IP in Ireland
 

Hello all!

I am back and slowly getting in to my old routine. Trying to stay completely OP was harder than I thought.

Even healthier choices in restaurants had sauces. Salads are not what we think of as a green salad, but usually include coleslaw and/or potato salad. Side veggies ALWAYS include at lest 2 types of potatoes. I DREADED going out to eat until I finally decided to do the best I could. I tired to keep a Quest bar or a packet or two on me at all times. I WISH I had just asked for hot water more often to make a soup or drink. The few times I did, it was no problem.

My big meal splurge was an app of steamed mussels, no sauce and grilled hake. DELISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The mussels were sweet and tiny. Hake is a yummy white fish that I fell in love with. It's very low cal. BUT my husband said what we would get in the states that is Hake is different.:(

It was hard to describe to my family what I could and could not eat, although they tried so hard to be accommodating. For instance, one of my SIL's made a meal using beans in a casserole, you know for protein. I felt bad because I couldn't eat it.

Cooking for myself was challenging because things are in kilos, which isn't so bad, but nutrition labels are worded differently and use metric which I have not used since 4th grade. Resources we take for granted here are not as easily accessible. I must say, the red peppers were absolutely sweet, delicious and abundant. I had a lot of cucumber and red pepper salad.

While our flights were great and the staff very pleasant, (A shocker on Aer Lingus) both of my meals were not what I expected. I tried gluten free going over. It consisted of pasta and bread which were gluten free. I think my meal on the way back was a mistake. It said low carb, but it was chicken with peas, carrots and rice with a side of pasta salad. The only difference between that and my daughters meal was a cookie. I ate what I could off her and my husbands plates and made a soup.

I did do a lot of walking and really enjoyed it. I was even able to keep up with my long legged relatives.

All in all, I could have been better prepared. Maybe keep thermos of hot water in the car when we were traveling.

I will be curious to see how IP launches in GB and Ireland. The economy is worse (about a yr behind us in 'recovery') and this diet would not be affordable to a lot of people. Also, like I said, while there were a lot of veggies the selection of ones we can have are limited. (Seasonal too, I know)

Anyway, my WI is Thursday. All I know is a pr of size 18pants I bought are getting big.

Welcome back! I was wondering how the trip was going. We're still set on the end of Aug/1st week of Sep. The plan is for DW and I to be in P4 by then but we'll see. Last time over I was able to sleep the entire flight so didn't have to worry about a meal (trip back was 23 straight waking hours though). We'll definitely be taking some Quest bars to at least have a decent car snack.

Sounds like you tried really hard to be OP. Good for you!
It's one thing if your traveling here in the US or Canada, but obviously a lot different when you're in Ireland.
I'm glad you had a wonderful trip and arrived home safely!
Good Luck on your WI. I will look forward to hearing your results.

~Jen

Hey Ninja! welcome home!!! So glad that you had a blast in Ireland!!!! I bet it was hard to stay OP there. Now ur back so you can go back on IP fulltime!