going on vacation and nervous....

chelle7870 · April 2014

Hello MFP community, I need some advice. going on a mini vacation tomorrow and won't be bringing my laptop because other family members( my 23yo son) not going want to use the family computer. I'm really fearful about not being able to log my food daily. I feel like the wheels could potentially fall off the wagon while I'm gone and it's the last thing I want. I've been pretty dedicated to logging daily and having results. I'm started to stress about our trip and my husband says I should be able to relax when we go away. I almost don't want to go because of my fear of screwing up.

I'm desperate for any suggestions or advice. In the past, a temporary slip up turns into an all out binge for about a month, maybe longer because I start self loathing myself for not having any control over my eating. Trying to break the cycle.

Can I back log? If I write everything I eat down, can I come home and go back and log? Leaving on Tuesday returning Friday...

SezxyStef · April 2014

I went on an 8 day vacation and didn't log at all...no internet access...

I watched my food intake, didn't watch my alcohol tho...

I had fun, after all it was vacation, I didn't worry about too much...drank too much alcohol for that...

I gain a few pounds over 8 days...it was gone in 2 weeks and I found it easy to get back to logging after I got back...took a week to ensure I was staying in goal better but after that it's been smooth sailing...

my suggestion...go enjoy your mini vacation...and god forbid stop considering not going out of fear...

If you wish to back log do that...wont change what you ate but can give you an idea of what you ate...

shano25 · April 2014

You can come back and log, that's not a problem. Are you worried about calorie intake? Then take a pad of paper and pencil with you and track just your calories. Can you plan ahead? Knowing where you might eat means you can look at menus online beforehand and know what good choices will be.

Also, if you do slip, get right back into proper eating when you get back. Let this be a chance to relax and try your best, and know that when you get home you'll have MFP to log into and get back on track.

nomeejerome · April 2014

Go enjoy yourself and get back to it when you get home.

emdeesea · April 2014

Look - you're going away for 3 days. That's nothing. Just keep a paper log if you have to. And honestly, if you cheat for those 3 days that shouldn't be enough to throw you TOO far off.

I recently went overseas for 3 weeks where I had NO computer access and yeah, I fell off the wagon. But I got back on when I came back. That's life. You just keep going.

Capt_Apollo · April 2014

what kind of vacation? cruise? resort? cabin in the woods?

if you can, try skipping a meal, maybe breakfast. or have something really light like a piece of fruit. most people go really big on lunch and dinner anyway.

at lunch and dinner, start off each meal with a salad. don't load up your plate. just go get the salad, and then sit down, and then go for the main course. don't load up your plate. just get one serving. okay, you're on vacation, get a big serving. you can have dessert, but only at night.

for alcohol, stay away from sugary concoctions, as those will have a lot of calories, and are often watered down any way. stick to straight wine, beer, or alcohol with a healthy mixer like club soda.

resorts and cruise ships have gyms. use them. find a way to make health and fitness part of your routine.

drink plenty of water.

shano25 · April 2014

Also, I once went on vacation to the US with the mentality that I was going to "eat American" and by that I meant I was going to enjoy every single restaurant we don't have here. I cleaned my plate (which I don't often do at restaurants at home) and ate some of the worst (and yet best) fast foods I could (hello Zaxby's Strawberry Cheesecake milkshake.) In a week and a half I put on 5 pounds.

So if you're going on a mini vacation and trying to eat well without stressing over it, you won't end up putting on too much weight that it will hurt you when you come home.

Sweets1954 · April 2014

You can certainly back log. Just writing down what you eat will help keep you aware. Try to make good choices and if you slip up a little, don't stress about it! Just get back on the band wagon when you get home. I had the same problem when my husband and I went to visit my step daughter last year. She doesn't fix breakfast or even have anything for us to fix our own, lunch is hit or miss, and dinner often wasn't until 8 or 9 o'clock at night. I tried to find bars that I could use for breakfast and went out for lunch as much as possible. I not only have to worry about weight loss but I'm diabetic as well.

siratlas · April 2014

First of all, yay for vacations!

