I know this sounds sick and glutinous BUT whenever i have gone on vacation in the past it has sort of centered around food. I had to have a hotel with room service and a lounge. My husband and i are both foodies, we really enjoy gourmet cooking and eating, especially the eating while experiencing new places on vacation. A lot of you have talked about going on cruises and vacations and not gaining weight, so i know it is possible. I almost feel like, well if i cant eat anything, why spend all the money on a vacation. LIke if i dont have the rich, decadent foods, what is the point of going?

I guess my question is, is it possible, if your used to food being the center of vacation, can you shift your focus and it still be as enjoyable? I never even noticed until we planned a trip to Napa Valley for the wine and food for this fall. And i thought, wow, how am i supposed to enjoy a food and wine vacation if i cant eat or even drink that much of it? I could change it to a beach vacation but i dont want the beach, i want food and wine.

I think you can still enjoy the foods, either go somewhere with an exercise room and work out for a half hour a day, or when you get your plate, automatically cut the portion sizes in half put it in a to-go tray, or on another plate. My husband and I are celebrating our anniversary by going to a small very yummy restraunt (steakhouse) when I told him I am avoiding red-meats he was crushed and asked if we were canceling our date. I told him NO! (a night away from the kids ) I told him I would probably go for something healthier on the menu, or if I ordered a steak I would cut it in half and he could have it for lunch the next day.

You have to think moderation. Find a hotel with an exercise room and pool...and USE them. Find some vacation activities that are centered around physical activity-hikes, walking trails, walking around shopping and sightseeing on foot...and the like.

You CAN enjoy food on your trip...but in moderation. If you are going somewhere for the wine, then have a glass or two (look up the calories for whatver you are having-chardonnay, merlot, etc.) and have a LIGHT meal with it, such as a small salad. If you are indulging in a glass of wine-then don't have the desserts or rich foods at that particular time. Maybe the next day you can go somewhere known for their desserts, or what have you-and then indulge in THAT item...while being good everywhere else-no wine, fried food, etc.

It is just like when you are "watching it" at home. If I want a treat...I can fit that into my plan. I can be good all day long, exercise and eat right, and have room for a glass of wine, or for a small piece of chocolate. I just don't have the room in a day for a big rich meal, the chocolate, AND the wine. Have a treat each day on vacation-but don't make the food and drink THE VACATION. If that is what you are doing-then you can have wine and cheese and chocolate at home, you know?

Break out of the vacation rut. Spend some time walking to explore a new city. Book a vacation skiiing, snorkling, or sea kayaking ~ something adventurous, something healthy. If you spend the whole day paddling you can afford to have a nice dinner.

One of our favorite things to do is explore a city on foot. I loved downtown Chicago ~ art museums were great. My DH just got back from Lima, Peru and Santiago, Chili -- now he stayed in the safer parts, but walked everywhere, even caught a bus to the ocean in explored there. My sister's boyfriend just hitch-hiked to Alaska and his headed to that wildlife refuge the government wants to drill. My dad spends his vacations flyfishing on great rivers. My mom, driving on road trips with her girlfriends to quilting shops. You could go sailing in the ocean or paddle a canoe up a river delta -- just take a chance and do something different.

I think you will find if you're going to the Napa valley that much of the gourmet food there is health conscious and diet-friendly. I agree with you that the food is one of the most enjoyable parts of a vacation, and I think you should plan to go with the idea that you will enjoy every bit of food you eat but not go overboard and stuff yourself. Also plan to get a little more exercise than if you were at home--lots of walking, maybe?

It sounds so simple when you all say it. I am honestly going to try. Portion control is my demon. Once i order it, i eat all of it. But you all had some great advice. I just wont order it AS OFTEN. If i order a light dinner, maybe i could sneak a sweet bite later. I also like the get out and exercise so i can afford a little indulgence. And the GYM in the hotel...for sure.
I always BLOW IT on vacation. I will be losing weight and doing great...then gain 10 pounds on vacation. Then i get so frustrated because not only have i just blown a month worth of work but now i have to work another month just to get back to where i was. So that is basically two months blown...its just not worth it. I am going to fight it this time and make wise choices.