Several Days of Holidays out of Town

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1/1/13 4:14 P

Sounds like this topic has been fully covered. I especially endorse what Stephen_Nanny. The only other thing I can add is that I get up early and get my walk in first thing to make certain that I get it in - if there is another walk after dinner - I take that one as a bonus. I also try everything in moderation. This is a lifestyle and my lifestyle allows for less than perfection. I also hate the "dieter" who is so overt that it makes everyone else uncomfortable. I look at my lifestyle choice of health just like I view my selection of religious views, political views....they are mine, not necessarily everyone elses.

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12/31/12 8:59 P

When out of town visiting family, I can't control what's on the table, so I bring a healthy dessert - my favorite - a box of Clementines. =) I also bring an apple or two with me when I'm visiting someone else's home, some nuts and/or a Fiber One bar. I have fortunately found someone usually likes to take a walk so we can exercise and visit. Recently I visited my family and went to the gym many of the days with my Dad! He's a great fitness role model for me. I feel grateful as we walked side by side on the treadmills at the gym. =)
Best wishes! Happy New Year!

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12/25/12 6:27 P

I know exactly how you feel. I have a huge family and around the holidays, it seems we are always traveling to visit each branch, and that everyone has jaw dropping amounts of the most wonderful food. It certainly threw me off my routine for the past few days, but I figured that I'd just go with it and enjoy the holidays. I did try to keep some levelheadedness. I didn't pile my plate up with food so no one would feel bad that I didn't try something that they made. I didn't force myself to eat everything. I stayed away from the deserts that didn't offer much besides sugar and fat. And, I consider all the running around chasing kids, lifting presents, etc. a light work out xD

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12/25/12 11:40 A

Sounds like you did great, Artemis! I hope you had a happy holiday with your family!

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12/24/12 11:28 P

Okay I am back from that trip. I didn't remember to weigh myself until after I attended a wedding (with lots of pasta in the form of lasagna) this last Saturday. Counting that truly unhealthy meal, I gained 2 pounds. Not bad.

When we went out to eat, I'd usually order 2 appetizers. Maybe a soup or a salad.

While I still made my own breakfasts (eggs, real eggs -- the liquid ones from a milk carton give me IBD-distress) my family would have been strongly insulted if I made other meals for myself. Fortunately they've now gotten used to the fact that I don't eat desserts, even if occasionally one or another would crop up. I also avoided breads, which fortunately my brother has no expertise in making. :) It is much easier to decline bought-bread than home-made. I mean, pride of authorship and all.

I walked the neighborhood a couple times -- well over two miles once, and over a mile another time, going along at a good clip. Unlike my own neighborhood, where I take my life in my hands, his has sidewalks!

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12/24/12 2:20 P

Agreed, nibbling on lettuce isn't going to work! That would make me want to face plant straight into a dessert table in 2 seconds! My strategy is to eat my protein first. It usually offers the most in terms of satiety. If i know where we might be going out to eat in advance, I'll try and find the menu online and plan out what I'll order before we go. I might eat half a lower-carb protein bar or apple and an oz. of cheese if I'm not sure I'll be able to get a healthy option. As for turning down food, in my experience, people dwell on it a lot less than I'd imagined. So I simply say "no thanks" and leave it at that. Finally, I try and remember that "hunger isn't an emergency." If I know that moderation isnt possible (I can hardly ever just have one cookie, for example) I'll abstain completely. Trying to manage my reactions to some foods is simply way, way harder than just letting them go completely (not forever, but just for one meal, one evening, one day, etc.)

I also try and talk someone into taking a walk with me in the morning, like my sister who i rarely get to talk to these days, or maybe even research ahead of time the location of a local gym. It's nice to get a change of scenery when I travel and it sets a nice tone for the day.

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12/23/12 6:34 P

So many good suggestions offered!!!! Thanks everyone! We are traveling for a few days and staying near relatives! We plan to eat Christmas dinner at a buffet restaurant--for this one meal, enjoy in moderation, with lots of veggies and sampling everything else! Then with no leftovers or sweets around, it's back to healthy eating for me!

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12/23/12 12:43 P

It's Christmas--just enjoy the holiday & stop stressing over food & exercise. Do what you can when you can where you can....otherwise just ENJOY!

If you get pissy because it's not your "home routine"--you'll ruin everyone's Christmas...including your own! This time of year is about family & joy & love....remember THAT! :)

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12/23/12 10:48 A

I agree! At work I have complete control but at home I have a lovely family wanting my good cooking!

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12/21/12 8:51 A

I agree that it is extremely hard to stay on track when I am traveling, but with family, it is hard at home because I cook everything and add more butter for taste when cooking for others than when cooking for self.

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12/21/12 8:10 A

Crazily enough, for me it's easier to stay on track when I'm travelling than when I'm home. The reasons are - no access to fridge and cupboards - less between-meal snacking - peer pressure... I'm not going to have 2nds when people know I'm trying to lose weight.

