Dieting abroad where you can't really count cals?

ThePursuitOfGlee
ThePursuitOfGlee Posts: 12
in Food and Nutrition
Going to Thailand for a month, been before, not on a diet, but know they dont have kcal content on much stuff, and I ate in restaurants mostly. Obviously no gym access either! tips and advice! PLEAAASE! xx

Replies

  • WaxMama
    WaxMama Posts: 369 Member
    Ouch... I would try to look up some average thai dishes before hand. The calories may vary, but it would give you a decent idea on how many to track. Avoid "appetizers" as they can add up quickly. Whenever possible, ask for sauce on the side and dip- don't pour. Drink a full glass of water before any meal... Hope this helps!
  • Saiklor
    Saiklor Posts: 183
    you can do the best that you can. try keeping a food journal of just WHAT you ate, it can be an effective way to keep track even if it's not precise.

    overall when I travel I try to stick to obviously healthy things
    - eat lots of veggies (cooked and sanitary veggies)
    - eat lots of fruit (fruit you can peel yourself is the safest when you're unsure if things are clean)
    - avoid fried things, avoid cream sauces, avoid dessert (or just have a bite of somebody else's!),
    - portion control

    no gym doesn't mean no workout. Walk around your hotel's block for 30 minutes each morning before it gets too hot (or at night if it's safe to do so). Chose activities that are more active (ie chose a hike over a bus tour, chose to go for a swim instead of a movie).

    be sensible, realize it's going to be not-your-best-weight-month-ever and enjoy every second of it!!!
  • ThePursuitOfGlee
    ThePursuitOfGlee Posts: 12
    thanks guys! Very useful advice, thankyou for being so considerate xx
  • Rilke
    Rilke Posts: 1,201 Member
    you can do the best that you can. try keeping a food journal of just WHAT you ate, it can be an effective way to keep track even if it's not precise.

    overall when I travel I try to stick to obviously healthy things
    - eat lots of veggies (cooked and sanitary veggies)
    - eat lots of fruit (fruit you can peel yourself is the safest when you're unsure if things are clean)
    - avoid fried things, avoid cream sauces, avoid dessert (or just have a bite of somebody else's!),
    - portion control

    no gym doesn't mean no workout. Walk around your hotel's block for 30 minutes each morning before it gets too hot (or at night if it's safe to do so). Chose activities that are more active (ie chose a hike over a bus tour, chose to go for a swim instead of a movie).

    be sensible, realize it's going to be not-your-best-weight-month-ever and enjoy every second of it!!!

    Good advice here. When I was still tracking I spent ten days once in the middle of nowhere with no internet access and had to eat what was there and that was it. I did a LOT of walking and wrote down everything I ate, whether I had calorie estimates or not. It kept me aware and I actually lost weight at my usual rate :)
  • rmarshalla
    rmarshalla Posts: 103 Member
    you can do the best that you can. try keeping a food journal of just WHAT you ate, it can be an effective way to keep track even if it's not precise.

    overall when I travel I try to stick to obviously healthy things
    - eat lots of veggies (cooked and sanitary veggies)
    - eat lots of fruit (fruit you can peel yourself is the safest when you're unsure if things are clean)
    - avoid fried things, avoid cream sauces, avoid dessert (or just have a bite of somebody else's!),
    - portion control

    no gym doesn't mean no workout. Walk around your hotel's block for 30 minutes each morning before it gets too hot (or at night if it's safe to do so). Chose activities that are more active (ie chose a hike over a bus tour, chose to go for a swim instead of a movie).

    be sensible, realize it's going to be not-your-best-weight-month-ever and enjoy every second of it!!!

    Thank you for this! I am leaving for a month in Ecuador in a few days and needed some tips to get me through the trip while keeping up with my diet/lifestyle! I was freaking out a bit about not being able to weigh portions and count calories accurately but I think these tips will help a bunch. I've lived in Ecuador before so I am familiar with the food over there and it's not all bad actually, but it depends on where you eat and who prepares the food. Some is very fresh and healthy, but other food is very salty or very fried... Thank you for your advice!

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