How do you get back on track after a vacation?

titotito48

I just got back from a one week vacation where I indulged way past my calorie allotment most days. I did do some hiking a few of those days and my regular run on the day that we left though. I will try to stick to my 1200 calories, drink all my water and do my regular workouts til I feel the bloating subside, then I will weigh in. Hopefully damage not too bad.

cosmichvoyager

Just keep going! A few pounds or a week of vacation won't matter if you look at the big picture and realize that healthy eating is a lifelong journey.

jennaatsuad

A week won't undo all of your hard work! You wouldn't expect one week of "perfect" eating to get you to goal, and one week of indulgence won't put you back at square one - just enjoy your vacation memories and get right back on with your day-to-day life routine.

Pinnacle_IAO

titotito48 wrote: »

I just got back from a one week vacation where I indulged way past my calorie allotment most days. I did do some hiking a few of those days and my regular run on the day that we left though. I will try to stick to my 1200 calories, drink all my water and do my regular workouts til I feel the bloating subside, then I will weigh in. Hopefully damage not too bad.

You simply start tomorrow from wherever you are.

Just worry not, get on track and enjoy the start of your journey back.

teresa19622015

I'm going to Spain and one of the people coming is a fabulous cook and takes over the kitchen. Also I've been off the wine since starting and that will definitely be on the menu. I know I can get right back on track as soon as I return but I am trying to work out strategies now to help while away. Eating great meals and drinking is a big part of the pleasure of going. Also it's my house now as my mother died recently, my father's ashes are there, my husband's too...we'll be scattering my mother's, so a sad visit. The place holds a lot of great memories. I am a bit worried as it took a lot of psychological effort to get going on this 'healthy life change' and don't want to flick that switch off.

kgb6days

I admit it's painful for me because I've indulged in those things I crave, and that just starts those cravings all over again. I just plow through like I did when I started although it's not easy.

CoffeeSlayer

There are moments in the WLJ that will test your dedication. Vacations, celebrations, falling off for awhile, going on a binge .....These are the moments that seperate the successful. If you can keep picking yourself back up you will have to do it less and less.

Oldbitcollector

It's no biggie. Just pick right up, right now and off you go.

A week of vacation isn't a life change, it was vacation!
Consider it a celebration of your great life and get back to work.

Cortneyrenee04

Just get back to your calorie deficit, enjoying every same things (or versions) in smaller amounts!

And have no regrets!!

jennontheroad

I was on vacation for a month in Turkey and I gained weight. I've been very closely watching what I eat since I've been back and lost the weight again. Because I indulged so much on holiday it's easy now to pass on treats and carbs. Also it's much easier to eat healthy when you have your own kitchen and routine. Enjoy your holiday!

titotito48

I had a good day yesterday. Stayed close to my allotted calories. Today is a little easier

IncredibleShrinkingSandy

How did you decide to make a change in the first place? You just finally did it. The cravings and insatiable hunger will taper off after a few days and your body will adjust to the calorie deficit just like it did before. To get anywhere you have to take the steps. I recently took a diet break for 3 weeks knowing full well exactly how long I was going to do it and that I would be back in full swing at the end of it. After 3 weeks of eating to my hunger and not worrying about calories (I still made sure to keep it marginally healthy) I was starving the first week I was back on counting calories. After about a week of being within my calorie budget I was no longer hungry in between meals and it was as if I never took that break. I lost the 7 pounds I gained from the diet break during that first week back on calorie counting as it was mostly water weight. My body knew it was go time again and while there was a small adjustment period to getting back on track, I stayed strong and used mind over matter. I know it sounds a lot easier than it is. I have struggled with my weight from my late teens and throughout my 20s. So, I understand that it's a battle inside yourself. Just remain strong and don't forget that no matter what the choice is yours. Cake and pizza aren't going anywhere. They will still be there when you reach your goal. The best part of that is that after you reach your goal you will have more control over eating all the cake or pizza and instead having the discipline to eat just a slice.

titotito48

IncredibleShrinkingSandy wrote: »

How did you decide to make a change in the first place? You just finally did it. The cravings and insatiable hunger will taper off after a few days and your body will adjust to the calorie deficit just like it did before. To get anywhere you have to take the steps. I recently took a diet break for 3 weeks knowing full well exactly how long I was going to do it and that I would be back in full swing at the end of it. After 3 weeks of eating to my hunger and not worrying about calories (I still made sure to keep it marginally healthy) I was starving the first week I was back on counting calories. After about a week of being within my calorie budget I was no longer hungry in between meals and it was as if I never took that break. I lost the 7 pounds I gained from the diet break during that first week back on calorie counting as it was mostly water weight. My body knew it was go time again and while there was a small adjustment period to getting back on track, I stayed strong and used mind over matter. I know it sounds a lot easier than it is. I have struggled with my weight from my late teens and throughout my 20s. So, I understand that it's a battle inside yourself. Just remain strong and don't forget that no matter what the choice is yours. Cake and pizza aren't going anywhere. They will still be there when you reach your goal. The best part of that is that after you reach your goal you will have more control over eating all the cake or pizza and instead having the discipline to eat just a slice.

titotito48

That is very encouraging that you lost what you'd gained after one week. I hope that is true in my case

Asher_Ethan

After my last Vacay (that sounds extremely similar to yours) I made sure I had a gallon of water the first 2 days after (then I went back to my regular water intake) but then I slowly worked my calories back down. So instead of starting right back at 1200 calories a day could you bring it up a little? So you don't feel like you are starving in the beginning and end up in a binge?

titotito48

I did go over a bit the last two days and am working my way down, but I didn't think of drinking a gallon of water. I will do that today and tomorrow. Great idea! Thanks.will weigh in on Friday and will post my results

NC_Girl

I'm so right there with you. I was on vacation a week and a half and stuffed my face with anything and everything that I wanted! Today is my day 1 back to tracking. It's been a struggle but my honey is doing this with me this time to lose what he put on. I'm hoping that where we are both doing it that I might be able to get back on track. Good luck to you....lets just take one day at a time and DO THIS!

titotito48

So I drank a gallon of water the last 3 days and my official weigh in was this morning. I am up 1.4 pounds. Not too bad for everything I ate while on vacation. Hoping next week takes the rest off and maybe a little bit more!

carliekitty

I went to Paris in May and ate whatever I wanted whenever I wanted

skinnyb05

I just returned this past Tuesday from an 8 day trip. I logged into MFP everyday but it was impossible to track my calories. I ate my favorites but also found myself making better choices. I weighed in when I got back and it said I was up 3 lbs. I knew that wasn't a "real gain". It was merely lack of drinking all my water and being in routine. I got back to all my water, tracking my calories and working out and this morning I'm showing up only .5 lb. You will drop it and see.

MommyL2015

I did a week at the beach recently and went to all the silly touristy restaurants like Planet Hollywood and Cheeseburger in Paradise, had lots of tasty cocktails and while I did still come here and log most days, I was on vacation, and that meant a total vacation.

Then I simply came home and went back to it. I don't even care if I gained anything or not. I haven't weighed myself since the day I got back and won't again until Sunday. I needed to give myself a good two weeks before I did any measurements.

ttfnweight

It's clear, after taking a beach Vaca for a week, having the same worries, that once you're back, and get back into the swing it comes off if you gain. I also made healthier choices. I also gained 3 lbs. o also went on total shutdown eating whatever whenever. But it's coming off now I'm back don't worry. Live

titotito48

Thanks for all the support

titotito48

Checked again this morning and was only up .6. I used to get discouraged after a vacation and give up. I have just learned that if you get back on it then there is minimal damage.

middlehaitch

I went on a 3 month vacation a cruise, then visited lots of countries. About 5 lb up on my return home, mainly water. I did a curiosity weigh in the day of my return, then a real weigh in 3 weeks later, all back to normal. I think once I was back in my own environment, all my usual habits just fell into place.

What I find harder is when my sister and BIL come for a visit from the UK. He is a wonderful chef and takes over the kitchen for 3 weeks. Oh my, once they are gone it is so hard returning to my regular food. He makes the most decadent grand marnier chocolate mousse that I crave for weeks.

Cheers, h.

mimigingerbread

I find getting back to the healthy routine difficult.... Lots of snacking at night on vacation. Gonna be tough to go without it this week but it's gotta be done. Don't want to be derailed from my progress!!

IncredibleShrinkingSandy

titotito48 wrote: »

That is very encouraging that you lost what you'd gained after one week. I hope that is true in my case

All our bodies are different but I'm sure any gains from your vacation were water weight if not for a pound or two. Getting back on the wagon can be hard. Don't beat yourself up over it. Instead, I hope you got back on and were able able to continue to be successful.

Allterrain_Lady

Do not overthink it. If any damages has been done, it's done. Plenty of water, exercise, healthy amount of healthy food and you're good to go!

noclady1995

I was on vacation for a week back in June and didn't really workout much, except for walking around town and one day of hiking. Plus, I didn't really watch what I ate on vacation at all, and found that it didn't derail me that much. I just got back to my regular routine when I got back.

0505jen

I know my whole summer so far has been over indulging. I know if I keep it up it will result in gaining all of my losses. This is motivation for me to get back on track today!

snickerscharlie

Why is this in "Success Stories?"