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12/21/12 7:54 A

I will not be out of town but will have family with me, that is tricky because I love to cook and especially when family visits. I will have to watch what I eat despite cooking.

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12/19/12 4:44 P

Great sharing of support and ideas! I think this kind of topic always helps us to remember that there are others in the same gravy boat, haha ;-) Keeps us from feeling an isolation built around eating challenges.

I will be spending 4 days with my Sister's family. I am fortunate in that they also like to eat healthy meals, although their tastes/choices in meal types are different than ours. And no one will blink an eye if I say I'm watching what I eat.

For me, it will be mostly about resisting temptation (there will still be a lot of sweets around which we rarely keep in our house) and getting some exercise. We go to yoga classes twice a week here and the gym twice a week as well. But I do a daily yoga routine in the morning, and at least that is portable :-) It is also usually possible to get people and dogs out for a walk, and it's in the country, so it's more of a hike - not necessarily fast paced, but with more hills etc than city walking often has. It's always lovely to get out and enjoy nature, weather permitting! My sister has a treadmill, so I will ask if I can use it a little.

Other than that, I'm going to try not to overdo it on drinks - particularly the eggnog! - and not stress too much about it. Proportions-proportions-proportions! I will also take my fitness journal along and keep tracking my eating, water etc. I have been finding that a really useful tool. This is the first time I've used one and have only been doing it about 2.5 months.

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12/18/12 5:44 P

My problem is going away for a few days over the New Year. So many shops etc are closed that it can be a real struggle to find food that I want to eat within my calorie range. We like going a little B&B so while a healthy breakfast is possible, no other meals are served there. There isn't a fridge in any of the rooms so taking fresh food with me not really an option. Plus don't want to be a killjoy and ruin partner's time away as he's not on a diet / healthy eating kick. I just hope that the weather turns very cold as this helps burn off extra calories during walks

BTW, all the best for the holiday season to everyone on SP!

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12/18/12 7:56 A

We have a long drive after Christmas to my son's for a few days. Luckily, our daughter-in-law cooks healthy but, it being TX, we will also be eating out - I love TX bbcue and Texmex!!! So lots of water, going for long walks and looking for fresh fruits and veggies as much as possible; skipping beer, sour cream, fried items, and only having small portions of dessert etc. we will pack a cooler for the cooler with healthy options but that only lasts so long when your stomach starts to rebel!!!

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12/17/12 3:16 P

Do the best you can. Eat only what taste good to you and don't overdo it. Don't waste calories on foods that are not to your taste.

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12/17/12 3:08 P

So great to have that support. What a great son! Good luck!

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12/17/12 2:45 P

I am so happy called to confirm my reservations for my two weeks away from home for Christmas and they told me they have a newly remodeled workout room with every type of equipment I want to use. Now I feel more confident on this trip I can always workout at night after all the festivities are over. I also gave my son a heads up about trying to lose some weight and he was all excited about things he could make (he's a great cook) that are different then normal. I am now looking forward to my visit. Happy Holidays

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12/17/12 11:17 A

We'll be gone for 4 days, but were gone for 5 for Thanksgiving so I can relate.
Highlighting what others have said...
Try and get some food for yourself while there. High protein and fiber snack foods will help fill you up incase it's all carb/starch loaded for meals. I'd pick up greek yogurt, a canister of oatmeal, apples, and clif builder bars (low cal for the amount of protein). I always take a nalgene bottle (1L) so I can make sure I get my 2L of water every day instead of guessing the oz in their glasses. Offer to help with some of the meals, like say you can make the sides because you have these fantastic recipes you want to try (insert lots of veggies/broth based soups).
As far as exercise...You might be able to call arund to gyms in the area and see if they do any weekly specials for temp visitors. I always make sure to take my coldgear so I can run outside if I have to. If anyone questions you you can tell them you are training for an event and don't want to ruin your training. Depending on the size of the city you are visiting, you might be able to find an event there nearby like a reindeer dash. That'll make sure you keep to your plan. If all of that isn't practical, I have taken a 5lb weight with me on trips before to make sure I did something, even if there wasn't any cardio involved.

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12/16/12 12:01 P

I like LOWFATFOODIES suggestions. These seem like they will work. I have noticed at times that some will tell you that you do not need tolose weight when you tell them what you are doing. They do not seem to understand that this is something I am doing for myself. I just love it when they tell me I don't know what I am missing when I pass on high cal high fat dishes. I laugh to myself when they tell me this.

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12/16/12 9:03 A

We'll be going to Victoria, BC for a few days - about a 6 hour drive each way. Hardest day food-wise will be Xmas dinner but it's only one meal and I intend to enjoy (within reason of course). Good thing is after being healthy for so long, I really can't eat that much without feeling kinda sick and bloated afterwards.

