Hi everyone! :-) Going to VEGAS..HELP!

You do not have to go to the buffets, my first visit to Vegas I never even saw one. I also am going back in a week and I plan to eat while I'm there, but I also plan to work out while I'm there too. There's the balance.

I got to go to Vegas on my 21st birthday with my family and it was the coolest experience! Vegas is a place though to let everything go and just relax. We ate at buffets almost everyday and drank our hearts out but you got to remember you will probably be swimming throughout the day(if you do) and walking. There is so much walking! All you will want to do is drink water and there are people selling water every few feet because it is much needed! Just don't load your plate to the moon and you will be okay. I actually lost weight but again its just swimming and walking all day and you are gunna need those calories to get by!

Vegas has tons of options and lots of walking, and not all meals have to be pig outs. But don't hold yourself to being perfect on vacation. You've got to enjoy yourself.

When I did the buffets at Vegas, I only made 2 trips. The first was to the salad bar, where I loaded up on greens and other tasty low-cal plants with a little dressing - stay off the mayo-ey things (food poisoning isn't fun and that's risky food anyway in addition to being high in calories). Once I'd eaten my way through that plate, I did a tour of the buffet to see everything that was on offer. Then I picked what I really wanted, rather than small scoops of everything as I went through the buffet sight unseen. Once I'd gotten through that plate, that was it - done for me!

We ate a later breakfast in the condo we rented, then a nice big buffet dinner, and found that because we were having more caloric beverages than normal (hint, hint) we weren't nearly as hungry as at home when it's tea and water most of the time.

We found in Vegas that we walked everywhere, so we did get exercise in, just not as intense as normal. Overall, I came back 1lb lighter in a week than before I left.

You do a lot of walking in Vegas. Park your car somewhere and explore the strip on foot. You won't have to worry so much about enjoying a couple of nice meals that way. There are TONS of restaurants to choose from and plenty of healthy options. You'll love it!

Back in the old days, the casinos offered buffets to get you in the door. But, my impression is that cheap food is a thing of the past. Now they try to offer quality, and even compete with chefs.
I don't even remember a buffet for breakfast in the past 10 years.
I have been there quite a bit. But, I haven't been there in about four years. I used to go about four times a year.
Jogging is difficult there. But, all the hotels have gyms, though they usually charge you about $25 a visit. And, trust me, you will walk, walk, walk.

Definitely plan on taking in a couple shows while you are there, unless you are just planning on hitting the clubs. I can't drink 24/7 - much as I'd like to...and a show is a good way to kill time without spending a lot of money.


Of course, it depends on what you like. For Cirque Du Soleil shows (and I've seen all of them there) I would recommend "O" or "Ka".

You should take in at least one "showgirl" type show...there's Bally's for traditional, MGM for the French thing...("Crazy Horse"), I've seen Chippendales (meh, unless you like a bunch of rabid drunk women) "Legends" is good (celebrity impersonators), Criss Angel is fun, there are sooooo many shows - go online and check them out and then pre-book if you can. You'll get better seats, and cheaper if you call the theaters instead of trying to book online. You can also call the Concierge at the hotel where you will be staying and have them book for you.

There are probably some good comedy shows and music headliners while you are there. For "must-see" regular shows I would pick "Ka" and "Crazy Horse" . Crazy Horse is beautiful, erotic, and intimate. The theater is small, and the talent is very good. Both these shows are at MGM.

For free stuff, go to Mirage and Treasure Island at night for the Volcano and the Sirens (Pirates and wenches) shows..take the shuttle from Bally's out to the Rio for the Mardi Gras floats in the casino. Go to the Venetian and walk around the square and the canals with the gondolas. Check out the live lions in MGM. Go to the M&M Museum - hit up Margaritaville for lunch or dinner (down across from Ceasars) and go in and wander around as many casino/hotels as you have time for. They're all unique and there is always something to see .

To get around, bring your most comfortable walking shoes. You can buy a day pass on the buses that run up and down the strip, or you can cab it. There is a train/tram (about $12 a day), but it involves a LOT of walking - and it runs along the far backside of the casinos. You can take a cab, the train, or the bus to Old Vegas ("Downtown") where the laser light show is free. A few of the hotels have mini-trams that travel between them (like Mirage to Treasure Island or Mandalay to Luxor) You can pay to ride the roller coaster at NYNY or the one at the top of the Stratosphere. The Aquarium at Mandalay is really cool - about $20. Whatever you plan to do, always check that it will be open or available that day. Many things are closed on certain days (usually Sun, Mon, Tues or Wed.)

I was a blackjack dealer, so I'm not much of a gambler, I got my fill of it on that side of the table - so Vegas to me is shows, buffets, walking and just the general freak-show that is Vegas. I never get any sleep while I'm there. I have to say, though, a week in Vegas might kill me. I usually go for three nights.

My mantra is "There's no sleeping in Vegas, sleep when you get home."

You'll meet people around the pools in the daytime and make plans for clubbing.

My opinion: avoid the buffets. They have gotten ridiculously expensive anyway, and there are lots of restaurants where you can get healthier and better food for the same amount of money. Second, tourists are what keep Vegas alive--without tourists, the restaurants (on the Strip at least) would shut down, so they want to keep you happy. So don't be afraid to ask them to customize meals for you, cook your food a certain way, make substitutions, etc. Whatever you have to do. Good luck and have fun!

I go to Vegas all the time and stay under my calorie goals. I even workout there. Lol I know silly but I'm determined to get my weight off. Just make healthy choices. If your drinking stick with vodka and club soda. Hope I was a tiny bit helpful. Have a great trip.

Looking for new motivational friends and success stories! I am a 24 year old nurse from Edmonton Alberta Canada.
Lets motivate each other!
Started my diet March 1st of this year and have lost 32 pounds as of today, let's be there for each other along the way!
I have a long way to go on my weigh loss journey, and I can't wait

I am a bit scared because I booked my first ever trip to Las Vegas on May 20th for a week and it is buffet heaven.. I am terrified to gain weight now...any tips or suggestions on how not to cave on my diet while in Vegas?

Feel free to send me a message or add me as a friend... love love love,
Nice to meet you all, Jill

I was in Vegas for 5 days last February. Loved it, what a blast! I never worry about calories on vacation...I've got the other 300+ days to keep myself in check. One thing I will tell you about Vegas though......you will walk walk walk your butt off. Even after all the delicious meals and cocktails we had I think I lost weight from all the walking!!!!! Just enjoy!!:drinker:

I will be there on Monday the 27th with my fiance for my birthday!!!... I have tried the buffets and they aren't bad, just pricey. We love going to Chipotle, and Margaritaville! I say go have fun because i'm sure you are going to be burning a decent amount of calories if you walk the strip (don't take a taxi if you are worried about gaining weight during your trip).

As far as shows go to Cris Angel magic show, a cirque du soleil show, bodies exhibit, there is just so much! But definitely go to Margaritaville, there is a bartender named Rowdy that really takes care of his people. He makes amazing drinks and the food is really good.

I'm excited to go back in 12 days!!! Have a wonderful time! :drinker: