Eating on vacation

AnnaMC1977
AnnaMC1977 Posts: 241
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm going to St. Louis this week to visit friends. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to eat? Ways to control the calories? I'm sure I'll get exercise from lots of walking...but I don't want to blow it because of food. I'm driving there, so I'll carry food with me for the car trip, but once I'm there...I don't want anyone to be offended by me bringing my own food or by not eating a large portion of the food they'll cook for us. Any suggestions on how to handle this situation? Or should I throw caution to the wind and make up for it next week?

Replies

  • kbd388
    kbd388 Posts: 125 Member
    I just got back from vacation and tried my best to eat right, but at times it wasn't easy just because of the choices. When we went out, I ordered kids meals for the kids and picked at their food. I brought my own normal snacks that I eat when not on vacation. But I ate some fried stuff, and some ice cream (had to - we went to the Ben and Jerry's factory!) and felt really crappy when I got back. After eating healthier for 6 months and then not eating so well for 4 days.......but it was fun and I only gained a pound and you get right back on the tracking and eating right. Have a good trip.
  • monicalosesweight
    monicalosesweight Posts: 1,173 Member
    That's going to be tough. I think it all depends on how healthy your friends eat. If they are decent eaters...bring your scale and measure everything. Will you have access to the internet to take peeks at calories? If yes, measure and just ramble about how great you've been feeling ever since you started this diet. I bet if you even tell them you'd love to show them the system and offer to cook a meal or two that are grilled (buy big bag of veggies like Broccoli and Bell Peppers) for them - they'll realize you're really trying to stay healthy. I know we keep worrying about insulting people but there is a time where we all have to just say "I'm trying to regain my health" and make them realize that you can't deviate BUT show them you can eat great foods. I bet if you cooked something right on day one that was amazing they'd be surprised and maybe would get enthused.
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    I just enjoy myself on vacation. It's a break from day to day life and you should be able to just relax and totally enjoy yourself. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet. So unless you plan on never enjoying some eating freedom without worrying about what you're eating, why be so strict on yourself for a few days out with friends?

    I'm not saying go binge just to binge. But order what you want on the menus, indulge in some regional treats, and remember to have fun.

    A few days isn't going to ruin everything you've already worked to do and it's not going to stop you from losing any more once you get back. You may have a small increase on the scale from the sodium, but once you get back on track when you get home and get some water flushed through your system, those will drop back off.
  • MrGonzo05
    MrGonzo05 Posts: 1,120 Member
    "I'm on vacation, let's binge" doesn't work for me. Make the best choices you can, live a little, and move on.
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    "I'm on vacation, let's binge" doesn't work for me. Make the best choices you can, live a little, and move on.

    I forgot a very, very important "not" in my post. I've edited it to add it in properly. I was specifically NOT saying to binge just because you're on vacation. I was simply saying to relax and enjoy the time away from the daily grind, including the tighter restrictions of trying eat right all the time.
  • ihateroses
    ihateroses Posts: 893 Member
    Just eat smaller portions of whatever your friends are cooking, or let them know that you are watching your calories.

    I think it might be rude to bring your own food/make your own food when you are a guest and I bet your friends wouldn't mind accommodating you.
  • papate
    papate Posts: 67 Member
    I leave Wednesday morning for my vacation in Hawaii. ..... I been wondering the same thing. I'll watch it when I can, and well, if the choices aren't there, I face up to it and accept the couple pounds and work it off harder when I get back. I can't obsess on the calories that week, I do it enough at home. Good luck to you and enjoy.
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
    Small portions (you won't offend), eat slowly, big helpings of veggies, and skip sauces. Eat smal desserts. If you don't mention it no one will notice. Your plate will be full and you'll eat everything.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    I don't think anyone would be offended if you ate healthy portions of what they cooked for you instead of large portions. If they say anything at all (likely they won't), just tell them about myfitnesspal!

    I had only been on MFP for a month before i went on vacation for the first time. It sort of helped to have a large, late brunch and snacks and dinner. We rarely ate a full 3 meals a day.
  • Elleinnz
    Elleinnz Posts: 1,661 Member
    Personally I normally go to " maintenance" when I am on holiday - especially with friends & family...... These things happen - it is called life..... Make smart choices without being a pain in the behind..., indulge here and there..... Do as much walking as you can and get back into it when you get back home.....

    Following moderation I normally either stay at my weight, or even if I pick up one or two pounds it comes off quite quickly once I am home my "normal diet" is quite low carb, so when I am holiday the biggest change is normally more carbs - just because that is how my family tends to eat...... Luckily I know carb weight is easier to shed (water ;-))
  • kristi5224
    kristi5224 Posts: 98 Member
    I started this program and within a week took a cross country driving trip then 1 week in the Ozarks then flew back home. My husband didn't think I could stick with my then 1200 a day, but I did.
    Make good choices ALL DAY. A beer with lunch can make the rest of your day go poorly. Most restaurants...even fast food are able to cheerfully accommodate you.
    You can do it. fro me the booze was the biggest challange.
  • HurricaneElaine
    HurricaneElaine Posts: 984 Member
    Seafood and salad or some kind of veg - fresh corn on the cob maybe? YUM. Nice small filet mignon, n'est ce pas? Also yum!

    eta: Oh, I just read your post again, St. Louis is barbecue country! Splurge on the ribs, baby!!!
  • young1726
    young1726 Posts: 347 Member
    Last year I actually lost weight while on vacation. I switched to maintenance mode instead of my normal deficit and I just estimated what I was having instead of my usual measuring/weighing. We didn't go visit anyone, just my own family vacation...so I didn't have worry about offending anyone. We made sure to take walks, go swimming, etc to burn some cals. We even bought some diet Dr pepper and southern comfort and had a few drinks on the balcony with the sunset...and as I said...I lost weight! We're off on vacation to branson, mo this Wednesday and I hope I can have the same kind of success! Good luck to you!
  • HurricaneElaine
    HurricaneElaine Posts: 984 Member
    I leave Wednesday morning for my vacation in Hawaii. ..... I been wondering the same thing. I'll watch it when I can, and well, if the choices aren't there, I face up to it and accept the couple pounds and work it off harder when I get back. I can't obsess on the calories that week, I do it enough at home. Good luck to you and enjoy.

    Oooh, Hawaii!! You can get some SERIOUS seafood there!! If you like sushi, try what they call 'poke'. There's also a regional delicacy called 'opihi' (I would love to try it) - they're small limpets that only natives are allowed to harvest.
  • 26Nirak
    26Nirak Posts: 140 Member
    Hi Anna -

    I spent vacation time in Austria and Germany this year, and came back with weight lost while enjoying myself and the food (not known for its low-fat content). The ticket for me was:
    a) sharing meals when ordering out or ordering the kiddie/senior plate
    b) eating when hungry or invited. Put your own portions on your plate....avoids offending people if you don't clean your plate
    c) eating what I really wanted
    d) and most importantly: eating SLOW and with AWARENESS. Put your knife and fork down between bites and chew, taste, chew. If it takes you a long time to eat your fist helping, you won't feel pressured into having a second one.
    e) Stop eating before you feel stuffed (goes with b))
    f) drink lots of water and always alternate one glass of water with your alcoholic beverages

    I have a blog you are welcome to read: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Karin62/view/after-the-vacation-409657

    Most importantly: enjoy your vacation! St. Louis is on my bucket-list, so I am jealous!!! :)

    Let us know how you made out!

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