We talk about visualizations in SP, usually they're positive. Negative ones work as well. As I'm eating I visualize the next day if I don't take it easy. Am I going survive the Boxing Day (day after Xmas sales) crowds? How is that 6 hour ride home going to feel especially if there's a long line at the border? It helps!

Also plan to have my FitBit with me (not that I ever don't!) and will be walking off every calories :).

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12/16/12 7:37 A

Love the dessert plate idea. I think I will try this Christmas Day for anything not paleo.

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12/16/12 6:15 A

I live in a culture that considers it an insult to refuse food if it is offered (mostly). If there is something offered that I really don't want to eat I thank the person and explain that I have some G.I. issues and cannot eat the offering without suffering. It has helped. In fact many of the people who push food the most have taken to bringing fruit for me :).

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12/14/12 1:40 P

It is not considered rude in my country/family to refuse food for any reason... including being on a diet. Most here understand and are not offended.
That being said... I love to eat, especially at family events where the food is delicious. So for a different reason, I understand what you mean.

Here is what I do, and it seems to work.
Everything that is on offer I take a small amount of. I make sure I take my own plate or use a bread and butter plate that is provided for me. I stop dishing my small amounts of everything (and by small amounts I mean even as little as one dessert spoon full of each food) when the plate is full (not overloaded of course). I do not go back for seconds.

This way you may go over your cal allowance, but it will not be by much and you can work it off by encouraging family walks, games... just staying active between meals.

Edit - Also, if you are looking for low cal adult drink ideas... I drink Chi, Zero Sugar with Vodka... but they have some cool ideas on their "with friends" page.
http://www.chi.co.nz/by-yourself
http://www.chi.co.nz/with-friends







Edited by: ANYANP2 at: 12/14/2012 (13:46)

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12/14/12 10:49 A

good ideas LOWFATFOODIE ! I've often thought as well that the phrase "I'm eating healthy" just isn't real tactful..... thanks!

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12/14/12 10:30 A

I am so glad this topic came up, my husband and I will be gone two weeks for Christmas visiting one week at each sons house. We are already looking on the internet for things we can do that will be fun but provide some exercise. We are going to a wildlife refuge for one day and then a pecan farm for another fun but yet healthy day. Just need to watch the eating, but reading some of the ideas on this forum I can actually say I just need to be careful but yet not deprive myself so bad that I fall off the cliff. Wish me luck and Happy Holidays

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12/14/12 10:00 A

Go grocery shopping. Say something like you are there so long, you want to contribute to the food and that you like A LOT of veggies, so you'll make extra for each meal. Offer to cook.
I think using the phrase "I'm eating healthy" is generally poorly received because it sounds like you're implying at they Are NOT.
Don't let anyone else make your plate. load up on veggies first and just pass the dishes you don't want. "No thank you" And "I don't want any" really do work better than explaining that "you can't", "its not on my diet", or "I'm watching what I eat".
People can't really argue with "I don't want any" because they can't say what you do or don't want. And if someone seems offended that you don't want their signature cheesy potatoes, then just explain that you're saving room for that amazing "insert healthiest option here".
You can also throw in "too much (dairy, sugar, fat, etc) causes you terrible digestive issues" because frankly, if you've been eating healthy, your system really WILL be unhappy if you eat stuff that you're not used to.

Not always easy, but what you put in your body ultimately IS your choice.

Edited by: LOWFATFOODIE at: 12/14/2012 (10:01)

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12/14/12 9:17 A

I would allow myself one or two cheat meals - depending on what occassions are going on. However my cheats are limited in quantity and not a free for all. For example - we had a family Christmas last Sunday, I love stuffing but I allowed myself only one spoonful of it but made sure I savoured it.

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12/12/12 7:58 P

I so relate - we drive about 200 miles for a 2-3 day visit. Very difficult for me. I bring snacks and distractions (books, cross stitch, soduku). I smile and visit and deep breathe, we take walks and have plenty of family time. It's fun but stressful. I try to enjoy it becasue some day we won't be able to get together any more. Good luck to all of us!

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12/11/12 10:59 P

I'll make it through this one, too. My weight loss feels better than anything tastes! May God bless all of you this holiday season.

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12/10/12 3:59 P

my family is 700miles away so i spend about 10 hours driving on the day i travel.... however i stop and stretch every 2 hours and we all have a 1 hour long lunch break running around a park with my kids. i always pack a picnic lunch as well as healthy snacks for the children when i travel

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12/10/12 9:12 A

i would for sure go grocery shopping and buy stuff for my breakfast/lunch/snacks as well as fresh veggie options to add to dinners
you do have to be upfront with family about your healthy eating/living...you can always pick ONE meal over the visit to be your "indulgence" ...maybe letting them know that in advance.

