Traveling killed my diet - uggh!
ColoradoDan
Posts: 85 Member
Went out to see my little brother this weekend in LA. Promised myself I would eat healthy on the road and not mess up my progress - even said I would work out if I could. Well - none of that happened.
Ate out every meal - these places had huge servings - and it sent me right off track. Omlettes, giant oreo pancakes, cheescake, biscuits and gravy, pasta, and more.
Stepped on scale today after two days gone and gained 4lbs. Boo.
Back on track today with eating right - going to get some exercise later today - but dang. Gotta lose that 4lbs before I am back on track.
Travelling sucks!
Ate out every meal - these places had huge servings - and it sent me right off track. Omlettes, giant oreo pancakes, cheescake, biscuits and gravy, pasta, and more.
Stepped on scale today after two days gone and gained 4lbs. Boo.
Back on track today with eating right - going to get some exercise later today - but dang. Gotta lose that 4lbs before I am back on track.
Travelling sucks!
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Replies
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Yeah.. every single vacation. Good news is that some of it is probably water weight and you'll lose it in no time!0
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Eating out every meal is likely to pack on weight - a lot of it will be water (good news). I was in NOLA for a week in November ... yeah there were 2# of actual fat gained right there. It happens.0
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I just got back from an 8 day vacation at an all-inclusive in Mexico. I didn't even try to be on plan, I never take these kind of vacations, I ate my weight in jalapeno poppers and drank all day every day and it was amazing.
I got back and I'd gained 9 pounds.
Except I've been back a week and lost 7 of those. (and I caught a terrible cold so I've been eating at maintenance, even)
So I gained about 2 'real' pounds, give or take. Totally worth it. Maybe it's because I've lost more than 60 pounds, but I just can't get too excited about 2.
What I'm saying is don't beat yourself up too much.0 -
It may have killed your "diet", but it will only kill the lifestyle if you let it. A diet is temporary. A healthy lifestyle is for life! Don't let a bad day, week, or even month stop you! Pick up and move on!
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LA is the best and the worst of healthy eating. The good news is, it's not a deal-breaker, it's only a week in an entire lifetime.0
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I am on the other side of this... went to vacation, decided to eat at maintenance for that week.Ended up overestimating food to be 'on the safe side' (i knew I was actually eating less then at home) and lost more then usually.
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@chimaerandi Ate your weight in jalapeño poppers? YOU, I like!
Calm down & let double the days you were away pass. What remains on the scale is the real deal. Totally worth it in my opinion. If our weight can fluctuate due to stress, sleep, pms, flu, sodium, air travel, food poisoning, etc I'm down with a fluctuation for the pleasures of travel and leisure! Small problem easily corrected. You know what to do.0 -
The travelling didn't kill your eating plan, your lack of willpower killed it. It's okay, it happens and it won't set you back very much. 0
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You are back on track now right? So no traveling didn't kill your diet. You took a break to enjoy your trip, and that's okay. It might have delayed your weight loss by a few days but it didn't stop you from continuing the journey.
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Ah well. Its a new day tomorrow right! Travelling and enjoying those moments are so worth it!!0
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Most of us are here because we understand that this is a way of life, not just a temporary diet. People enjoy themselves in real life. If that means a few days of eating more than we normally do, so be it. That is why it's called a vacation. People who have never worried about their weight do this...they go on vacation, indulge, and get back to their normal habits once they return. No big deal, just life.0
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Last month we spent three weeks visiting family on the other side of the United States. I came home for a couple days before I went to the spend the weekend with my mom. The movers packed us up two days later, and that same day we moved into a hotel where we'll be until we move across the world on Tuesday. We get there on Wednesday night and then sleep in another hotel until morning when we take the four-hour bus ride to our new home - which, by the way, could be a hotel for an undisclosed amount of time. We won't know where we're staying until we get there.
It's been hard to stay fully on track. My protein intake has not been up to my goal for a while now, and I've struggled a bit with logging and with wanting to eat recklessly, especially when no one around me is concerned with making nutritious choices. I've been forcing myself to log though, and that's been really helpful. I think next time you find yourself traveling you should plan to relax your expectations a bit. For example, if you normally eat at a deficit, maybe up your calories to maintenance when you're traveling. It's not easy, but it's possible!
And you're already back on track, four pounds or not!0 -
Traveling didn't kill your diet, you did. Either be okay with making bad decisions out of town (if food is more important than you goals), learn to eat smaller portions and enjoy food out (usually what I do), or shop at grocery stores and prepare your food (also what I do a lot of). I spent a month in Europe enjoyed all the food I wanted and didn't gain any weight.0
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Traveling didn't kill your diet, you did. Either be okay with making bad decisions out of town (if food is more important than you goals), learn to eat smaller portions and enjoy food out (usually what I do), or shop at grocery stores and prepare your food (also what I do a lot of). I spent a month in Europe enjoyed all the food I wanted and didn't gain any weight.
