[MaddieBPhoto]

I'm headed to CA in a couple weeks to see family. I miss REAL Mexican food & plan on eating some. What do I do? I mean, I won't go insane, but CA has GREAT food, & Colorado does not. Is it wrong to be excited for good food? To look forward to dinners out? Should I avoid it? Ahhh help!

[seagirl]

I'd figure out what the meals were that I really wanted, and work those into my plan. I'd make sure my other meals that day were moderate, make sure to gets lots of veggies and fruit (something I often forget when I go away) and water and build exercise and moving into your days.

And have fun!!

[MaddieBPhoto]

I'm definitely moving! I'll be 19 days into the 30 Day Shred & I am taking it with me. Plus, we're going to walk on the beach tons. And I can't get through a day without water, so that won't be a problem either. Thanks for the tips!

[duckyyellowfeet]

I find Mexican food super easy to customize. Skip the rice and tortillas and get chicken fajitas. You get the veggies, the chicken and the beans...its still delicious and way fewer calories.

I would also say stick to your plan for the meals you're not super excited about. You can eat at an Applebee's, a Chili's and whatever chain you can think of any where. If you're at a place in California that really is special, I wouldn't so go all out but order what you think is reasonably healthy and move on. For everything else, stick on plan.

And have fun in California. Its kinda cold right now, but its sunny

[SunnyMathChick]

I like the advice that has already come before... enjoy the meals that are truly special.

After reading this website for several years I have read so many opinions on this. There are (were?) some awesome people in the 100+ club who said they ate NOTHING off plan until they were at goal. Then others took a more moderate approach... I think it's all about what you feel comfortable with.

Is this a trip WITH your mother? You might want to think through the choices that will make you most comfortable around her. Not that she should dictate your choices, but it does seem that that might be another element to consider.

I hope you enjoy yourself!

[krampus]

How easily can you go back on plan if you go off plan? I'd say you should just enjoy eating the foods you love. Obviously it's best to do so while exercising self control and not binge eating all trip long, but vacation is a great time to take a break from worrying about food - provided you can control yourself around it.

[Kasey87]

Skip the chips and salsa.. or just have a few if they are really good.. drink only water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea with lemon.. pick something you want, but within reason. I love ordering the most healthy thing I can at restaurants because it usually tastes good anyway. Also, I like to share one dessert with everyone if you feel like it. Just taking a couple bites of something sweet is quite satisfying after a savory meal.

Don't get too caught up with the food aspect, enjoy seeing your family and the beach (lucky!)

Have an awesome time!!