How to eat on vacation?

LovesPrimes · July 2012

We have an upcoming vacation to a location that is known (among other things) for its great food. I have lost 17 pounds so far and want to lose 50 total. If I take a week "off" from dieting, how much am I likely to be set back? I can say that we will also be doing a fair amount of walking so that will compensate a little bit.

I really want to enjoy this trip and not be thinking about calories all the time. Any advice?

Lyerin · July 2012

I pretty much always lose weight on a vacation (even when not trying). We pretty much walk all the time on vacation, so I know my calories burned during the day are a lot more. Also, I only ever eat something out of the ordinary when it is something that I can't get here at home - I can get ice cream anywhere, but some super wonderful regional specialty might be a treat I would enjoy. When we go anywhere near the ocean, I also always eat a ton of fresh seafood.

kellie1020 · July 2012

I just went on vacation and gained four pounds I think. I ate good enough the only thing that killed me was drinking. There's a lot of calories in that so be careful on the amount you drink. Other than that, don't worry about it too much, one vacation won't ruin your new healthy lifestyle. Yes, it is discouraging to come back and see that you gained a bit of weight but with your continued hard work you'll be just fine. So don't worry too much but don't overeat either and everything will be fine! (:

JanelleEathorne · July 2012

Make time to hit up the hotel's gym. It will definitely help!

montana_girl · July 2012

If you know you are going to eat somewhere special for dinner, then eat lighter for breakfast and lunch. If possible, split an entree with someone. Then you get the taste and flavor, but don't feel the need to clean your plate.

As for treats/desserts, Hubby and I have one treat (or decadent dessert) per day, but we split it. This way I don't feel deprived off all the goodies, but I'm not going overboard either.

Just try to make reasonable choices, enjoy what you are eating, but remember that vacation is about being with friends, family, and seeing the sights! Have fun! :drinker:

senyosmom · July 2012

hmmmmm. well, a couple things you can try

1> Don't be afraid to eat out - just choose somewhat OK options like chicken or other meat choices.
2> Try to be active on teh vaca (walk, hike, swim, etc).
3> Eat what you want - but in moderation. If you order something, have them bring you a doggie bag when they bring the food and right away put some of it away and off your plate.

Brandicaloriecountess · July 2012

I went to Las Vegas and ate/drank whatever I wanted for 4 days. I was up a few pounds but they fell off quickly. That was about a month ago and I am below the weight I was when I left

cavewoman15 · July 2012

sharing meals at restaurants is a good option - seems to help me on trips. when out to eat, i still try to make good choices (e.g., no fried foods)

queendeej · July 2012

I just took a short 3 day vacation to the beach. We did a little walking and swimming so that burned some calories. We went out to eat and I didn't obsess over calories but did make an effort to chose healthier options. We went to a seafood restaurant and I chose broiled over fried. If I want the full fat/fried version I ask for a to go box and cut the meal in half at the beginning. Sharing is good if you have a partner with you. Be mindful of what you drink also. I ask for water or unsweetened tea most of the time when I go out.

Sidesteal · July 2012

Commit to yourself that you WILL absolutely return to your original diet and fitness plan when you return from vacation. If you can be absolutely certain that you'll get back on track, I'd not give two ****z about what you eat on vacation. It's vacation, go have fun.

mrschappet · July 2012

Commit to yourself that you WILL absolutely return to your original diet and fitness plan when you return from vacation. If you can be absolutely certain that you'll get back on track, I'd not give two ****z about what you eat on vacation. It's vacation, go have fun.

This!!!! I just had a camping trip with my family... I ate smores, drank beer, ate chips, had pizza (yep we like to go into the local town and pick up pizza LOL) I just let loose.. but when I got home I got back on track so it was to the gym the next day and healthy eating all the way :-) Now I did make sure to take along healthy snacks like fresh fruit and veggies and whole wheat bread and so on.. but I didn't deprive myself of the "junk food" by any means :-)

sweettthings · July 2012

Stay as active as possible, and if you know you are going to have a big dinner, try to eat lightly the rest of the day. Enjoy the flavors of the local cuisine, and keep an eye out for tasty options that aren't too calorific. Most of all, enjoy yourself!

