How do I stay in control on vacation?

© 2002 Scott "Q" Marcus, THINspirational Speaker

When I've gone on the cruises we put together (or on any other vacations), I 've developed a few guidelines that have helped me tremendously. It takes some thought of course, but the feeling of coming home from a great vacation and not disliking how you feel (or better yet, really enjoying how you feel) is well worth the thought. (If you'd have other ideas, email them to me at VacationIdeas@THINspiration.com. You can also download my 174 ideas for losing weight, it's free. click here to go the correct page.)

The one idea that goes without saying (so why am I saying it?) is get to a meeting. Find the time no matter where you are. It's fun. It helps keep you in control. When I was in France, I went to a meeting in Cannes. I didn't understand a thing they said except "potato" and "toilet" (God knows what they had in common!) but I met some neat people, got some French WW stuff and it helped me on my journey. Try it!

Aside from that...

1) Never eat anything "special" on vacation that you could have at home. For example, as everyone knows, I love French Fries! However, French Fries are French Fries are French Fries are French Fries. The pretty much taste the same here at home as they do on vacation; no need to waste points on something I could get when I'm back home.

However, something exotic or different - like the Hand Grenades we had in New Orleans - I'll try. (Of course, I don't remember them...) You are NOT "cheating" by having a special food. It just depends on how many you have, which leads to idea #2...

2) Have ONE of these new things. Promise yourself that's it. You're trying to just get the taste; not the bulk.

3) Opt for low fat and low cal versions of anything you find, whenever possible.

4) Walk as often as you can. On the ship, I always used the stairs, NOT the elevator. Makes a big difference. Al.so, gives you muscle tone!

5) Drink water at every meal. Not only will it help fill you up, it keeps you hydrated and feeling less hungry. (In addition to that, very few people eat when they're constantly running to the weight reduction cubicle - aka bathroom.)

6) Try and shake off the feeling of deprivation. You aren't depriving yourself, you're merely delaying when you'll eat. Instead of saying (to yourself) "I can't eat that" and feeling bad, say "Not right now, maybe later." The difference in your psyche will be amazing. The difference in your weight will be wonderful. Most times, when we say "I can't," we get rebellious. When we say "Not right now," it allows us to think - and we make the correct choice most of the time.

7) Set realistic goals. Don't think you'll do as well on vacation as you can when you're home and everything is the way you want it. Remember, thin people gain weight on vacation too. They just take it right off.

8) Most importantly, come back to the first meeting when you're back no matter how you do. In a worst case scenario, where you "black out" and eat everything and put on 10 pounds (unlikely, but for the sake of arguement, we'll use it), all you really did is delay hitting your goal by 5-7 weeks or so - providing you come back!

If however you say, "I'll lose that weight first, and then go back," you won't lose the weight. (If you could lose the weight at home, why didn't you before?) After awhile, you'll get frustrated. You'll say, "Aw, what the heck!" You'll put on more weight - and then finally, you'll come back. Instead of your goal being only a month or so delayed, it'll be so much longer.

Have fun. Set some realistic goals. And come back. You can do this!

 For comments and questions: ScottQ@THINspiration.com

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