"i need to stick to my healthy eating/exercise plan even on vaca/at holiday time because expereince has taught me that taking even a few days off makes it very hard for me to get back on track... but i am really looking forward to treating myself at xmas eve dinner (or whenever)"

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12/10/12 7:35 A

I honestly try to live life on vacation like I do at home. I find the time to walk, watch my portions, and make the best choices I can. I've found this is the best trick for maintenance too - really try to live life healthy and not live life differently when on vacation or during holidays.

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12/10/12 6:05 A

Can you eat light at a couple of meals and then try smaller portions of everything on the evening meal? I have the same issue, but I have decided that I just refuse the extra food, if you never eat it they eventually figure out that you are not being rude, just being you.

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12/9/12 11:11 P

I will be gone for four weeks, but I plan on running after my kid a lot and going for walks. I also won't have a gym near by, but I am using resistance bands while I'm out there; they don't weight much and can go in my suit case. Plus, my sister always needs help around the house, so I plan on cleaning her house. I am also planning on cooking for everyone as I usually end up buying groceries anyway. My family will pretty much eat everything I make which is a blessing. We all need to eat healthier anyway. But, I have no illusions of dropping pounds.

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12/9/12 12:50 P

Small portions of what you want, someone suggested making an extra dish of veges or salad to enhance the meal. Family should be able to understand and accommodate loved ones. Invite one or more to go for a walk and enjoy some quieter conversation together. Most of all enjoy your family and when they ask what's new tell them about your new life style in an open and non judgemental way. It is just what works for you!

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12/9/12 10:21 A

We are flying to have Christmas with my youngest daughter and family. Which is husband and two boys 5 and 7.

Luckily for me this is my skinny size zero daughter who jogs and goes to gym. So does her husband.

She loves to cook even if she doesn't eat much so I just told her I am cutting down on carbs and she is cool with that.

We will be having lots of meals out while traveling though so I just have to get past that.

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12/9/12 9:12 A

When I have traveled to be with extended family for a few days, I was as shocked to discover that they don't exercise, as much as they were shocked to learn that I do exercise. Getting it done early, before breakfast, was essential, because they all had plans for me the rest of the day.

I met this extended, large, farming families in Iowa for the first time in 1993. I never saw so many large, and overweight women in one place and at one time in my life before driving across the country to meet them! The most shocking was that they ate large servings of food about six or more times per day! Breakfast was three courses, and supper was four - five!

I jogged every day I was there, before others woke up. that meant I had to get to bed early, easy to do since I was tired and they understood that! Next, I drank lots of water all day long so did not feel as full during meals. I limited myself to one serving of sweets per day, 4 times my normal amount. (They all had 2-4 servings of sweets per day!) And I only ate one breakfast (instead of 2-3) each day! I had very small portions (servings) of almost everything at supper. No one was offended, and I did not gain weight. I maintained it, and sure was glad to get home!

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12/8/12 8:21 P

i tend to spend a lot of time in a car traveling around in the car because my in-laws live about 100 miles south and my family lives about 180 in the other directions so it is a lot of time sitting.

I tend to focus on visiting with people i do not see often and try to find active tasks. i pack exercise bands to get in some strength training if i will be in 1 location for too long..

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12/8/12 4:53 P

My approach is along the same lines as Stephen_Nanny's approach. I go into my "prevent defence" and just try to "hold the fort" on such vacations. I go visit my family 3 or 4 times per year and have similar issues.

Some specific suggestions:
1. I pretend that I am "on maintenance" and use it as a little test for myself to see how well prepared I am for that phase of my journey. Can I be successful at simply maintaining?
2. Focus on filling your plate with lean protein and fiber (e.g. vegetables). That will keep the calories down while you fill up and have a full plate so that no one tries to push food on you. You can do the same with snacks -- go for the healthier choices if you must have something.
3. When it's dessert or time for other treats, just have a small portion. You don't have to be perfect -- and remember that too much self-denial may lead you to over-indulge later. Just have a little bit and enjoy it.
4. Try to get a little physical activity each day -- even if it is just helping out with chores. In fact, helping out will keep you from sitting around and eating the snack food.
5. If people try to push snack on you, say something like ... "Oh, no thank you. I am saving up for that great dinner I smell cooking!" or some such thing.

Finally, I eat extra light on my travel days to and from my family. I don't want to have to stop and go to the bathroom much when I travel. So that helps me eat extra light on those days -- and it helps balance out a litle indulgence while actually with my family.

Edited by: ONLINEASLLOU at: 12/8/2012 (16:54)

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12/8/12 4:41 P

When i visit my parents i always do the grocery shopping and cooking. Mainly because i have 7 children and i don't expect my mother to pay or cook the food to feed all of them. Mum likes to help me and it gives us time together to talk ....as although my children love their food they avoid kitchen duty like the plague lol

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12/8/12 4:11 P

Last time we were away for Christmas, I volunteered to make Christmas Eve dinner (the big hitter of calories). I had planned in advance and brought several healthy recipes with me. My mother-in-law was pleased she didn't have to do it and actually asked for several of my recipes afterwards. It helped me maintain during that holiday and I found out from a friend of my mother-in-law that she was surprised and thrilled I had offered.

