Vacation

schubunny · 02-08-2012, 01:25 AM

I think I just need someone to tell me -hey, it's your vacation, this is OK!

I'm 2 days in and I've ate out almost every day, but I've picked good choices and kept my calories 1800 or less.

BUT!

I haven't exercised, save for the hour walk at the mall on Saturday.

Am I sabotaging myself? Should I take a week break? I'm afraid to. It's either I get my butt moving starting tomorrow so I can fit in my 5 day regiment (and can't take another other days off), or do nothing.

I'm getting the urge to exercise at weird times (1am what?) and for some reason don't want to when I get up, as I tend to take a shower and then go off to do things I enjoy that I normally can't do -by then another day has passed.

Advice?

dayoneagain · 02-08-2012, 04:25 AM

I hear you!

I have just come back from a 4-day break where we were eating out for all three meals in restaurants that obviously cooked everything in butter and there was so much snow that it was impossible to go for my planned morning run everyday. My only exercise was walking about and seeing the sights. I just had to make the best choices that I could.

Do you have the opportunity to do some morning exercise in your hotel room/accommodation? Just getting your heart rate up for 20-30 minutes will help you mentally - tell your brain that you don't care if it doesn't want to get your butt moving in the mornings!

Good luck! I haven't stepped on the scale yet, as waiting for my regular Monday morning weigh-in, but I'm apprehensive to say the least.

schubunny · 02-08-2012, 09:58 AM

I can exercise, but I'm finding the motivation hard during vacation as I'd rather spend the time doing other things.

I am still watching my calories and my weight is the same so far. I am thinking of going for a walk outside today with the bf

JudgeDread · 02-08-2012, 10:04 AM

Just keep tabs on your calories...aim to maintain during vacation. Don't overdue it, but don't restrict yourself so much that you make vacation eating miserable!

krampus · 02-08-2012, 12:57 PM

Hey, it's your vacation, this is OK!

Petite Powerhouse · 02-08-2012, 01:02 PM

Of course, it's OK. For me, though, exercising is key. The first cruise I went on three years ago, I didn't fit in my normal exercise. I walked a lot and went on excursions, but that didn't make up for indulging here and there. I went home six pounds heavier than when I left. Most of it was water weight, but it still bothered me. I ended up falling off the wagon as a result.

Last February I did fit my exercise in. This was key for me. At my weight and fitness level, not taking the elevators and walking around on the islands is not enough to keep the pounds off given the kinds of food to which one is exposed. I ate carefully, but splurged extravagantly two nights, and had an enormous cupcake one afternoon, and I still came home lighter than I left. I didn't feel I had missed out on anything by exercising, and I was very happy with myself when I stepped on the scale.

So, as I say, for me, well, I have learned that I absolutely must exercise to really feel free to enjoy my vacation. I'd rather get in my exercise and allow myself to have a dessert or two than not let myself eat anything off plan. But I certainly am not one to say you have to do so. It is, after all, a vacation. As long as you get yourself back in the game as soon as you get home, you'll be fine. And, if you are already sticking pretty much to plan, you have absolutely nothing to fear from the scale.

linJber · 02-08-2012, 01:29 PM

I doubt that any amount of "normal" exercise (running, cardio, strength, etc.,) will burn enough calories to allow eating that is way off plan. It will most likely keep you focused on what you're doing and thus stay closer to your planned eating. I don't think an hour of Zumba at its most strenuous level burns more than 800 or 900 calories.

Life goes on around our "diets." Coming back from vacation without a gain is an accomplishment. How many thin people do that?

Lin

schubunny · 02-09-2012, 12:58 AM

So far I'm the same weight 3 days done! Crossing my fingers. I did do a little bit of strength training today, only 10 minutes, with some cardio. Then I went out to do some shopping so it was driving/walking for like 3 hours chopped up.

I'm probably going to see water weight tomorrow since I went way too high on my salt today. But it was to be expected as I ate high-sodium foods, despite them being healthy (veggies, fried salmon).