, "ENTIRE BAG IS 9 CALORIES!"
A jar of Classico Tomato & Basil marinara sauce, featuring a large tomato and basil leaves on the label. Text overlay indicates that "1/2 cup is 45 calories."
94 Calories For This Pasta Bowl?! 🍝
If you’re like me and LOVE pasta but are on a cut, you NEED to save this! This entire bowl is 93 calories. 😋 Here’s what you need to make it: -1 bag It’s skinny pasta. 🍝 There are so many different types of noodles, so find whatever floats your boat. I use the spaghetti. (Forewarning… this IS a
Journey 🧘‍♀️

Journey 🧘‍♀️

471 likes

#Chicago🇺🇸Save this Free place for your next trip
You won’t believe this gorgeous Chicago landmark is completely FREE to visit! 😍 If you’re looking for hidden gems in Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center is a must-see. I randomly walked in one rainy afternoon to kill time and ended up spending two hours wandering through stained glass domes, ma
Marisol - Globe Traveler

Marisol - Globe Traveler

19 likes

Vacation calories don’t count, right?
Dinner at Joe Italiano’s Maplewood in Mays Landing, NJ was chef’s kiss! 🧄🥖 We started with warm garlic bread and fresh loaf bread that melted in our mouths, followed by crisp house salads drizzled in tangy dressing. I had the cheese ravioli—pillowy pasta stuffed with creamy ricotta, topped with ric
ElizabethMarie

ElizabethMarie

0 likes

A vibrant image showcasing two Sonic drinks, 'Bahama Bliss' and 'Strawberry Colada,' with text overlays 'SONIC DRINKS TO TRY' and '(low cals).' The drinks are in cups, surrounded by decorative flowers and stars, highlighting low-calorie options.
FUN SONIC DRINKS!!! (low calories)
HOW TO ORDER:) Bahama Bliss 🥭🍑✨ - sprite zero - sweet cream - sugar free mango syrup - sugar free peach syrup - dragon fruit syrup Strawberry Colada 🍓🥥🥂 - sprite zero - real strawberries - coconut syrup - sweet cream #lowcaldrinks #sonicdrinks #sonicdrinkideas
mel 🪩🍋✨🍸

mel 🪩🍋✨🍸

215 likes

Chicago voted best big city 8 years in a row
Chicago has been voted Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé NastTraveler readers choice awards for an astounding 8 years in a row! #shenaniganstravel #theliveitfoundation #livingthedashlife #chicago #uninsurance #vacation #travel #golevarti #discounttravel
Shenanigans Travel

Shenanigans Travel

3 likes

Whatever you do, travel to Chicago 🍋
I've been hearing a lot about this city and now I can say it's everything they say and more. I love it here but sadly after work i have to go back home but might visit again in the future. It should be on your travel bucket list 💯 Lovely people 🥰 and an amazing place to be ❤❤❤ 📍 City/Countr
Niccole Vanessa Jones

Niccole Vanessa Jones

38 likes

Snickers Coffee under 100 calories
#coffee #snickers #coffeerecipe #100calories #icedcoffee Try My Snickers Iced Coffee Recipe for 99 Calories! What You’ll Need: Snickers Flavored Ground Coffee (I got mine at TJ Maxx) PB2 Original 6g (I mixed with 2tbsp water) Skinny Mixes Fudge & Salted Carmel Organic V
Zana13

Zana13

565 likes

Chicago trip photo must haves!!
#chicagotravel #chicago #vacationphotoideas #travel #summer
Blesses_mamma_4boys_zoo

Blesses_mamma_4boys_zoo

2 likes

Things I did in Chicago
My friend and i went out today and these are just some of the things that we did. 📍 City/Country: Chicago 💸 Price Range: Free/ How ever much you want to spend #Lemon8Diary #chicago #downtown
LaNaiya

LaNaiya

13 likes

Burn 500 Calories
I burned over 500 calories with these 5 simple moves Save this 🖤 Here’s what I did 👇🏾 •1min jump rope •15 oblique bends •1min squat thrust •15 push ups •1min Russian twist 4sets ‘ #fitgirl #lemon8challenge #burncalories #fatlossworkouts #cardioworkout
Gym Princess 👑

Gym Princess 👑

61 likes

My Trip To Chicago
I absolutely loved my little trip to Chicago! I feel like I missed out on so much but at the same time felt like I got to experience everything I wanted. I recommend Chicago to people looking for vacation spots. A beautiful city with such a nice night life. 🏙️🪐🌱🌸# Chicago #chicagotrip #trips ✈️
Sierra Roman

Sierra Roman

9 likes

Girls Trip in Chicago💫🏙️🎀
Pics from my trip to Chicago with my girls 🫶🏼. We went WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING🤭 & I got my Say Yes to the Dress moment. I will cherish these photos & this trip forever ! 💫🤍. #girlstrip #chicago #chicagotrip #chicagoactivities #girlstrip #weddingtrips #weddingdressshopping
Jadyn Zeta

Jadyn Zeta

3 likes

Full Day of Eating 1,500 Calories 🌸
What I Eat in a day at 1,500 calories 🤍 #what i eat calorie deficit #calorieinspo #caloriecouting #calorietracking #summerbod
thena

thena

91 likes

A person in a black winter coat stands in front of Chicago's Cloud Gate sculpture at night, surrounded by other visitors and illuminated city buildings.
The iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago is illuminated at night, reflecting city lights and surrounded by people, with a full moon in the dark sky.
A person in a black coat stands on a Chicago street at night, with elevated train tracks overhead and city lights illuminating the buildings.
Chicago 🤍
Chicago, you had me at deep-dish pizza🍕 #chicagopizza #chicago #vacation #WinterOutfit #pizza
Ines Jacobo

Ines Jacobo

15 likes

ChicagoItinerary
#trip #lemon8challenge This August me and my fam hit Chicago for a fun family-versary getaway (it was my husband and I’s 5 year anniversary, but of course we had to bring our girl!) 🏙️ Day 1: Catch a game at Wrigley Field. We LOVED Wrigleyville and exploring the area, and how lively it was
Shay Martin

Shay Martin

31 likes

Headed to Chicago What should we do?
On our way for the day! What should we do in Chicago! What places should we eat at? What museums for the kids? We have a plan but I’m interested to see if our plan is on your must see list! 🫘 #chicago #thingstodo #asklemon8 #chicagotrip #lemon8challenge
Valleymom | SAHM

Valleymom | SAHM

31 likes

See more