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12/8/12 2:44 P

I always gain weight when visiting my in-laws as well. They are major food pushers and don't eat healthy in the slightest. This year my plan is to stay away from the desserts and too much alcohol and to try to eat as healthy as possible. I need to remember to only eat enough until I am satisfied and only when hungry as well.

It's also nice for me that, although my SIL is a big food and alcohol pusher, she also likes to get exercise. I can look forward to a few nice runs with her.

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12/8/12 9:42 A

Horseshoehoney: Cooking for your mom sounds like a great plan! It's a win-win solution.
And don't feel bad about the free gym trials...they take plenty of people's money who never show up after a month or two. It's part of the business. Just be honest with them when they ask you to join. Many of us have been in similar circumstances and chances are, the person helping you at the gym has too. Most will probably treat you well and tell you to come back after you graduate...if they don't, that says a lot about their management (and they don't deserve your business later.)
Enjoy your visit with your mom!
Jane

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12/8/12 6:14 A

My father is the big pusher of food--when I come home he wants to order pizza, Chinese, etc, as well as have EVERYTHING that he thinks of as a traditional Christmas food; so there has to be a big bowl of nuts with the cracker, and candy, and cookies, etc. It gets a little crazy.

I am going home for three weeks, splitting my time between my parents', my brother's and my best friend's homes. Add to being a visitor the fact that I am visiting from a developing African country and have limited access to most foods, and you have a perfect storm for binge eating.

I go to the grocery and stock their fridges with foods that I love and cannot get the rest of the year, but that are healthy--Greek yogurt, fresh fruit (I can get the best pineapples in the world, but that's about it. When I am home I will spend crazy amounts of money on hot-house fruit like strawberries), radicchio, cauliflower, etc. Plus I buy egg beaters and other healthy substitutions for things that I eat a lot.

The nice thing about family, my family anyway, is that they are happy to let me do what I need to do and no one forces anything on me. So even if there is a ton of food around, they will not try to shove it down my throat.

My other plan is to offer to cook Christmas morning breakfast and to make something healthy--probably an egg casserole that has egg beaters, skim milk, veggies, and a small amount of bacon and cheese, rather than the one with 4 cups of cheese that I usually make. That with banana muffins, fruit salad and coffee is festive and yet not a day's worth of calories.

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12/8/12 3:35 A

Years ago - before I decided to get healthy for real - I decided to just NOT eat any of the cookies, candy, cake, chips, snacks, etc. which ALWAYS used to be around the office as they made me so sluggish and full of guilt!

I also do this at holiday time. I'll have dessert at the main meal but I really do try to avoid all the other junk floating around all week. This is really hard when family members are offering them to you and you decline. I used to just leave the room - go to the bathroom or go play with the kids - when they all came out and got passed around so I wouldn't seem rude.

Years ago I also started eating lots of protein at Thanksgiving and Christmas with very little starches or carbs and felt very satisfied after the big meal. I never feel stuffed or groggy or lethargic anymore at holidays. I love mashed potatoes but would rather eat a ton of ham or turkey than feel like junk!

Posts: 642
12/8/12 2:02 A

the big thing with vacation over the holidays at relatives' homes is that i do not have control over what food is available. i do eat healthy, or as healthy as i can. most of my relatives are on weird diets - no carbs or meat once a week or brown rice and yogurt. and it's different each year. i just bring my meal plan book and engage in nutrition talks with them. it's an adventure, and that is how i treat it. if i lose or gain isn't important. what i learn or teach is.

Posts: 4,790
12/7/12 8:47 A

CHERALA's post gave me the idea, if someone says "it's just Christmas, have a cookie!" that I can say "no thanks, and I won't comment on your decision to eat one."

Ha!!!

(okay, maybe not... I don't want my new relatives-in-law to hate me...)

Posts: 2,154
12/7/12 7:38 A

We normally go to Florida and stay with my sister over Christmas. The first thing I do is hit a grocery store and get all the vegetables and fruit I need. Plus breakfast foods (cereal and yogurt). She doesn't care if I nuke a bag of steamable vegetables to go with dinner, and then eat the whole thing all by myself as a way to fill up that plate and avoid something with too much sauce/gravy/carbs/ whatever.

I am fortunate because my DH is very supportive, and my sister understands how much I've struggled with my weight. She does, however, get into that "But it's Christmas" or "It's vacation" thing. I tell people all I have to do is SMELL a doughnut (or a cookie, some chocolates, whatever) and my butt gets bigger. Most people will leave me alone after that. Sometimes I think maybe they say those things, to justify their own excesses. Whatever. They are not the ones who will feel bad, if I can't fit into my jeans after the holidays.

