Hi!

I did calorie counting for 4 months back in 2008 and lost 13kg doing it (28 pounds) but then went on a trip to Italy. I didn't put on any weight in the two weeks I was there, but I also came back and didn't start up the calorie counting or exercising again. Until last Monday. Crazy, right. Yes. I only put on 5kg in that whole time and am now down 3 again since starting up but I'm worried.

I'm going away next week, albeit only for 4 nights not 14 but I know that I won't have daily access to the internet to track my calories on FitDay, and I also know that I'm going to want to indulge a little in some of the foods I enjoyed last time I was in Melbourne.

With my calorie counting, I tend to not have anything really off limits, but I do aim for eating pretty healthily during the week and then give myself 1 or 2 meals on the weekend where I can eat something that I wouldn't usually (as long as it still fits into the calories for the day).

The problem is, I am scared that I won't be able to do this in Melbourne. Like.. I already know I want to eat pancakes once, and a cupcake once, and a veggie burger from this place called Lord Of The Fries and probably some dumplings from this amazing all you can eat dumpling place. Even if I was able to access the net daily, calculating the calories in these foods is near impossible.

So, I know I wrote way too much, but I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice on what to do when traveling? I still want to enjoy myself and I know this time that when I return, it's completely back on track for me.

Any help most welcome!!

oh that's a tough call.. I would enjoy the foods you really want BUT I would first only eat half of what ever you get that way you at least get to taste it but aren't consuming all of it.. Also I would just allow yourself to indulge once a day and save up some calories for it before you do. for example if your going to eat dumplings at night for dinner eat a very light breakfast and light lunch so you can indulge at night.. if your going to indulge for breakfast make sure your lunch and dinner is very light ,etc... Make sure and drink PLENTY of extra water to help flush out sodium. and try and move around more since your on vacation try some physical activities do lots of walking etc..

and most of all make sure your hoping right back on the wagon when you get back.. Now if you don't think you can or you think you can't limit your indulgences while there then I would not indulge at all if it will just send you into a binge.. we have to know our limits and if you can allow your self a treat and not let it turn into a downward spiral of bad eating then go for it.. If you don't think you can limit yourself them I would just stick to your plan completely and allow yourself those things next time when you have more courage to say no!

but have fun what ever you decide! enjoy your vacation!

Hi Maria!

Thanks! I think I can control the eating - since on my current lifestyle I do allow myself "unhealthy" stuff if it fits into calories, and as long as it's not too regularly.

I think it's just more not being able to know how many calories are in the foods I know I'll end up eating. I have checked online for the places I'm going to, and I know they don't have nutrition info (some don't even have websites) but I know that I don't want to go there and regret not enjoying myself fully.

I pretty much plan on walking everywhere as well. The tram system is great in Melbourne, but I'm opting for walking because I know I won't get my usual 35-45 min workouts while I'm there.

Also, any tips for healthy things to pick up for meals? Staying in a hotel with no cooking facilities (it was cheap, I'm on a budget) so I'm pretty much going to be relying on buying all my food.

I woudl try to eat a lot of high protein things to keep you kinda full if your fuller on healthy things you may be prone to eat less of the "bad" things.. things like nuts, peanut butter,lean white meats,seafood, like salmon and tuna, shrimp scallops, eggs, avocados,things with olive oil, Greek yogurt, salads, lots of veggies and also high fiber things!

and will you have a microwave and refrigerator at least?

I would also research a few places that do have their nutritional info online that way you can eat at least one or two meals a day and KNOW how many calories it is.. and then have one splurge meal or treat a day

Sounds like a good plan! Minus the scallops and avocado haha.

Sadly I don't think we'll even have a microwave or fridge - it's definitely a budget budget room. Good location, good price.. and I guess that's why we don't have much other than a bed or a bathroom!

There is a supermarket/convenience store right across the road I have found out, so I'm at least hoping to get a preprepared salad and some chicken or something there.

Watch your proportions , stay away from the fattening stuff, except in limited quantities, Walk a lot. Your idea about the store is a good one. Good luck. PS I went on a cruise and ate everything, but I walked the deck a lot and didn't gain a pound. (didn't lose,either but not gaining was a bonus).

If you find a grocery store near where you are staying you could walk over to the store for yogurt, fresh fruit and vegis and maybe even some granolla. The fruit and vegis can sit at room temp. and if you have an ice holder in your room you could put the yogurt on ice for a few hours. If you do not think there will be an ice holder, you could bring a freezer bag and or a big ziploc plastic bag to fill with ice for yogurt. This would help your budget and help balance your diet while on vacation.

Have a great time!

Tell the person you are vacationing with your situation and split meals. Take turns ordering what each of you like, but get 2 plates and split everything in half. this has 3 real benefits I can see.

1) Half the caloric intake
2) You can't eat half the food, lose will power, and finish off a full order. The rest of that order belongs to someone else!
3) You'll spend half the money you would have spent.

I never try and lose on vacation but i am much more active than normal anyway. I personally don't throw it all away either but i do enjoy the local food, try not to snack durring the day and carry water with me all the time.

Enjoy your vacation and get right back on plan when you get home, you can journal your food while you are away so you have an idea of what you are taking in even if you don't have an exact calorie count for all food items.

bargoo: I just hope they have good options for my lack of refrigeration or cooking facilities! I tend to stick away from fattening stuff the majority of the time and do not intend to change this while I'm away. Also wow, way to go you! You're height and starting/goal weights are pretty much the same as mine - inspiration! Do you have before/after photos?

envelope: That's the plan! Unfortunately I know that the supermarket/convenience store will have stupid high prices as it's right in the city centre.

ewimsatt: Good idea but I don't think it will work unfortunately. I'm traveling with my boyfriend and while he knows my situation, we also have pretty different tastes in food! But he will probably make me feel less bad if he ends up eating some of my meals anyway! And the support will be good!

L144S: Thanks! I don't think I'm going to be obsessed with continuing to lose weight while I'm away, but am definitely aiming not to gain back anything since I'm only a couple of weeks into it all, it would be heartbreaking to come back and have gained back! Definitely intend to journal everything so that I can have some rough idea!