All Inclusive Tropical Resort Coping Tips?

Hi all.

In a week, I'm taking off for a 10 day trip to an all inclusive resort (in Cuba) for 10 days. I've been working so hard to watch what I'm eating, and I want to maintain my weight loss momentum (and motivation).

Any tips for healthy food and coping mechanisms at an all inclusive resort (where the drinks flow non stop and you get hammered with starchy Cuban food?)

So far, my thoughts are:
- Do a good chunk of physical activity each day (beach walking; snorkelling; etc.)
- Focus on protein and vegetables
- Take that wonderful cafe con leche with no sugar
- Give myself a quota of two sugary tropical drinks a day (and diet pop and bottled water the rest of the time).

Any other bright ideas ?
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Replies

  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I just got back from Punta Cana...my tips enjoy yourself...drink up all you want of what you want and don't sweat it.

    I will admit I gained 4lbs...but it was gone in just over 2 weeks...

    enjoy yourself please...that is what it is about.

    It doesn't diminish your motivation or momentum...well it didn't mine...makes me want to go again next year and look even better in my bikini...so more motivation.
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    Go enjoy yourself and get back to it when you return home.
  • Gramps251
    Gramps251 Posts: 738 Member
    Just have fun and do the best you can by controlling portion sizes. It's only 10 days.

    If there are buffets use a salad plate rather then a large one and you'll probably exercise more than at home with walking to seeing stuff or swimming. After all you'll be in the tropics. Explore.
  • Some_Watery_Tart
    Some_Watery_Tart Posts: 2,250 Member
    Enjoy your vacation. Get back to work when you come home. Have fun!
  • Yeah I would say enjoy it too. There will probably be a lot of fruit around too... really really good fruit. That's the part I miss most. Miss the pitajaya. And gallo pinto.. and the cheese. I'm Central American going in a week and a half!!!! Say hi to me while I'm flying by lol!!!
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,987 Member
    When confronted with a hotel buffet, just ask yourself occasionally "Am I really enjoying this?". If the answer is yes then by all means continue. if you are eating mediocre quality food just because it is plentiful and available, stop.
  • CJ_Holmes
    CJ_Holmes Posts: 759 Member
    Your first goal- Have fun!

    Sample all the food, but there is no need to eat large quantities. Feeling bloated and sluggish will not contribute to your first goal of having fun.

    When I'm traveling, I ask myself if I can get this food item regularly at home, or if it's special. No need to eat a bunch of mediocre french toast or cheesecake. Fresh local seafood? Tropical fruit? Go nuts!

    Stay active! You will probably end up doing more than you do at home.
  • MyOwnSunshine
    MyOwnSunshine Posts: 1,312 Member
    When confronted with a hotel buffet, just ask yourself occasionally "Am I really enjoying this?". If the answer is yes then by all means continue. if you are eating mediocre quality food just because it is plentiful and available, stop.

    Best advice ever. In fact, it could be applied to all eating situations.

    Don't overeat just because you can. Make choices that you will truly enjoy and savor them. Choose foods that you can't get at home. Try new things. Choose fruits and veggies for your side dishes. Enjoy yourself guilt-free, but avoid mindless overeating just because the food is available.
  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    Just enjoy yourself. Life is too short to stress over diets on vacation.

    Get out and be active and enjoy all the delicious food and drink.
  • annabellj
    annabellj Posts: 1,337 Member
    ask yourself if you will be able to get back on track when u get back, if not dont overendulge
  • callas444
    callas444 Posts: 261 Member
    Most places have vegetarian options. Although they are not always lighter than the carnivorous options, it gives you something else to try if the regular entrees are very heavy. Also don't forget broth based soups before your meal can make you eat less calories for your entire meal. Watch the salad dressings as they are evil evil stuff. (lol) And you'll always do better to pass on the bread basket. May as well make your calories worthwhile, not bread. blah

    Enjoy!
  • I can help. OP, you're right. It's almost impossible. You will probably undo everything you've done to better yourself up to this point. Ask yourself, Is one measly tropical vacation worth losing it all? I'll PM you my address and take those tickets off your hands for you.
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    lol coping tips lol!!
  • lsorci919
    lsorci919 Posts: 772 Member
    I went to Vegas in January. Ate and drank all sorts of stuff. I logged and made sure to get some exercise in while there. It didn't throw me off at all. Just enjoy yourself.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I can help. OP, you're right. It's almost impossible. You will probably undo everything you've done to better yourself up to this point. Ask yourself, Is one measly tropical vacation worth losing it all? I'll PM you my address and take those tickets off your hands for you.

    hahah good one.
  • TX_Rhon
    TX_Rhon Posts: 1,549 Member
    Go enjoy yourself and get back to it when you return home.

    Another vote for ^^this!!!
  • ashenriver
    ashenriver Posts: 498 Member
    I went to Cuba a month ago.

    My tips: eat and drink what you want, I came back the same weight (a lot of the food isn't that great, some of it is, just don't go crazy) In fact all of none of us gained.

    Bring a Large mug to have your drinks filled up, its much better then the little teeny tiny plastic ones they give you. hey its even environmentally friendly. We had some 1 litre mugs that we would either fill up with water before hitting the beach or with a mojito that would last us till lunch

    Lots and lots of sunscreen, I got burnt my last morning, it was not fun.