+1.
Enough excuses .0 -
Back on track today which feels nice.0
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Travelling doesn't kill diets, willpower and mental blocks kills it. I travel for work frequently, and take a lot of small vacations. If I want jalapeno poppers, I will either limit what my entree is or just have half of one. I plan out workouts in the morning to set my day off right. Whenever I travel, I try to find a room that has a kitchenette so I can prepare a small breakfast or something for control. And before I eat anything, I take 5 minutes to peruse MFP to get a guesstimate of calories.
I get the mental blocks where you just eat and eat...and when that happens don't beat yourself up, just move on.
But...travelling will never kill a diet. You are the one trying to lose weight, it is up to you whether a vacation 'kills' a diet or not.
Also this isn't a 'diet' this is a 'lifestyle change for the better' 0 -
Jamiempang wrote: »It may have killed your "diet", but it will only kill the lifestyle if you let it. A diet is temporary. A healthy lifestyle is for life! Don't let a bad day, week, or even month stop you! Pick up and move on!
^^This. Some of its likely water retention due to high sodium. 4 lbs can be lost. Figure out what you can learn from this experience to apply next time. Sounds like you need to develop some strategies for eating out. It can be done successfully.0 -
Went somewhere to visit your brother and had a great time for just a few days? SCREW YOUR DIET.
I mean, it is not made or broken on a few vacation days (Unless you taking a vacation every weekend).
After eating more, you will retain A LOT more water (extra sodium, and the body uses water to process foods). So, if the scale jumped up 5 pounds, its likely only 1 or 2 so of fat. And to gain 1 or 2 pounds of pure fat over a weekend would be... well, delicious? That's 3500 extra calories both days... and at your size, looks like 2500 at least would keep you going.... so 6000 calories a day... (The Rock eats like 5000 calories a day...).0 -
Everyone is correct - I should call it a lifestyle change but prefer the word diet (shorter to type) - to me they mean the same thing. A lifelong change of habits, eating, exercise, thinking, etc. But I get what your saying!
It was just hard - I am not making excuses - it was my willpower that failed me. I could have tried to find low calorie options - your right.
My family wanted to eat out every single meal and did. I had not eating out in 45 days.
They bought me multiple McDonalds sandwiches, a burrito, and hash browns while waiting for the plane (without asking me). They wanted to go to the breakfast spot in LA that was known for GIANT portions (pancakes that can feed 6 people (split between two people of course). French toast slices as big as your face. Scrambled egg portions that fill entire plates (the sides come on seperate plates). Next spot was a place that sells these giant 16 inch steak and cheese sandwiches - that is all they sell - you just add toppings you like. Stuff like that - it was hard to even see anything healthy on the menus. But maybe there was something there - OR - just take a couple bites and stop and try to ignore your mom asking every 30 seconds why your not eating.
My parents don't eat anything except fast food - at home every night it's pizza, subs, burritos, burgers, chinese, etc. Sit down restaurants scare them I guess and cooking at home - bet they haven't even used their kitchen since they moved in.
We did go to cheesecake factory and I said no to the slice of cheesecake but my mom went behind my back and told the guy I really wanted a slice but was dieting and had one brought out even though I said no. That is how they are - constantly offering me rice crispie bars, snickers bars, telling me I should get the pasta not the salad, etc - they know I am on a diet in the same sentence suggest things that go against it and I hear about it all day if I don't eat the same things as them. I told her daily and before the trip I needed to be healthy this trip - work out, eat right, etc.....her response was that probably won't work travelling with me. Uggh.
Whatever it's over - back on track like I said - I will do better next time too.0 -
ColoradoDan wrote: »Everyone is correct - I should call it a lifestyle change but prefer the word diet (shorter to type) - to me they mean the same thing. A lifelong change of habits, eating, exercise, thinking, etc. But I get what your saying!
It was just hard - I am not making excuses - it was my willpower that failed me. I could have tried to find low calorie options - your right.
My family wanted to eat out every single meal and did. I had not eating out in 45 days.