I understand your concern...I'm kindof in the same situation. I've been relying on this to monitor my intake and progress and I really don't want to relapse into unhealthy eating habits. However, because I've had times where I simply cuoldn't log in...I've also learned that I can trust myself more and to listen to what my body needs. Attitude is half of the battle!

When I'm in a place with no or little computer access, I still watch my portions and such.I read labels when I can and mark it down on a piece of paper. I do backlog into my diary if possible, just for consistence.

Going "log free" can also be beneficial. It can take away some of the stress and build more confidence in my own awareness of what I'm eating.

I'm wishing you the best! Enjoy your vacation and be kind to yourself! Remember to take it day by day.

deksgrl · April 2014

I think your husband is right, you should be able to relax and not fear going on vacation because of food. If you want, write down what you ate. It is difficult to estimate calories when eating out though, so I would also advise that you relax a little and not worry a lot.

conniemaxwell5 · April 2014

I agree with your husband. Relax while you're on vacation. A vacation is a break from the every day routine of work, kids' schedules, our schedules, housework AND dieting! When you come back from vacation you get right back into all of the other routines. Menu planning and logging should be one of those routines you get right back into.

I also suggest that you don't weigh yourself when you come back until you've been back on track for at least a few days. You will inevitibly gain a few pounds while on your mini vacation but they will come off very quickly once you're back on track.

AnnetteG0514 · April 2014

When I went on vacation recently I was a little concerned, too. I tried to make sure I had lots of healthy, lower-calorie foods available for snacks, and when we ate out I chose wisely while still enjoying myself. For example, we went to a nice restaurant where I could have indulged in German sausages, schnitzel, etc... Instead I chose a steak salad, which was absolutely delicious. For dessert my husband and daughter and I shared a little bit of ice cream, and it was just enough. I did indulge now and then, but I was careful not to indulge at every meal. You can do it! Even if you gain a few pounds, you can get right back to your routine the minute you get home, and the pounds will come right off. Allow yourself to have fun!

idojpdx · April 2014

For some reason, I always drop a couple pounds on vacation, even though I feel like I'm drinking more and often eating richer foods (although I still control portions). I'm not sure why it is, other than maybe a break in my normal eating and exercise routine nudges my body out of some sort of metabolic boredom. Good luck!

chelle7870 · April 2014

Thanks for the sound advice!!! I'm so addicted to this site, almost co-dependent. This will be a good test for me. I'm glad to hear that other people have experienced this trepidation and also made it thru without too much damage being done.

I've checked out the menus at the places we will be dining, looking for healthy options. Also, I decided to bring my own favorite salad dressing for all the salads I will have.

We're going to a beachfront resort and catching a ferry to Boston, MA, so hopefully I can have grilled seafood on my salads. I will allow myself the raw oysters that I love so much..... Also, I won't beat myself up mentally if I have my dirty martini.

A lot of Boston marathoners will be there at the same time. There's an event called the carbathon for anyone and everyone to enjoy, but my husband said we will stay far away from the carb eating extravaganza

OK!!!!! I CAN DO THIS!!!!

firstsip · April 2014

Thanks for the sound advice!!! I'm so addicted to this site, almost co-dependent. This will be a good test for me. I'm glad to hear that other people have experienced this trepidation and also made it thru without too much damage being done.

I've checked out the menus at the places we will be dining, looking for healthy options. Also, I decided to bring my own favorite salad dressing for all the salads I will have.

We're going to a beachfront resort and catching a ferry to Boston, MA, so hopefully I can have grilled seafood on my salads. I will allow myself the raw oysters that I love so much..... Also, I won't beat myself up mentally if I have my dirty martini.

A lot of Boston marathoners will be there at the same time. There's an event called the carbathon for anyone and everyone to enjoy, but my husband said we will stay far away from the carb eating extravaganza

OK!!!!! I CAN DO THIS!!!!

"Allow" yourself raw oysters?! Girl, those are 10-50 calories a piece and full of Zinc and protein! Go CRAZY with them.