The key for me is NOT to look at it as what I can't do, but rather what I CAN do. I CAN go to the store and buy healthy foods for my breakfasts and snacks. I CAN prepare some plain steamed vegetables to go with whatever's served for dinner. I CAN choose to eat things in moderation. I CAN watch the refined carbs, skip the desserts, and walk as much as possible. Even if I couldn't access SparkPeople or the internet at all, I CAN go to the bookstore and buy a pocket calorie/carb/fat/protein book and use that.

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12/7/12 3:17 A

NAUSIKKA - I love your honesty in your post. Just know you are not alone and it's not the end of the world! The art is getting back on track, as you so eloquently stated. Thanks to you, there's hope for me as well! Happy holidays, everyone!

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12/6/12 7:44 P

I don't expect my family to cater to my allergies or provide the food I eat, so shopping once I've arrived at my destination is always one thing I can do.

I bring out my digital scale and measuring spoons, portioning out the serving size I would normally eat, providing it is something I can eat.

Remarks about it being the holidays and how I should eat fall on deaf ears. I just smile and think to myself I am not stopping you from enjoying any goodies - only ensuring I remain healthy.

Yes, I got major "side-eye" the first couple times the scale/measuring spoons came out but I just went ahead and did my thing.

I am blessed because my husband is super-supportive of the way we eat and that helps me continue on the path to becoming the healthiest I can be.

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12/6/12 6:24 P

we'll be away for 5 days as well.

I'm taking some Kashi hot cereal with me. I'll either take some fruit or buy some while we are there. I'll volunteer to help with some of the meal prep and make a big salad that will be the bulk of my lunch & dinner. I plan to make a breakfast casserole for everybody Christmas morning. I'll also take some protein bars with me.

There is a park not too far from the outlaw's house and our dogs travel with us. I'll be at the park at least an hour every day walking the dogs (unless it's raining. Snow would be fun!)

most of them don't eat anything remotely healthy and none of them exercise, so I'm pretty much on my own.

Edited by: OBIESMOM2 at: 12/6/2012 (18:25)

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12/6/12 5:20 P

YOJULEZ, you may be onto something with the weather thing -- I may be able to at the very least escape some of the "sitting around the house and eating sweets" that will undoubtedly go on. I'll tell them how excited I am to be visiting their country and how I want to walk around and see the sights!

My husband told me tonight that one of his cousins is very very weight conscious so "they're used to it" so I'm not sure now ... he thinks I should be straight up and honest and say "I'm eating healthy" period... but I have tried that so many times to be met every time with "but it's Christmas! One meal won't hurt" when they don't realize that it's not one meal.

I only gain weight during the holidays -- but I gain a lot of weight at that time. A few years ago, I gained 21 lbs between Thanksgiving and mid-January when I finally pulled myself back on track. This happens, to a greater or lesser extent, every single year. I just want ONE year -- this year -- for it not to happen! (Out of curiosity I added up all the holiday weight I've gained (whether I lost it again or not) since 2006 and it absolutely shocked me: 97.2 lbs. Granted I lost a lot of those pounds in the months following the holidays but, come on!! That's ridiculous! ALL of that was after I started losing weight! I have no idea what my weight gains and losses were before that because I never weighed myself.

Not gaining weight during the holidays is the holy grail for me. I always travel internationally at that time and it's just a disaster - no routine, no gym, no scale, no kitchen scale, no control, no SP, no self control.

SparkPoints: (12,861)
Fitness Minutes: (120)
Posts: 2,054
12/6/12 4:05 P

NAUSIKAA, I don't think it will be a total disaster! It sounds like you have a good plan in place, and you will be somewhere sunny and nice where maybe you can go outside and get some good exercise in... plus you have the perfect excuse... you're coming from a cold rainy city and you want to enjoy the great weather! Where I'm going the weather is worse than it is where I live so I can't do that! Plus, maybe the food won't be as unhealthy as you think it will be.

But, I totally get it. It's definitely a control thing. I feel a bit out of control when I can't plan out my meals and track them and know what I have coming, and it makes me very anxious.

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12/6/12 2:53 P

Five days is bad? I have to do TEN days... in a different country... staying with my husband's extended family... there will be flying and probably a little eating out but mainly I am concerned about the home cooked meals.

Frankly, I'm freaking out about it.

I made up a "plan" -- stuff like don't eat anything that people don't notice other people eating, like bread. Don't eat anything fried -- I have a good excuse, it makes me awfully nauseated now if I do eat it. Take/eat small portions at every meal so that people (I've never met any of them before!!) think that's just the way I eat (except in reality I eat a LOT). Don't add any sauces or oil etc to anything (which I never do anyway). Avoid cheese. Avoid potato anything. Make my husband eat the desserts (he's excited about that).

My plan is to go to a supermarket on arrival and buy some low calorie cereal bars and keep those for emergencies.