They bought me multiple McDonalds sandwiches, a burrito, and hash browns while waiting for the plane (without asking me). They wanted to go to the breakfast spot in LA that was known for GIANT portions (pancakes that can feed 6 people (split between two people of course). French toast slices as big as your face. Scrambled egg portions that fill entire plates (the sides come on seperate plates). Next spot was a place that sells these giant 16 inch steak and cheese sandwiches - that is all they sell - you just add toppings you like. Stuff like that - it was hard to even see anything healthy on the menus. But maybe there was something there - OR - just take a couple bites and stop and try to ignore your mom asking every 30 seconds why your not eating.
My parents don't eat anything except fast food - at home every night it's pizza, subs, burritos, burgers, chinese, etc. Sit down restaurants scare them I guess and cooking at home - bet they haven't even used their kitchen since they moved in.
We did go to cheesecake factory and I said no to the slice of cheesecake but my mom went behind my back and told the guy I really wanted a slice but was dieting and had one brought out even though I said no. That is how they are - constantly offering me rice crispie bars, snickers bars, telling me I should get the pasta not the salad, etc - they know I am on a diet in the same sentence suggest things that go against it and I hear about it all day if I don't eat the same things as them. I told her daily and before the trip I needed to be healthy this trip - work out, eat right, etc.....her response was that probably won't work travelling with me. Uggh.
Whatever it's over - back on track like I said - I will do better next time too.
Yeah that would be tough but personally I would have been pissed off at my mom and not eaten the cheesecake just to spite her, lol!
And next time just show her wrong just to spite her too..0 -
ColoradoDan wrote: »Went out to see my little brother this weekend in LA. Promised myself I would eat healthy on the road and not mess up my progress - even said I would work out if I could. Well - none of that happened.
Ate out every meal - these places had huge servings - and it sent me right off track. Omlettes, giant oreo pancakes, cheescake, biscuits and gravy, pasta, and more.
Stepped on scale today after two days gone and gained 4lbs. Boo.
Back on track today with eating right - going to get some exercise later today - but dang. Gotta lose that 4lbs before I am back on track.
Travelling sucks!
Nope it is not the traveling that sucks, it is the overeating and lack of self control. Let's be realistic because we have all been there.0 -
Right there with ya! Had a long weekend trip for my kids' school competition. I packed healthy snacks, planned ahead, and even though there was a lot of sitting around, did walk over the 10,000 steps daily goal and I still seem to feel bloated and this morning, a few ounces up in weight. I know I ate more than my allowed 1200 calories, but not by much! I said no to sweets, shakes, and fatty means, tried to eat salads, fruit, veggies...
I know ounces should not be a big deal, but after two weeks of working out, eating healthy at my caloric recommendation (plus some of the exercise calories), drinking water... I had hoped to see at least 1/2 pound down...
I know the logical explanations, water retention, fluctuations, workout bloating, etc... But it's so hard not to get totally down by a tiny week weigh-in!
I dragged myself to spin class this morning, in a rut. But I got through it. Now I'm just waiting for those endorphins to kick in and give me my workout happy high... Hehehe so, even in a grumpy, yucky day... Try your best and keep going! Right?!?!0 -
ColoradoDan wrote: »Everyone is correct - I should call it a lifestyle change but prefer the word diet (shorter to type) - to me they mean the same thing. A lifelong change of habits, eating, exercise, thinking, etc. But I get what your saying!
It was just hard - I am not making excuses - it was my willpower that failed me. I could have tried to find low calorie options - your right.
My family wanted to eat out every single meal and did. I had not eating out in 45 days.
They bought me multiple McDonalds sandwiches, a burrito, and hash browns while waiting for the plane (without asking me). They wanted to go to the breakfast spot in LA that was known for GIANT portions (pancakes that can feed 6 people (split between two people of course). French toast slices as big as your face. Scrambled egg portions that fill entire plates (the sides come on seperate plates). Next spot was a place that sells these giant 16 inch steak and cheese sandwiches - that is all they sell - you just add toppings you like. Stuff like that - it was hard to even see anything healthy on the menus. But maybe there was something there - OR - just take a couple bites and stop and try to ignore your mom asking every 30 seconds why your not eating.
My parents don't eat anything except fast food - at home every night it's pizza, subs, burritos, burgers, chinese, etc. Sit down restaurants scare them I guess and cooking at home - bet they haven't even used their kitchen since they moved in.
We did go to cheesecake factory and I said no to the slice of cheesecake but my mom went behind my back and told the guy I really wanted a slice but was dieting and had one brought out even though I said no. That is how they are - constantly offering me rice crispie bars, snickers bars, telling me I should get the pasta not the salad, etc - they know I am on a diet in the same sentence suggest things that go against it and I hear about it all day if I don't eat the same things as them. I told her daily and before the trip I needed to be healthy this trip - work out, eat right, etc.....her response was that probably won't work travelling with me. Uggh.