CommandaPanda · July 2012

Just remember: eat out, not pig out.

Very simple, go out and enjoy the nice dinners with family/friends/whoever -- have a couple drinks and eat to enjoy, not to kill yourself.

avasano · July 2012

We have an upcoming vacation to a location that is known (among other things) for its great food. I have lost 17 pounds so far and want to lose 50 total. If I take a week "off" from dieting, how much am I likely to be set back? I can say that we will also be doing a fair amount of walking so that will compensate a little bit.

I really want to enjoy this trip and not be thinking about calories all the time. Any advice?

Eat lean. Watch how much you drink and control where you go. If you want to have something that is not good for your diet, just have a bit. Sharing works too. Split it with your partner. Good luck and have fun.

Bobby_Clerici · July 2012

I went on a Carvival Cruise and ate 5 times per day.
No calorie counting - no restrictions. I ate until I hurt every meal - LOVED IT!
After every meal, I took an hour walk, and some of that included disembarking and seeing the sights.
One hour walk after every meal.
In 7 days, I gained 5 pounds.
I was OK with that.
Life Is To Be Lived:drinker:

vim_n_vigor · July 2012

A little break from counting calories and watching everything that goes into you can be very good for you psychologically as well. Enjoy your vacation and get back to it once you are home. You may gain a little, you may lose a little. On our vacation, I was up a few pounds when we got back, but 5 days later I hit my new low weight. The break was incredible.

wisebadger53 · July 2012

Here's what worked fo rme...

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/wisebadger53/view/five-tips-for-surviving-a-beach-vacation-283991

Donnaakamagmid · July 2012

Commit to yourself that you WILL absolutely return to your original diet and fitness plan when you return from vacation. If you can be absolutely certain that you'll get back on track, I'd not give two ****z about what you eat on vacation. It's vacation, go have fun.

This. I gained 7 lbs on a recent cruise. I lost it within 4 days of getting home. Once I cut out the bacon, beer & sweets.

_stephanie0 · July 2012

i will not be a big help here but im going to vegas in 3 days...

i already have it planned that i will:
go to bellagio buffet and eat until i cant eat anymore
go to cheesecake factory and order something epic
go to outback steakhouse
get sushi...a lot
drink the worst fattiest and most delicious drinks i can.
plus another 20 desserts in there.

im mentally prepared to gain 5 lbs at least.

honestly. im healthy all the time. im not eating salad in vegas. im living life.

man im excited.

Sassybecky · July 2012

Having fun doesn't mean pigging out. We just went to the beach for a week last month. I ate what I wanted but tracked what I ate, and ate lighter for meals that we didn't go out (we were at a beach house so we could cook sometimes and would pack healthy lunches for the beach). I was satisfied all the time but not stuffed, and ended up gaining .5 lbs over the course of the week. That's with several nights of drinking, a couple ice cream nights, etc.

chevy88grl · July 2012

This is the only life I have to live and I plan to enjoy it.

When I go on vacation, I do NOT worry about what I eat, how much of it I eat, etc. We went to Cedar Point and then camping for 8 days in June - I literally ate the entire time (a lot of junk, but fruit and stuff too). Came home and actually weighed less than when I left. I don't drink alcohol, so that may make a difference.

Go. Enjoy yourself. Just get back on track as soon as you come home.

bcampbell54 · July 2012

I think you should stay strictly within your caloric limitations, watching your intake of sugars and particularly alcohol.
I also think you should carry your work cell phone, and make sure you have some way of reading email; BlackBerry or smart phone if you must, but preferably a desktop computer. That way you can continue to work through your vacation.
Also, bring your kids and keep them with you. And your own car, so you can take advantage of the time to do much needed repairs.

I hope you detected the ever-so-slight hint of sarcasm. Eat gloriously, and enjoy your vacation. You will continue on your path upon your return, reinvigorated.