I don't want them to think their relative's new wife is a freak or anything (I'm planning to work out too somehow...) but I just am not in a place right now where I can handle coming back with weight gained. I am literally freaking out if you can't tell from this post. We don't even leave for 20 days still.

I love the suggestion on this thread to offer to cook some meals but I suspect that that would be very poorly received based on what I know. My husband has a HUGE extended family and with only 10 days he expects us to be eating at a different house every day.

This is going to be an unmitigated disaster. I don't stand a chance. I am dreading it so much that I don't want to go at all, even though it's a sunny beachy destination and everything is already paid for. I just want to stay here in my cold rainy city and go to the gym and weigh my food out. Apparently I don't like to give up control.

Edited by: NAUSIKAA at: 12/6/2012 (14:54)

Posts: 239
12/6/12 12:03 P

YOJULEZ no nuts,at least not raw. I do not even want to provide anything remotely resembling a visual on this.... But thanks for the response!

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12/6/12 11:57 A

Oh yes, going on a plane presents a whole new bevy of problems :) You could probably do nuts or something non-perishable like that... maybe even see if you can tag along to the grocery store and pick up a few fresh fruits to have around. I know fresh fruit is technically allowed on planes but you might get a rogue TSA officer that will make you throw it out. Their enforcement of the rules is not consistent.

current weight: 139.0

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SparkPoints: (69,150)
Fitness Minutes: (120)
Posts: 9,612
12/6/12 11:57 A

If there isn't going to be enough veggies at the table, maybe you could add some of your favorites. That way you'll get enough.

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12/6/12 11:50 A

Thank you, YOJULEZ -- not alll of this is plane-friendly (these days), but appreciate suggestions. I haven't been able to tolerate granola bars (dunno why, but there it is..)

We will see.

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12/6/12 11:44 A

Good luck to everyone over the holidays! Just do the best you can and remember that it is temporary - you will be back to your routine in a few days.

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12/6/12 11:41 A

I responded to you in the other thread but I'll copy and paste it here (with paragraphs added!):

ARTEMIS, you have pretty much the same situation as me going on... we'll be with my boyfriend's family (his mom's house) for a week at Christmas. Like I mentioned above, I don't plan on trying to eat healthy the entire time but I am coming up with a bit of a game plan. I don't know his mom that well as we've only met 3 times in the past, so I definitely can't be rude and turn down what she makes. BF thinks she's like the best cook in the world too, so that's another reason. I think even he'd be offended if I didn't want to eat what she makes. From what I've had from her before, she is actually a good cook, just not a healthy one. So, I figure I'll just watch my portions, and eat more of anything that's healthy like veggies and salad, and less of anything that's not, and eat minimal desserts.

I also think I'll probably bring my own adult beverages to share, since they pretty much all drink A LOT of beer. I'll probably bring some wine and a bottle of vodka and some diet 7-up to make my own little cocktails (and of course offer to everyone else too). That way I'll have a drink and people won't bother me and try to push beers on me (happened at the last family event we went to).

Also I will bring a few snacks of my own, like fiber granola bars, since I don't know what their eating schedule is like. That way if there's hours between meals, I can have one of those so I'm not starving by the time dinner is rolling around, and therefore way more tempted to eat too much of the unhealthy stuff.

Addition: I also don't have unrealistic expectations about my weight during this time. I'm sort of maintaining, sort of trying to lose a bit more. I do not expect to lose anything during this time. If I can just stick to where I'm at, I'll be very happy. If I gain a few, I'll be OK with it. At least now I know how to lose it again :)

current weight: 139.0

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12/6/12 11:37 A

GRIZ1GIRL - I would enjoy cooking for everyone. My brother loves to cook. He refused all my efforts to help out last September, so I don't expect any different this time round.


(He is proud about his cooking skills and he is good at it. But five days...)

Edited by: ARTEMISTHEGREEK at: 12/6/2012 (11:42)

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12/6/12 11:08 A

I am a college student, and I'll be living with my Mom for 5 weeks during the holidays between semesters. Since she thinks I never eat she wants to overload me with food, so to remedy that I have volunteered to plan and cook the meals while I'm home. This helps her too since she works all day, and doesn't always have time for a healthy cooked meal.

The second problem I run into while visiting is that I won't have my gym nearby & I'm not good about working out outside, especially when it's cold. So, I've gone online & signed up to receive one week trials at 5 different gyms in the area. I know it may seem wrong to do that since I have no intention of joining any of them, but the cheapest guest membership in town is $60 for one month. I am a broke college student that has no job, so paying that much for a one month guest pass is out of the question.

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12/6/12 10:53 A

Don't eat the sweets Only one scoop of anything walk when you can

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12/6/12 10:50 A

I'm in the same boat; I'll be visiting with my parents and brother's family on the other side of the country for five days. There will be a LOT of goodies around and it's really, really hard for me to say no to them. I can try to walk each day, but the weather may not cooperate (lots of rain where they live). Truth is, even with watching portion sizes, attempting to limit the treats and walking, I will likely come back at least a few pounds heavier than when I went out.