And they're delicious.

dopeysmelly · April 2014

I went away for a week, didn't log anything, but ate very consciously and watched the portion sizes. I ate everything I wanted to (including one of those wonderful peanut buster things from DQ, although I couldn't finish it). I did more exercise than usual, although it was fun exercise (walking on the beach anyone?).

I had a great time, and actually lost just about as much as I'm losing most weeks 1-2lbs, so it can be done.

I think it's all about general restraint, not eating everything in sight and just enjoying yourself.

dopeysmelly · April 2014

Thanks for the sound advice!!! I'm so addicted to this site, almost co-dependent. This will be a good test for me. I'm glad to hear that other people have experienced this trepidation and also made it thru without too much damage being done.

I've checked out the menus at the places we will be dining, looking for healthy options. Also, I decided to bring my own favorite salad dressing for all the salads I will have.

We're going to a beachfront resort and catching a ferry to Boston, MA, so hopefully I can have grilled seafood on my salads. I will allow myself the raw oysters that I love so much..... Also, I won't beat myself up mentally if I have my dirty martini.

A lot of Boston marathoners will be there at the same time. There's an event called the carbathon for anyone and everyone to enjoy, but my husband said we will stay far away from the carb eating extravaganza

OK!!!!! I CAN DO THIS!!!!

"Allow" yourself raw oysters?! Girl, those are 10-50 calories a piece and full of Zinc and protein! Go CRAZY with them.

And they're delicious.

Oh boy! YES, PLEASE!!!

chelle7870 · April 2014

Yeah, raw oysters AND clams are my guilty pleasure. I love steamed clams so much that I can devour them without butter, they're already sweet to me.

So, maybe I will steer towards salads with some grilled salmon or shrimp on it. Walks on the beach will hopefully help me while on vacation.

I love MFP!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for all your help, I feel empowered now. Will anyone help me when I get back if things fall apart? I will need some support people.

FireOpalCO · April 2014

Do you have a smart phone? Because there is an app and you can log from it.

wilsoje74 · April 2014

I use the app on my phone to log.

misty5976 · April 2014

ditto the above! (app for smartphone!)

I'm in the car a lot for my job/family activities. I hardly ever log into MFP on an actual computer. I use the MFP app every single day though! U can still log everything that way, and maybe even figure calories ahead of time for eating out!

Also - it has that awesome scan capability so you can just scan a label on a snack or a drink and there it is!

We, too are taking a mini-vacay in May - and i'll use the app. im too new into the process and also really scared of getting off track. I'll allow myself a cheat day or 2 - but the not the whole 5 days im gone!

Also -you can utilize the hotel pool/gym to help keep you on track as far as exercise goes if thats an option for you!

If you dont have a smart phone - then DONT STRESS. just be mindful of what you've learned and whats going into your mouth and then get back on track when you get home. it will BE OKAY!

Aaron_K123 · April 2014

I think this is one of the reasons so many people on this forum preach the gospel of learning portion control and otherwise eating how you would normally eat over just being fanatic about eating clean or only whole foods that you can accurately track. Fact of the matter is in most cases people aren't going to be able to or want to track there calories as explicitly as we are doing now for the rest of our lives. I think the point of things like the MFP method is to get a good feel for what 2000 calories looks like and what it feels to eat that much by accurately logging and noting our bodies response so that eventually we can put the tool down and continue a healthy lifestyle.

Perhaps your vacation is just such an opportunity to test those waters, jump into the pool and see how you swim. I know that sounds stressful but it could also be a very rewarding experience that gives you the confidence that will help so much in sticking with a diet program.

So bottom line perhaps just eat slowly and exercise portion control. If you go a little over its no big deal and if you are being very careful chances are you will even undershoot (just because you are so worried). Either way unless its a 6 month long vacation its probably not going to derail the progress on what is likely a much longer journey of weight loss.

Cheers and good luck.

rak173 · April 2014

I do 90% of my logging with the app on my smart phone...really easy to use!

I would also be nervous as well, but the easiest thing to do would be to either keep a paper log and record it when you get home. Or do not log and just watch what you eat and make sure your active! I think it would be nice to have a break from logging and to see how much you have learned.

going on vacation and nervous....

Replies

Categories