    If you have time go to the doctor and get a prescription for stomach bug pills. They may not be needed, but they work wonders. 3 out of 12 of us got a stomach bug, I was one of them.

    Try a mojito with dark rum. Tasty

    If they have it ask at the bar for a 'Disco" or crème de la disco. Its like baileys but better.

    enjoy yourself and enjoy the sun.
  • caroldavison332
    caroldavison332 Posts: 864 Member
    Eat before you are so famished that you stuff yourself. Take a BIT of everything you like. The first bite tastes best. I would skip pasta fries etc and put any sauce on veggies or protein. Also I don't waste "cheeseburger" on alcohol. It's liquid sugar and turns quickly into fat.
  • Serah87
    Serah87 Posts: 5,481 Member
    I went on a 5 night cruise, ate whatever I wanted, gained 7 pounds, lost it all few days later. :bigsmile:

    Have fun and enjoy yourself. :flowerforyou:
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Exercise while you're there - no need to stop that. Eat, get hammered, etc but get back to your routine when you get back. You shouldn't have to "cope" with a vacation.
  • sargessexyone
    sargessexyone Posts: 494 Member
    I just got back from Punta Cana...my tips enjoy yourself...drink up all you want of what you want and don't sweat it.

    I will admit I gained 4lbs...but it was gone in just over 2 weeks...

    enjoy yourself please...that is what it is about.

    It doesn't diminish your motivation or momentum...well it didn't mine...makes me want to go again next year and look even better in my bikini...so more motivation.

    This. A trip like that is taken so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Do not worry about anything but having a good time with the person going with you. Eat drink and be merry!!
  • Natmarie73
    Natmarie73 Posts: 287 Member
    Sounds like you will need a chaperone to keep you on the straight and narrow and it so happens I'm available on those dates!

    Seriously though, you have proven to yourself that you can do it so relax a little and enjoy your holiday, eat all the nice foods and have some cocktails but like a previous person said, don't waste the calories on food you can get at home or on food you are not enjoying just because its there and its free. Save your calories for the really nice foods you might not have the chance of trying again.

    And yes, go for long walks on the beach, swim, snorkel and dance into the wee hours to burn it all off :drinker:
  • loriq41
    loriq41 Posts: 479 Member
    Just be active, eat the foods you really want and ENJOY! I am not financially able to take this kind of trip so feel blessed and have a blast!
  • Greenrun99
    Greenrun99 Posts: 2,065 Member
    Go enjoy yourself and get back to it when you return home.
  • MizTerry
    MizTerry Posts: 3,763 Member
    I think someone wanted to brag.
    I can't blame you. :bigsmile:

    Walk daily and make up for errors when you return.
  • trybefan
    trybefan Posts: 488 Member
    ENJOY!! You will probably regret NOT indulging in the local food and drink more than the few lbs you may gain. Vacations are for taking a break.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I went to Cuba a month ago.

    My tips: eat and drink what you want, I came back the same weight (a lot of the food isn't that great, some of it is, just don't go crazy) In fact all of none of us gained.

    Bring a Large mug to have your drinks filled up, its much better then the little teeny tiny plastic ones they give you. hey its even environmentally friendly. We had some 1 litre mugs that we would either fill up with water before hitting the beach or with a mojito that would last us till lunch

    Lots and lots of sunscreen, I got burnt my last morning, it was not fun.

    If you have time go to the doctor and get a prescription for stomach bug pills. They may not be needed, but they work wonders. 3 out of 12 of us got a stomach bug, I was one of them.

    Try a mojito with dark rum. Tasty

    If they have it ask at the bar for a 'Disco" or crème de la disco. Its like baileys but better.

    enjoy yourself and enjoy the sun.

    these are all good tips too...

    I will add a few more...don't take spray sunscreen you go through it too fast...

    x10 on the refillable cup you get more that way too...

    try a bahama mama...AMG

    Take tums or rolaids...our resort didn't sell them...helps on the rum dum days...ask my husband

    and some imodium too and be proactive with it...
  • CampbellTony
    CampbellTony Posts: 38 Member
    I have the same predicament in August, My wife, daughter and myself are going to the Constance Moofushi resort in the Maldives. How will we survive :ohwell: I'l tell you how we'll survive. REALLY WELL!!! Lots of opportunities to be active outdoors, lots of fresh fish and fruit (not forgetting the odd drink or six). We wont cope, we'll have a blast. If we all put on weight, we'll lose it again, no issues there. Enjoy your time away and do absolutedly everything that pleases you.
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    The food isn't as good at the resorts in Cuba as elsewhere in the Caribbean. Even at 5-stars it can be kind of bland and boring (probably thanks to trade restrictions and such.) It's a lot easier to eat moderately with lots of fruit and vegetables in Cuba than elsewhere because stuff doesn't taste as good, haha.

    Alternate alcohol with water, try some of the beach activities, and don't get too hung up on the calories.
  • Thaeda
    Thaeda Posts: 834 Member
    As many others have said--- go have fun!! Eat, drink, be merry! But there is no reason you cannot be mindful while you do that--- eat within the context of hunger/fullness, choose protein/veg first, and if you don't mind skipping something fattening, then just skip it-- but don't "diet" while you are on vacation--- just relax and enjoy!!!