Whatever it's over - back on track like I said - I will do better next time too.
Wow. I'm NOT bashing your parents as I'm sure they are lovely people and truly do love you, but I cannot imagine growing up this way. No wonder you are struggling to learn new eating habits! It will take time, but just keep reminding yourself that just because that's they way they eat doesn't mean you have to, too.0 -
Yeah I know - it's hard in this family.
Anytime we are together my family brings fast food. They won't eat healthy stuff - she just tried an avacado for the first time in her life and said YUCK! No veggies, nothing not deep fried, full of cheese and grease. They are both overweight - Dad has diabetes and high blood pressure from it.
Anytime there is a special gathering (bday, christmas, thanksgiving, easter, etc) we go out to somewhere like Olive Garden, Chilis, Applebees, Country Buffet, etc - never eat home cooked meals. We did sometimes when I was young.
When I used to be an athlete (wrestler and football player) my parents would bring me Burger King before the match to eat for fuel.......yes.....you heard me right!0 -
Yes, eating out is tough. It is impossible for most people to completely avoid it and sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we don't have a choice. You usually have a choice of what to order & what to eat, and you always have a choice of how much to eat. There are a zillion threads on MFP with tips on travelling and eating out--every few days there is a new one. There is lots of info on the web. I don't have time to repeat all of it here. I strongly encourage you to make a project of learning about tips for travelling and eating out. Practice these new skills at home - while running errands for a day, for example, take healthy snacks with you. Eat out at some places where you can have food on your "approved" list. Practice ordering things that fit your plan. Practice not eating every humongous portion that is served, not dumping on high calorie toppings, etc. These are SKILLS you need to develop. Then next time you're in an unexpected or uncontrolled situation, you can control what you eat. That's the goal!0
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Olive Garden and Applebee's both have calorie sections dedicated to things under 500 calories. Applebee's Thai Shrimp salad is pretty good and was 375 calories (I think--can't remember). Chili's has lighter fare options, but I can't stand Chili's...my point is a lot of national chains are starting to add lighter fare sections to their menus, and they are filling without a lot of the guilt.
I'm from the South, I had a Southern grandma, I have Southern friends of the family, and I know how it is getting critiqued and having things ordered for you. But if changing your lifestyle and losing weight matters this much to you, you have to put your foot down. You are a grown adult. You pay your bills, work for a living, have control over much of what is going on in your life. You should have control over what goes in your mouth. Your mom got to have that right while you were growing up, and now it is your turn.
When your family guilt trips you, it's in one ear and out the other. If your mom orders for you, you can get up, find the waiter and tell him to please excuse your mother, but you do not need that piece of cheesecake (if you are still obligated for dessert The Cheesecake Factory does serve strawberries and whipped cream). If your family goes out, have your MFP app ready and start logging to see what you can eat. Don't let your family guilt you into making unhealthy decisions. This is your life, your lifestyle change, you are the only one that has the power to succeed or fail. Not your family. Take your MFP app with you to restaurants and quietly look up calories so you feel better about what you are ordering (or realize that the loaded nachos are an entire day's worth of calories and maybe grilled chicken will allow you to have half a slice of cheesecake instead).
Nobody said this was easy, it's an adjustment, but MFP gives you the tools that you need. You've learned the hard way about travelling (and pizza parties), and now you will be better prepared mentally for the next round.0 -
Sounds like it wasn't travelling so much as your inability to stand firm with your family and stick to a plan yet.
They bought the food but you put it in your body. You didn't have to. You don't have to eat food just because it is there.
Your family won't stop doing that as long as you keep eating it. You really are going to have to say no to them and mean it even if people get mad at you for not going along or food gets thrown away.
Practice phrases like No thanks. I've had enough. That is too much for me. I don't want this. No. I'm not going to eat that. Stop pushing food on me. I did not order this. I will throw that away if you put it in front of me.
Burn some calories walking away from the table or carrying food to the trash can.0 -
Learning to throw out food has been a lifesaver for me. Cheesecake doesn't look so good if it slips off the plate onto the dirty table, for example. Boxing up pre-leftovers "to eat later" and then forgetting them on the table, or dropping them in the bin outside the door, is another option if you really don't want them.
Sounds like a few visual examples could be useful to reinforce your new lifestyle, tbh. A few wasted dollars because Mom browbeat a waiter into bringing cake you didn't eat can be a valuable lesson. No thanks means no, and it should stay there if your family respects you.0 -
I will do better next time.0
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I can't get past Oreo pancakes. I don't think I ever considered putting those things together.
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