Originally Posted by magraba:
it is going to be REALLY hard for me... we don't have Thanksgiving here, but my daughter and I are having a two weeks holiday at the end of December... which means to say that for a couple of weeks I will be eating in restaurants at least twice a day and my only exercise will be walking around.
So what I think i will do is to have breakfast and dinner, and to get just a little fruit for lunch. I am going to Florida: do you Americans think it's doable? any better suggestions? Should I start a new thread on this...?!??!?!!?

It sounds like it should be doable, but I think that it probably depends on the specifics. Do you have a pretty good idea of what sorts of restaurants will be available where you will be going? Is it possible to get any nutritional information for any of them? Do you plan on buying fruit at restaurants (could be difficult), or buying fruit at a grocery store? Are you staying in a place that has a mini-fridge or kitchenette? That would make things a lot easier.

I'm assuming you haven't been to the US before, if you have, disregard this because you probably already know it. ;) Portions at US restaurants tend to be very large, and at many places the the calorie, fat, and sodium contents of dishes are likely to be higher than you might expect (which is why finding out the nutritional info in advance might help you). This is less likely to be true for very upscale restaurants, ethnic restaurants that serve authentic (un-Americanized) cuisine, and places that market their entire menu as being very healthy or organic. Still, an increasing number of chain restaurants offer some sort of relatively low-cal menu. It's also usually completely acceptable and relatively common to ask for changes to a dish when you order, such as asking for dressing on the side, that something be baked or steamed instead of fried, or that a specific topping not be included. There are a few places that won't customize orders (and they'll usually tell you that in the menu), but most restaurants will try to accommodate all reasonable requests. Desserts, especially at chain restaurants, tend to be large, so if you want to order dessert you may want to consider splitting something with your daughter.

I having lobster for thankgiving dinner! And pumpkin pie. Probably some veggies and wine. And I'll go for a nice bike ride thanksgiving morning. I love being one of those people out on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings working out. Such camaraderie and good cheer!

Christmas I'll probably sneak some chocolate from the nieces and nephews stockings. Have wine. Dinner isn't usually a huge fest that day. And of course a bike ride or walk in the morning.

Thanksgiving will probably be a challenge for me. That turkey, mashed potatoes, pie, and all the other temptations @_@
but hopefully i can eat reeaaaaaally slow to psyche myself out xD

going to california for christmas! so excited for it too~

Originally Posted by theox:
It sounds like it should be doable, but I think that it probably depends on the specifics. Do you have a pretty good idea of what sorts of restaurants will be available where you will be going? Is it possible to get any nutritional information for any of them? Do you plan on buying fruit at restaurants (could be difficult), or buying fruit at a grocery store? Are you staying in a place that has a mini-fridge or kitchenette? That would make things a lot easier.

I'm assuming you haven't been to the US before, if you have, disregard this because you probably already know it. ;) Portions at US restaurants tend to be very large, and at many places the the calorie, fat, and sodium contents of dishes are likely to be higher than you might expect (which is why finding out the nutritional info in advance might help you). This is less likely to be true for very upscale restaurants, ethnic restaurants that serve authentic (un-Americanized) cuisine, and places that market their entire menu as being very healthy or organic. Still, an increasing number of chain restaurants offer some sort of relatively low-cal menu. It's also usually completely acceptable and relatively common to ask for changes to a dish when you order, such as asking for dressing on the side, that something be baked or steamed instead of fried, or that a specific topping not be included. There are a few places that won't customize orders (and they'll usually tell you that in the menu), but most restaurants will try to accommodate all reasonable requests. Desserts, especially at chain restaurants, tend to be large, so if you want to order dessert you may want to consider splitting something with your daughter.

thank you theox for your reply. you have been really nice. Hope this is not OffTopic.
as to your first questions, I dont have a clue, but i guess the selection of restaurants will be pretty large (i am spending Christmas in Miami and new year in Orlando); I also suppose it will be possible to find a place where to buy some fruit or a yogurt or something like that, while my daughter can have a sandwich or whatever.
It's not my first time in the States but its the first in florida (I was in Illinois and California quite a few years ago) - what I know for sure is that i will try and avoid "all-you-can-eat" restaurants because otherwise I would eat non stop, and the italian ones (when in rome do as the romans do! - funny said by an italian). what i don't know is if i will manage to NOT taste food i don't usually get here... I adore meat, but i cant live on steaks for two weeks! yes, it's going to be really hard.
Good luck to us all....!!!!