My vacation NSV

Edited to add: it's sort of a scale victory too I guess, but not intentionally... hope that makes sense, HAHAHA.

Just came back from being away 15 days - 9 days all inclusive (buffets galore and deserts, oh my!) and the remaining days either on the road or in hotels having to eat whatever, whenever. I went HAM just before leaving hoping to give myself a little extra wiggle room and told myself if I gained up to 5lbs, I'd be AOK with that.

I got home lastnight, slept, and woke up this morning to.....


1.2 lbs LOST while away. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

So freakin' stoked. I am now going from full vacation swing into full maintenance without having to be at a deficit again for a month or two as I had anticipated.

Here is what I did while away, in case it helps someone else. It's really all just common sense and good habits I think? But regardless, it worked, and I am so excited.

I did not log while at the all inclusive. I figured it would be too hard, and too stressful. Food wise I filled my plate up first and foremost with steamed veggies (I was lucky they had two varieties at lunch and dinner), fruit, and lean protein (they had plain grilled fish, steak, chicken). I would definitely sample some of the more saucy/calorie dense yummyiness as well, just in smaller portions. Things like sauced veggies and meat, pasta, soup, bread. I ate desert at all 3 meals - breakfast they had to die for chocolate bread, one piece. Lunch was always small, like a mini fruit tart or two, and dinner I always had a full sized desert (or two, a couple of nights). I drank moderately (1-3 drinks) a couple of days, no drinks at all several days, and drank heavy one night (8-10? can't remember, lol). I only drank diet soda and vodka to avoid extra calorie bombs in drinks. Aside from that I drank either tea, water, or diet something - never bothered to "drink" any calories as I preferred to eat them instaead. lol. I ate to "feeling full" most meals, to be honest, which was a bit strange as I really dislike that "distended belly" feeling but we only normally ate 3 times per day instead of my usual 6-7 small meals per day so it was kind of necessary to eat a good bit because it was usually 4 or 5 hours between meals. Not ideal, but it was what it was and it worked alright.

Activities wise there was a good bit of walking to and fro, hubby and I went to the gym 5 or so times to lift heavy (stronglifts), I ran outdoors and on the treadmill a total of probably 8 or so times over the 14 days. We swam, played beach volleyball, did flying trapeze for 2-3 hours, 6 days (MAJOR workout for the whole body and with climbing up a ladder 24 feet each time, a little cardio too I'd say). I did yoga several times either on my own or with a group (they had classes, score!). I also did bodyweight exercises whenever I could - air squats, push ups, planks, abs, etc. just to keep up with my normal routine and ability to feel good.

We drank lots of water the whole time except for the days we were on the road (not fujn to have to stop to pee every 45 minutes when you have 16 or 20 hours ahead of you - sigh).

I am now officially in maintenance mode and couldn't be happier. I love this community for all the support it has given me, and I know I'll continue to lean on MFP and my friends here as I continue my journey into maintaining this weight and healthful lifestyle for life. And maybe lean on some of you for bulk help in the fall?