Travel and Support

RBO1101

This upcoming four-day weekend is a dreaded long road trip for me. I will be traveling 8 hours away to assist my elderly parents in packing their home, holding a moving sale, and helping them then move another 3 hours further away. I am anxious about being away from home, and my healthy foods, my scale and measuring devices for food. While I don't think I'm fanatical about it, I also don't trust my guesses at food portions etc. I don't want my family to think I am fanatical about it but being in their home for four days and not knowing what kinds of food are available has been unsettling. This weekend will be stressful enough but I fear gaining since I will be out of my element, away from my healthy food choices, and with little opportunity to get some exercise in. And to boot, we all know that travel and stress can do a number on losing as well. What are your hacks, tips, etc. when in this position?

NannersBalletLegs

I don't have any real travel hacks, but I do know that you burn a ton of calories packing, moving, and cleaning, so you may end up running a calorie deficit even if you eat a little more than usual. I know, because I'm in the process of moving and have been doing my homework. Hopefully, that makes you feel a little better. Also, Dunkin Donuts has a veggie egg white on flatbread breakfast sandwich that is pretty low-cal. I sometimes eat that or a turkey sub from Subway if I'm on the road and can't access my food at home. Fast food is never ideal, of course, but at least you can get the calorie information online.

jvtchong

I let it go. Sometimes life gets in the way. I make the choice that I will continue with the healthy habits when I get back.

For road trips I try to pack healthier snacks to have with me (dried fruits, nuts, cashew nut butter and celery, turkey slices) and I keep loads of bottled water on hand.

I say no when pressured to have that extra portion or cake if I don't want it. Not easy, but if I'm firm enough the family'll let it go even when they won't let up with others. No explains, no justifications, just a "no thank you". It's your choice, your body, you get to decide what you put in it and when.

Plus moving can be quite intense, so at least you're walking up and down and carrying stuff, plenty of movement in lieu of exercise. Good luck!

P.S. if it's really important to you, why no bring your scale anyway? Making healthy choices is in no way fanatical.

Trish1c

I agree. You have huge opportunity for exercise: packing & carting boxes. Don't kid yourself. That is heavy physical work.

It's one weekend. Portion some things for the car ride. Do bring your scale. It's a car ride, not a plane ride. It doesn't take up much room. Volunteer to make the meals. Your mother will appreciate the break & you will have more control over what you consume.

You know your parents. These are not strangers. What are their eating habits? If you already know that meals will be fast food, just order the lowest calorie options. Most restaurants will broil things for you if you ask. It's not going to be easy to cook in a house that is set up to be relocated.

Try not to stress too much about it. Go. Be the good daughter. Make the healthiest choices you can then get back on track when you get home. One weekend will not ruin the months of good behavior you have undertaken to date.

lorrpb

Do a Web search for "food portion visual guide" then select the Images tab. You will find some simple guides to portion control and you'll find one or more you can relate to. You can probably even print it out as a cheat sheet. I'd give you a link but I can't access that feature right now. Good luck with t h e move & bless you for helping your parents. These are tough transitions.

LivingtheLeanDream

Sometimes circumstances means its just not possible to keep an eye on everything we eat. Its just for a few days so make the best of it, watch quantities and then once you are back to normal routine you can get back on track.

RBO1101

Well after a 900 miles road trip, a stressful time conducting a moving sale for my parents, and helping to pack their home, I managed to gain only a half pound. Which is quite wonderful considering I ate more carbs/gluten than I have in months. Pizza was ordered one night but I only ate three small pieces and it was thin crust and veggie. Another night went out for one last hurrah in my hometown since my parents no longer living there and had quesadillas and cocktails. I tried hard to watch portions and took many health snacks with me, didn't eat the cookies, and other bad things. Got lots of activity moving boxes, hauling furniture, throwing away items and taking things to donation centers which helped against any major gain. I didn't drink near my goal of 100+ oz of fluid per day as we were so buy. And it was so hot, I sweated out lots of calories. Now, I am back home and can get back to my routine this week. Good luck all and have a fabulous week.

Trish1c

You did it. You made the most of a bad situation. Good for you. Now you're back on track.