Sidesteal · July 2012

I think you should stay strictly within your caloric limitations, watching your intake of sugars and particularly alcohol.
I also think you should carry your work cell phone, and make sure you have some way of reading email; BlackBerry or smart phone if you must, but preferably a desktop computer. That way you can continue to work through your vacation.
Also, bring your kids and keep them with you. And your own car, so you can take advantage of the time to do much needed repairs.

I hope you detected the ever-so-slight hint of sarcasm. Eat gloriously, and enjoy your vacation. You will continue on your path upon your return, reinvigorated.

^ LOL

Pspetal · July 2012

I went on a week long vacation a month back and I ate and drank everything because it was all so yummy! We walked a lot and swam a lot and got some good exercise while still having fun. I put on some 5 pounds, but once I got back I lost it pretty quickly. I would've never forgiven myself if I hadn't eaten all the amazing food I ate. Relax and enjoy your vacation. You've paid good money for it!

myfitnessnmhoy · July 2012

Walk lots. Concentrate on really enjoying every morsel of your food. Eat slowly. Stop when you are satisfied. You'll do fine.

LovesPrimes · July 2012

Thank you for all the advice and for sharing some of your experiences. I think I am pretty set on "living it up"; just wanted to know what to expect when I get back.

However, I do love the whole so-and-so has logged in so many days in a row messages on here. I would hate to break a streak. But what do you do when you truly have no idea how many calories a particular food has? Just guess (really high) and do a Quick Add of calories in your daily log? (We will be going to a lot of very unique places that will not be in the database.)

Mels707 · July 2012

You don't have to track food in order to have "logged in". I skipped my birthday and I'm still on track. I think ou just have to log something, such as "30 minute walk on the beach", or "3 martinis". Have fun!

Sharon_C · July 2012

I ate light for breakfast and lunch. I was also at the beach so while I was in the ocean I made sure to tread water for most of the time which in fact burns a TON of calories. For dinner I didn't worry AT ALL about calories. I was there to enjoy myself, not obsess about food. I'm not much of a drinker so I only had 1 drink the entire vacation and ended up only drinking half of that. I try never to drink my calories.

I know I'll get back on the wagon when I return so I'm not worried. I also have plans to up my exercise when I return. So if I gain weight I'm not worried that it won't come back off.

Enjoy yourself and don't stress about it.

kinsellae · July 2012

I have been on vacation for 6 days now with 3 left to go visiting my sister. We've cooked some meals but I refused to not indulge in some things. We've had five guy burgers - accidentally got a double since I didn't know that's what a regular comes with. I ate it anyway. It was delicious! Had waffle house yesterday morning- never have tried it before and also some salvadorian food that was so authentic and yummy. I don't regret it. Also have had tons of ice cream this week- I have kids I can't help it! Anyway I felt a little crummy today but only after I had a blah fast food meal. So I guess my advice is enjoy but pick and choose! Oh and fit in some exercise even if it's just walking. Have fun!

habsco99 · July 2012

I just got back from an amazing 17 day road trip through California. I was scared that eating out three meals a day, for almost 3-weeks would kill any progress I had made.

But I surprised myself and made good choices where I could (i.e. I love you fish tacos!). I did a ton of hiking and swimming. For the epic car rides, we went to Trader Joes and bought some "better choices". (Trader Joes is a novelty, we don't have it in Canada!)

All that to say, without even meaning to, I was eating at maintenance and didn't gain or lose a single pound.

If anything, it made me realize that gaining weight isn't an overnight occurance, it takes built up bad habits and time.

The vacation actually helped me chill out about my eating and calorie counting.

montana_girl · July 2012

But what do you do when you truly have no idea how many calories a particular food has? Just guess (really high) and do a Quick Add of calories in your daily log? (We will be going to a lot of very unique places that will not be in the database.)

I generally look up something similiar and use that or do a quick add with few extra calories thrown on. My husband and I eat at local sports bar quite often, so if I have one their speciality Quesadillas, then I will look for something similiar in the MFP database and use that. Won't be exact, but I'm hoping it's a close estimate.

How to eat on vacation?

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