Candy - I admire how you have thought through your plan, identified the obstacles (I can't believe I just labeled a vacation an obstacle) and came up with a work-around plan. Meanwhile you are getting yourself mentally prepared and probably cleaning out the junk and starting to stock your pantry and freezer with the "right" foods for you, working out an exercise program and studying recipes galore (OK, that's what I would be doing - an excuse to buy magazines). We have said it all before - the secret is finding what works for you. Enjoy the planning and the vacation and hit the ground running on the 11th. We will all be here cheering for you.

Weight loss is a lot like quitting smoking. They both have a lot of methods and theories, but one that has always struck me about the smoking applies (at least to me) to weight loss, and sounds a lot like what you're doing, Candy. I've modified these for WL, and they fit into my own personal "baby steps" philosophy too.

1. Identify your personal reasons for losing weight

2. Set a start date, usually within 10 days to several weeks. Spend this time planning your strategies, getting prepared, and visualizing your success at following your plan.

3. Identify your barriers to weight loss and look for sources of help to overcome these barriers.

4. Make SPECIFIC plans AHEAD OF TIME for dealing with temptations. Identify two or three coping strategies that work for you (such as taking a walk or calling a friend).

5. Get cooperation from family and friends. They can’t lose weight for you but they can help by not tempting you, providing a sympathetic ear and encouragement when you need it and leaving you alone when you need some space.

You know Candy, you got me thinking, those are very good points... It's great that you are planing ahead... And you know what, I bet you, you'll be in better control on this vacation because of this mind set and you'll be back all raring to go and happy to jump right in... Good for you!!

Thanks all.

That is funny how you mention quitting smoking. I used to be an outside smoker. I knew it was so unhealthy, so I never smoked in my house... only outside so my kids wouldn't have to breath the second-hand smoke. When I was in the military, I smoke a lot. Then, I got pregnant with my first a quit the moment I found. I had managed to stay smoke-free for about 3-4 years when my husband deployed to the desert (he had deployed a lot before, but this one was rough because I had just had my second daughter and she has a lot of health problems like milk alergy, reflux, and ear infections... plus, we were stationed in Okinawa Japan at the time, so I was all alone). I started smoking again, outside of course. I had finally had enough of the smoking after a couple years. We were getting ready to move here to Missouri from Japan, and I knew that if I tried to quit smoking at that time, I would likely fail since moving is stressful, and moving from one country to another is ultra-stressful.

Well... We got here to Missouri, and I quit while we were in TLF (hotel on base). I just threw them away, and NEVER picked them up again. That was 3 years ago. I know some people who have tried to quit cold turkey, and couldn't... I tried to quit in stages, and that never worked for me. So I guess we all do have different mindsets to success.

c