Trying to lose weight while studying abroad?

tennischick22

So, I've been steadily losing weight, and I want to maintain that trend while I am abroad. I'm leaving in two weeks to study in France for two months.

I realize that I won't be going to the gym everyday like I am now (in fact, I won't be going to a gym at ALL) but I'm okay with that. My exercise will be walking and that's fine. With that said, I AM going to keep my diet in check.

Any tips? I intend on drinking only water - except when I go out at night, and even then I don't typically drink very much alcohol. I'm going to try to write down everything I eat, or type it into my phone rather. I won't deprive myself, I'll try sweets in moderation; I absolutely adore macarons so I'll make sure to enjoy some but to a certain extent!

I'm not going to tell myself I can only eat X amount of calories a day. For example, right now I've been exercising and eating between 1200-1500 daily (some days lower, some days higher). BUT I am going to try my best to stay under 1800.

I don't have a goal of losing X amount of pounds during these two months, I'd like to lose any amount really, even 5 lbs and I'd be elated. But I do realize that is much easier said than done.

For reference I am a little over 5'6 and 142 lbs. Any help is appreciated!!

Of course I'm going to enjoy myself but staying in shape is important to me!

oh also, ill be living with a host family

albayin

Good luck with your upcoming study...how exciting~

I don't any science behind it but I noticed on myself and other people I knew who were relocated that some put on weight during the first few months while others lost...I was in the first group when I moved to another country 15 years ago....but then the weight dropped little by little once my body was adjusted.

Just try to keep your eating habit as much as you can but don't over stress about it. French women are famous to be thin right? LOL

farway

For a start, you will find European portions are far less than US ones, so the job is sort if done for you

I am UK, and was amazed at the huge portion sizes served in US

albayin

For a start, you will find European portions are far less than US ones, so the job is sort if done for you

I am UK, and was amazed at the huge portion sizes served in US

LOL the bigger portion a restaurant serves, the more popular it gets, like Olive Garden, Cheesecake factory...

H0llyG0lightly

Do a lot of walking.

Don't try to taste everything - be careful of a "try one of everything" mentality. (Though I bet the food will be great!)


I lost about 15lbs living in Europe, I think from doing a lot of walking and keeping portion sizes in check. Also having a pretty light schedule that made working out and eating healthy fairly easy. But I wasn't actually trying to lose the weight.



Have fun and learn a lot!

litsy3

Watch out for the bread. It's just normal for there to be bread with everything in France - you will get served slices of baguette in restaurants before you've ordered anything, for example. When I lived in France once my friend caught herself saying 'we've run out of bread, better get some before dinner' and then realising that was ridiculous because we were having PASTA. But you just get into the mindset of 'bread with a meal'. And it's made of very highly refined white flour.

Not saying don't eat it, but do notice it!

DawnieB1977

Where in France are you going? Will the host family cook for you?

I lived in France for my third year of university. I was living in halls of residence, so had to cook for myself. I went out a lot (typical British student lol) and drank a lot, and lost loads of weight

When I finished, I worked as an au pair for the Summer before heading back to England for my final year of uni. The family cooked the meals, and I ate really healthily. Portion sizes are small, and they tend to eat a bigger meal at lunch time. They also take their time over meals, instead of rushing it. The selection of junk food is so much smaller than in the UK, so definitely smaller than in the US!

Hope you have fun!

QueenBishOTUniverse

I was in the best shape of my life after doing a semester abroad in Australia so it definitely can be done. If you'll be with a host family it will be a little different, but in general I'm assuming you'll be pretty much relying on your own two feet for most of your transportation and it's amazing how much of a difference that can make. I also joined the university gym while I was there and actually met a lot of great people that way, so I wouldn't rule out using a gym like that if it's available.

ianthy

Hi

I understand the challenges that you are facing - I have been on a career break since Jan 2013 and travelling. Last year we travelled and stayed for extended periods in Italy, Dubai, Oman, Thailand, India then back to London - our home for 2 months. This year we plan Italy again - Florence and Scilly, Dubai, India, Egypt and then London for 2 months at year end.

I decided that I did not want to loose a year off my weight loss and fitness plan, I was tired of being overweight and needed to tackle this issue once and for all. So I took the conscious decision to keep strictly to my plan - yes there were odd times where I had to loosen the straps e.g. India was tricky but I could still work out what was likely to keep me nearer to my plan. We also opted for self catering for long stays and I shopped locally - which helped to control the dine out cals. If there was a gym e.g. 2 months in Dubai, I used the gym and powerwalked a lot. In Italy we have no local gym - so I bought a kettle bell and do workouts and Powerwalk down and up the hill. MFP helped as I continued to log and track plus joined some of the challenges which kept me motivated. Another thing is weighing regularly - I am a really really poor judge of how much weight I have lost/put on - I need the scales to tell me that. So I just bought a pair of digital scales where ever we were staying or if weight limit allowed took my ultra light digital scales with me. For 1-2 week's holiday it would not matter but for nearly 10 months away it matters.

The real key for me has been planning and not being afraid to ask for what I want on a flight, hotel, restaurant, boat tour - I was paying so felt very comfortable asking for some adjustments in the food on offer etc., I am not saying it was plain sailing but I felt the challenges of the last year were worth it - I lost more than 60 pounds and have a final 5lbs to reach my target goal.

If you have time get hold of the book - Why French Women don't get fat - it has some great insights/stories on the French approach to eating and how they manage their weight. Might be useful as you are going to be staying with a family.

Best of luck with your studies in France - you will have a fab time.

dragonbug300

Hi ianthy,
I'm studying abroad in Guatemala for the same amount of time. I've been here almost 3 weeks, and here's what I've found:

I am able to do bodyweight workouts in my bedroom (I, too, live with a host family). I told my host family that I'm very active and that I'd like time to myself to do yoga and workout, and they've been very accommodating. My homestay sister and a family friend have gone on runs with me (it's not quite safe to run or walk alone). I would suggest doing some interval bodyweight workouts in addition to walking, especially if you want to maintain muscle tone and earn a couple more macaroons

And find a running partner if you can! Even once a week is better than none.

Although the diet here isn't exactly 'healthy' (Oh LAWD save me from tortillas) portions are moderate and I never ask for seconds. I spend so much time getting to and from class that I'll sometimes forget to eat. Traveling has a great way of taking away your hunger with the excitement of it all. Since I'm also away from my 'comfort zone' I don't indulge in late-night snacks or drinks.

So far, just from decreasing my caloric intake and doing about 30 minutes to 1 hour a day of HIIT workouts, my clothes are already becoming looser and the 'pouch' on my lower belly has smoothed out substantially.

So it's possible! Just be careful of snacks and stick to a routine.

Good luck! Have fun!