But, I also expect that when I get home and back into my own routine, I'll take those pounds back off again. The real damage only happens if I don't get back to tracking my food and working out after my one week away.

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12/6/12 10:32 A

If you're willing to cook for everyone--they'll happily eat whatever you serve. Everyone loves a break from the kitchen. :)

Unfortunately, I'm pretty much always screwed when I travel--you just can't get the same foods in your mother-in-law's kitchen or in a restaurant that you do at home. So it goes. Just be prepared to diet more & exercise harder when you get home.

As for not eating pasta...how can you live without it?!? I LOVE pasta--it's my diet secret. I eat pasta & don't feel hungry all evening...ergo, no munchies. To each their own, I guess! Happy Holidays!

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12/6/12 10:10 A

Hi, YELLOWDAHLIA. We are a small family, so they will notice. Also if the meal is high carb and I cannot get enough of what I would usually eat (LOTS of good veggies for instance, without starchy sauces and such), I'll be hungry and will want to eat. Just a salad, i will want to eat. I eat healthy protein and fat sources, with healthy veggies.

There will be pasta at some point (normally I don't eat it). There will be breads (I do eat, but limited.) Veggies are served, but not in large enough quantities to fill, unless I take everyone else's share. I do eat meat, but I severely limit non-pastured sources. I hope my family has a hunkering for non-breaded seafoods!

PS; there will be my father, my brother and wife, her two kids (maybe sometimes) and me. Possibly my brother's wife's father.




Edited by: ARTEMISTHEGREEK at: 12/6/2012 (10:17)

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12/6/12 10:03 A

Thanks, STEPHEN_NANNY! I am simply hoping snow doesn't fly before I get out to visit family in Chicago -- there are some great walking areas around my brother's house, and I hope to take his location up on it. Snow and ice would slow safe activity like that down... (And to be honest, I hiked his neighborhood a lot, although perhaps not with a full outward steady hang-on-in-there pace most of the days, the last time I visited - if weather cooperates, I WILL rectify my pace!).

Yep, no cream-based beverages, alcohol or not. NO to egg nog.

Thanks!

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12/6/12 10:02 A

Does your family really care what and how much you eat?

When I eat with family, I find that I am my own worst enemy. Nobody ever seems to pay attention to what I put on my plate.
I'm sure if I said "no" to dessert they would be thinking "cool, more for us"...LOL

current weight: 137.5

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12/6/12 9:49 A

I'll be away for several days as well for Christmas visiting family, so same boat...my goal for these things is "prevent defence"...giving up small yards to prevent the big play (cheesy football analogy) until the clock runs out. I'm not looking to lose weight during that time...that's pretty much unrealistic...just want to hold the fort. That isn't too hard to do by sticking with a few principles:
- don't eat unless hungry
- eat one full plate for the meal trying everything you want, but make veggie portions a good chunk of the plate
- a bit of alcohol if I must, but have wine instead of the cream-based goodies
- knowing the meals will be rich, be diligent where I can, like on snacks, by sticking to fruits or raw veggies
- walking every day...usually at least one other relative wants to go for a walk after a meal just to get away from the people driving them nuts
- enjoying the wonderful tastes of pies, trifles, cakes, and sweets, but in reasonable portion sizes....I emphasise enjoying because they were made with love and after the holiday is over I won't be seeing foods like that for a long time
- drinking lots and lots and lots of water to help my system and keep portions under control

Hold the fort!

good luck

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12/6/12 9:36 A

Questions about how folks here deal with dining over the holidays away from home, rather than just one day.

Were it just one day, I'd give myself a "cheat" day (still limiting the desserts). But this will be five days. It took me awhile to re-coop from visiting family last September. And I didn't do desserts except once that visit! (I also made my own breakfasts every morning.

It is kinda rude to decline thngs served for five days, excepting allergens (like nuts, here). They know I don't eat desserts often and that I do make my own breakfasts. When we go out to eat I will have more control. Still, despite all, I gained weight, five pounds, last September.

So anyhow, thoughts are welcome, especially since this will be more than one day for me, and just nibbling on lettuce when we do go out is just SOOOOooo not going to fill.

PS:

I saw the thread about handling Christmas day and responded there, but I am adapting this to a new thread with more than a one-day concern over the holidays:

(I am being Non-politically correct in the subject header however, because 1) I am not Christian, 2) I do celebrate it, however named, as a family oriented occasion, and 3) I will be visiting family for five, not one days, the week before the specific occasion, for logistical reasons. But that other is a GOOD thread! Phones are a wonderful invention! And PPS: please call the date or the season, of course, whatever you wish! Hugs and Happy Solstice, Christmas, Ramadan, Hannukah, and oh, yes, the end of the Mayan Calendar! It's all relevant to our discussion.)

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