Do we watch we eat on Vacation

I track everything and try to keep my exercise routine as much as possible even on vacation. That doesn't mean I don't indulge or go over my calories while on vacation, because I do, but I like the accountability of tracking it all to keep myself in check.

I track if I have internet access, and kind of mentally estimate if not. I don't deprive myself of anything, but I watch portions and try to stay within my daily goal. That's not to say I don't let loose every once and a while on a trip, but I do try to be mindful and make up for big days when possible.

Personally, I do it because 7 years ago I was in decent shape and watching what I ate (not tracking though), and it was a vacation that started my undoing. I didn't watch anything while on the trip, and didn't really gain anything, but it made me feel that I didn't need to be as careful. I ended up putting on about 10 lbs. a year for the next 6 years... something I don't want to do again.

I'm so glad you posted this. I have a cruise booked on the 14th and I have completely freaked myself out over eating. I read an article where a girl gained 17 pounds while cruising. I'm so nervous about gaining that kind of weight but I think because I'm so freaked out I won't. I truly hope I can let my hair down and enjoy the food (within the MFP limits). I've already phoned the cruise company to make sure the gym is adequate so hopefully I can get some work outs in. My last trip I was told there was internet and turns outs it was hit and miss (more miss). So my logging was disastrous. I hope I'm able to log on this one.

don't panic, you wont gain 17lbs, that person obviously ate EVERYTHING in sight and didn't walk much...just don't over fill your plate, be aware that they add an awful lot of salt to everything so drink loads of water - just be aware of quantities and make good choices ok - just enjoy it, its the best holiday experience you can have on a cruise ship and the food is outstanding :-D

This! You'll be fine if you make sure you do some activity every day rather than sit around waiting for the next snack

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I've heard wonderful things about cruises. Very excited.

I usually come back from vacations about 5lbs. lighter, and that's completely blowing off all dietary concerns. I'm usually lugging scuba tanks all over the place, climbing in and out of the water, etc., and I'm exhausted at the end of each day. Even beer and fried garbage hardly keeps me fueled. :P

While we don't scuba dive. But, our vacations are usually packed with hiking, climbing, fishing, and paddling. We also cook 75% of our meals. I've never gained on vacation, and usually come back a little lighter.

I am so glad you posted this too as its something that is very much on my mind right now. Usually after a weeks holidays I come back with about 4lbs on even though I do loads of walking. I blame the breads/pasteries. At the moment I am watching my carbs in order to get a few extra pounds off before we go away and I am worried that I will pile on even more weight than ever, we are off to Italy for 11 days but we are self catering so I do hope to have more control on what I eat, I think most of the damage I do is at breakfast so hopefully having no buffet to choose from will be a help. I will stock up on food for breakfasts and lunches when we get there and try and do so on a full tummy so hopefully I will not buy too much that will tempt me.

I still have a lot of weight to lose, so I don't want to come back from holidays with loads of weight on and feel dejected. I wish I could bring my scales on hols!!

I went to Italy with my parents for 10 days last year. My father lost 17lbs, my mom lost 10lbs and I lost 5lbs (didn't need to lose at). With all the walking and how hot is was we still ate like we were on vacation and enjoyed the food and wine. I think as long as you are being active you can enjoy and don't have to be strict about what you consume.

Vacations are good opportunities to practice intuitive eating and portion control for maintenance. I eat the same whether I'm maintaining or cutting...just the calorie count is different. I eat pretty much the same whether I'm on vacation or at home...lots of veg and fruit, some whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats...it doesn't change just because I'm in a different city or whatever.

I do not log on vacation, I have better things to do. Plus, I usually end up losing anyway because I'm way more active while on vacation than I am at home sitting in my office all day 5 days per week.

See it as a time to eat at maintenance and refeed your metabolism. Then when you come back there will be no plateau and weightloss will be nice and smooth! Make sure to drink a lot of water, I always get really dehydrated on vacation lol!

I still log and will try to do as much walking as possible. I often get day passes at a local gym as well and workout in the mornings. I will indulge in the local food though and just try to net within maintenance on the indulgent days.

THIS:drinker:

I tend to not log my calories on vacation and I do eat pretty much what I want but I still watch my portion size I split my desert. So I am a bit more careful but don't make my life and those around me difficult. I also will also make sure I eat one meal a day this is smaller and lighter most often breakfast.

I agree. This process has taught me to make better choices in general including how to make smart selections from menus, even fast food menus. However, when on vacation I will splurge a little on local treats, or a nice dinner. not too much mind you. ANd I do track. I've been watching the scale very slowly go in the wrong direction after being in maintenance for six months, so I know vigilance is key.

I think it's a case of what you feel comfortable with at the end of the day.
I am not comfortable with those sit around and do nothing holidays so I can afford to be a little less strict on the eating front because I know I've done the exercise. Having said that though, I do still try and stay healthy and I do keep tabs on what I'm eating, but I think that's a force of habit more than anything.
All I can really suggest, in your circumstance is try to get some exercise in during the day so you can keep the damage to a minimum, but don't worry about it too much. Enjoy spending time with your family, not worrying about calories

I log in everyday and exercise. Still gained on our last cruise though, but lost it within a few weeks.

I went on a four day vacation around Memorial day weekend. I tracked to the best of my ability (most of the places didn't have nutrititional information so I had to guess) but i still ended up gaining a pound that I can't push off despite being at a deficit. I thought it was sodium but that seems unlikely.

I definitely DO NOT watch what I eat on vacation. Vacation to me spells FREEDOM from having to do anything I am supposed to do. The funny thing is that when I am on vacation, I don't want as much. I am way more relaxed and the cravings don't seem overwhelming.

I sure don't! But because this is a life-style change, I have habits that keep me from gaining while on vacation. I'm use to much smaller portions, always order Iced Tea at restaurants as I don't drink things with calories, etc...! I never lose weight while on vacation, but I don't gain either!