Hi all! I'm going on a trip in a couple of weeks to see my FSIL and her family. I don't want to be making puddings (the only things I like) while I'm up there, or doing anything out of the ordinary. So, I was thinking I could make food ahead to take since I'll only be there two days.
I read a lot of threads without finding the answers I'm looking for, and I go on several weekend trips a year, at least three or four before I'll be out of Phase I.
The question is... what can I take? I wish there was some sort of un-restricted bar on IP, but there isn't. Does anybody know of an un-restricted alternative product that comes as a bar?
Alternatively, how do the "cookies" stay for up to 48 or 72 hours? Are they edible?
I know that she'll support me, but her husband and three boys will probably start asking all sorts of questions that I don't really want to deal with. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks!

For what it's worth, I have found that the only way to stay on it is to be truthful. I know it's hard as I recently went on an annual hunting trip with some buddies and the only way to stay away from the food and beer was to be up front. I caught some ribbing, but overall I think they were impressed. Just my two cents worth.

The ProtiDiet vanilla wafers are unrestricted and yummy. 8 carbs but only 12 g protein so I always add an egg white into my day when I have one of these. The ProtiDiet oatmeal is unrestricted. I like to make them into muffins and take on the go. 6 carbs, 5 net carbs and 15g protein. The ProtiThin BBQ soy snacks are unrestricted and 8 carbs and 15 g protein. I also like the ProtiDiet Honey Nut cereal. You can eat them as a dry snack. Maybe this is helpful?

Super helpful input from both of you! I really appreciate it!

I would go 100% just like you were at home...you are so early in the journey...don't deter from 100%. I was at the end of my fourth month and down 50 pounds and had a trip planned to Las Vegas...it was hard, but I packed a cooler in my checked luggage...I woke up every day and had my shake and drank my water...then lunch was tough...it was hard to find affordable veggie options with the proper dressing, but I did have my shake again for lunch every day (brought RTD and also mix with shaker)...dinner was easy I just gave the waiter the third degree each time. You will not regret being 100%

Good luck to you whatever you choose.

I just returned from a long weekend. I brought my shaker with me as well as packets. I bought a head of lettuce and brought my own IP salad dressing. I
also prepared all of my veggies ahead of time and put them into containers for each meal. The part that I did not plan well for was the 8 oz of protein. I had to go 2 days without enough protein. Its worth the planning! I lost 2 lbs over the weekend.
When we went out I looked over the menus online prior to picking the restaurant and got all of my answers from the waiter as to what needed to be changed. It really is worth it to make sure that you stay OP while you're away

I find that it really helps to look at the menu before going to a restaurant and all the server's I've asked/requested anything out of the ordinary were more than willing to help. They want their tips, and I did tip bigger than usual when they went out of their way. Outback will cook steak and shrimp on the barby with no butter, and will take the cheese out of their ceaser salad. hint hint

How will you be getting there? If driving, a cooler with RTD drinks is super easy. If you are flying, not sure....I have been to 4 weekends of National Guard duty on this program. Sure the first weekend they all were up in my business about what I was eating. But, they are now all up in my business because I am looking for another smaller uniform size. They can't believe how good I look. AND, I get to turn the tables on them, those that were ribbing me because of my lunch shake, I now ask them if they wouldn't rather a shake or to have a body that shakes....lol

Anyway, RTD drinks and those bars is what I have on those weekends. I know people don't like the questions, but I agree what others have said. Once you answer them, their curiosity moves to the 'weird food' you may be having to true interest in how you are doing, and amazement of how well this program works.

Hang in there and good luck. I forgot to take my smart pills this morning, so if I am rambling and not making much sense, sorry.

Thanks. The issue is more that we will probably be eating at their house, not able to "place" orders without being extremely rude. Also, we will be flying, so taking pre-made veggies and protein isn't really an option. I have no desire to go off plan, I'm just trying to ensure that I can stay on plan without inconveniencing everyone!

Have you tried talking to the people you are staying with ahead of time? It should actually be EASIER to stay OP if you are at someone's house instead of eating out. Does your family know you are improving your health - and are you not discussing it because you feel they won't support you?

You need to stop viewing yourself as an inconvenience. It is NOT a big deal to request plain veggies and some of the dinner meat to be set aside if they are going to be using sauces and such. It's not an inconvenience to ask if someone can run you to a grocery store to get veggies for yourself, if you are worried about burdening them with buying extra things. I have a friend who has celiac's disease, and when she visits I talk to hear ahead of time about what she can have, what I should keep around for her, and what she is bringing herself. I want her to be healthy so I have no issue taking the time to incorporate her needs in my plans.

This post really helped me: http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...d-warrior.html

Also, I was able to find these lunch bags that you put in the freezer (they are called pack it), they got through security at the airport. So, I put some steamed vegetables and cut up cucumbers and peppers in it and took them with me. That way I could at least have a day or two of ensuring I got in all the vegetables.

Maybe you could find a way to "choke" down shakes instead of the pudding? Or, make the pudding into a shake? If so, take your shaker bottle. I would not normally recommend having stuff you really do not like, but it may help.

Good luck. I have had to travel a couple of times and have to travel again this week. Also, just had 4 days of out of town guests. Not your same situation, but it does make it a little harder. Just don't get too anxious about it and do the best you can.

Oh, also, what if you ask them if you could just cook your own food and help them prepare? I realize this may not be an option either, but baking a piece of chicken (you could bake 2 days worth at one time) and steaming some vegetables wouldn't get in the way too much. I have started just saying "I am on a diet" and not giving specifics. Normally, I don't like to talk about it too much and some how everyone around you feels a little "guilty" about their eating and drinking, but hey, I have got to get this weight off so. I just say it. I don't like to discuss details so I tell everyone "lean meats and vegetables" is my diet plan. Again, good luck.

Alma, thanks for the thread plug. I posted the Lesson from a Road Warrier thread and you've had lots of great advice here. I never do the puddings as pudding. I always do them as shakes for breakfast. fast, coats your stomach for handling the vitamins, and only 3-4 net carbs.
Cucumbers and cut up celery are great travel companions. I even ate a cucumber yesterday at my desk with some cajun seasoning just like eating an apple. Easy Peasy!
My wife isn't on IP, and while she's supportive, she wants to prepare a lot of her food differently so she'll keep my chicken, fish, etc. plain, and also I steam my veggies in the microwave separately. Canned asparagus and turnip greens are also good microwave choices. They are certainly not gourmet fare, but healthy, low carb, and very very easy to prepare. Since you won't be at a hotel, you'll have a much easier time. I'm going to Texas Friday for a business trip and returning Wednesday night. I packed 6 peanut butter crunch bars, 6 crispy cereals, and 6 drink packets. Done. Everything in one ziploc bag. I'll find a convenience store where I'm going and look for sugar free jello (i'm now addicted!!!LOL) and also dill pickles, which will suffice for veggies in a pinch, but drink more water if you do the pickles to flush out the extra sodium.
And a gallon of water a day keeps the hungries away!!!!

Good luck! Keep it up!!!!!! It works! And remember-nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!!!!!!
Ken