I posted about this in the 20-somethings forum already, but I thought this would be a good place to get some extra support too.

I am going to be traveling (combination of business and pleasure) for most of the rest of this month (Aug 12-14, 17-21, 26-Sept5). Now, I am looking forward to traveling in some ways (I get to see a friend I haven't seen for a while, and I'm going home for the first time since December, and I'm going to some scientific conferences for the first time). But I am TERRIFIED of not being in complete control of all my food and exercise.

I am getting so close to my goal, and August 10 is the one-year anniversary of my lifestyle change. I am scared to death that I am going to screw it up and gain back the weight I have lost. I know that I can't gain that much in such a short time, and I already know that I have to watch my portion sizes and fit in exercise somehow while I'm gone, but I am still seriously freaking out about this.

In the past year, when I've traveled, it's been kind of like "well, I'll try to eat healthy, but I'll only be gone a couple days so I can't do much damage." This time I will be gone a LOT and I think I could really do some damage if I'm not careful. I guess I am just looking for some support. It would be really nice to know that there are other people just as terrified as I am of losing control of their eating/exercise.

I know how you feel. We went on vacation in May and I was as anxious as you are now. I was without fitday, a gym, and a scale. I left home with maintaining my weight for the week as my ultimate goal. As it happens, I lost 3.5 pounds that week (I had been on a plateau so half of that was probably "catch up" weight). I was so worried about not being able to micromanage my food and exercise that I overcompensated by eating a little less than I normally do and making sure that I went out of my way to be active (walking instead of driving, doing a few jumping jacks each day, etc.). I also kept a running calorie total in my mind.

Anyway, when it was all said and done I had enjoyed my vacation, allowed myself a few indulgences, made healthy food choices overall, and kept moving. I came home motivated by my progress and with a new confidence that I really had made a lifestyle change. Plus, I was ready to get back into my routine and back down to business.

I understand why you are nervous about the situation but you CAN use those nerves to your advantage and stay on track.

Journal to watch what your eating while you are gone as well as what time you ate . Make sure your keeping up with any plan you are working with.
If you cut of certain things dont eat them while you are gone. Let it be known that you can not give in to one timers.
Like anyone offering you something you know you shouldnt have. If you feel cravings or like giving in for a moment, take a walk and think about where you began and what it felt like, think about all you have done to get here. Think about where you want to be then head back and you should have it beat. Take Pictures of before if you have them and keep them close, in your purse by your bed. Have a safe and Happy trip.

I know exactally what you mean! I'm going out of town for a few days this weekend, and I'm going to try bringing along a printed log sheet I found online to log what I eat for each day I'm gone. I've just got to get over what other people think and keep myself in line. Otherwise, I'm back to my old self in no time plump (as opposed to "flat" which I'd rather be...)

That's an excellent line.

Thanks for the advice everyone! It's nice to know I'm not alone. At least for some of the places I'm going, there are a few meals provided, so I'm going to try to stick to small portions and hope they have salad. I know I will be splurging a little when I am at home visiting my parents though, because I have been craving some local delicacies (like a really good burrito ) ever since moving to RI. I made sure that one of my hotels I am staying at has a gym, too, but since the conference activities last pretty much all day long I'm not sure I'll have time to use it. I sure hope so though.

Of course you can do it! You've changed your way of eating and you've come so far! Just be aware of what you're eating and make wise choices! It's going to be harder, of course, because you can't always choose the menu. But you can choose what and how much you eat! And be careful of drinking! It can make you forget your goals.

I jsut got back from vacation a few weeks ago. We had a family reunion and all my family are big eaters (and big). We had wonderful food! But we also had some great fruit that one of the famiy had brought from Georgia! It was sooooo good. We haven't been able to get any where I live yet! And I went walking every day, I even managed to talk some of the others into going with me1 We had fun! I never told anyone I was on a diet. That's not always a good ideal. Some of them would have tried to get me to "just taste this". By not telling them I didn't have to go throught that! If you have supportive people then let them know. Maybe they will plan a healthier menu for you.

Have fun! Take a long walk, you can do that almost everywhere. If you're aren't familuar with the area, go to the mall! If the hotel has a gym try very hard to use it. Conferences don't last all day and you can always go ther to unwind after dinner!

Don't undo all the good you have achieved!

Jawsmom is right: aiming to maintain is a good way to stay in control without spending the whole trip obsessing.

When I'm staying in a hotel, I usually empty out the mini-bar the first day, and stock it with good stuff. I always eat bfast in my room (I buy stuff locally or take a few things from home). If there's a food court somewhere nearby you may be able to buy make-your-own salads with legumes and feta etc. I always have a set of camping cutlery with me: the heavy plastic (lexan?) version won't break and can go on board in your carry-on. I even have a plastic plate that goes in my suitcase.

I also agree that alcohol is a very slippery slope when travelling: it's just too easy in a hotel to have a few glasses and then clean out the $20 macadamia nuts and chips in the little mini-bar basket.

I often try to have fruit or little bags of smokehouse almonds in my carry-on in case there's no food (or only "bad" food) available.

As for the family part, remember that it's not the first burrito that makes you gain weight... And if you do have a total blowout, don't tell yourself you might as well eat a whole cake since you've blown it anyway.

Enjoy your travels!

I went to an amusement park for 6 days last month and only gained one pound! The secret?? I looked at web sites ahead of time for the restaurants where I would be eating and knew pretty much what I wanted to eat!! I did slip up some, hence the 1 pound gain...but I lost that and 1 additional pound when I got home over the next week!!
Good luck!! Traveling is so much fun!! Have a good time and if you can find restaurant listings for the town you are traveling to, you will be well armed when you eat out!!!

Thanks everyone! I will definitely try not to eat enough to gain. I'm hoping the fact that I feel fuller on fewer calories nowadays will help me keep my portions in control!