Holiday to USA, advice needed

**Katie Henry** · February 22nd, 2012, 01:24 PM

My holiday is 19 days away :0) although I am excited I am also worried sick. I am flying to the USA from uk 9 hours on plane, the car journey to the airport is 3 hours and there is 2 hour transit time when we arrive in Florida. 14 hours traveling yikes.

I plan to get up an extra hour b4 the rest of my family at 4.30 to ensure I eat a good breakfast, I have also looked on virgins website they do not have a low carb food option but they have glutton free and a diabetic options, we are telling them I have a food allergy rather then saying I am choosing not to eat carb heavy foods, my first question which of the 2 options should I choose?

My 2nd question is what snacks could I take? we have checked with airline and cool bag is not an option so a fresh salad and cheeses are out. I have brought some low carb shake powder, bars and protein biscuits. I know these are not ideal but thinks this situation is an emergency so will use those as I do not want to get hungry then eat something stupid in flight. Are there any other items that are suitable to eat, I should be on the legumes (do not even know what these are?) ladder level at the time of departure.

My 3rd question is to USA forum users or users that know the USA well, where are the best places to eat for low carb options? I know a few restaurants add hidden carbs to steaks and omelette and I do not want to get caught out in this way, and with food labels how do I work out the net carbs as I believe it is different to here in uk.

And lastly what sort of level of carbs would knock me out of ketosis? And how will I know? I am planning not to cheat whilst away, however I am not 100% certain that I won't, I'm sure I'll eat at least 1 ice cream and I love American waffles and pancakes but will try my hardest not to Indulge, my holiday is a busy 1 I am taking my kids to all the theme parks so I will probably not track so some advice would be really appreciated. I want to enjoy my holiday but also not gain to much weight, I am not stupid enough to think ill loose or even stay the same weight upon my return but I also do not want to undo my hard work and return home to my starting weight of 11st 4lb when I am currently 10st 8 lb and hope to be a lot less at time of holiday. Can anybody advice? X

**Cool Hand Luke** · February 22nd, 2012, 01:34 PM

Bring low carb bars and nuts for the plane. I think that is the best you will able to do. I would also bring a hard boiled egg or two to eat right before you board the flight.

There are a few restaurants which offer low carb choices. If you stay anywhere near a Cracker Barrel, they offer a double meat, three egg low carb breakfast that is good. Check the area where you will be staying for the restaurants. You can almost always eat Fajitas without the tortillas.

If you try really hard to stay clean when possible, I bet you will stay in Ketosis. Just do your best and you will be fine. You are correct your biggest problem point will be actual travel, so have those snacks handy. Better to eat a little bag of almonds than be ravenous and ultimately have to eat whatever you can find.

**not2late** · February 22nd, 2012, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Katie Henry

My holiday is 19 days away :0) although I am excited I am also worried sick. I am flying to the USA from uk 9 hours on plane, the car journey to the airport is 3 hours and there is 2 hour transit time when we arrive in Florida. 14 hours traveling yikes.

I plan to get up an extra hour b4 the rest of my family at 4.30 to ensure I eat a good breakfast, I have also looked on virgins website they do not have a low carb food option but they have glutton free and a diabetic options, we are telling them I have a food allergy rather then saying I am choosing not to eat carb heavy foods, my first question which of the 2 options should I choose?

you can ask them to give you examples of what foods are on the gluten free and diabetic diets. There are drawbacks to each diet....gluten free will still include items like root vegetables and non-gluten containing grains like rice. Diabetic diets will include the same foods.

So no matter which menu you choose you will still have to be careful when you eat it.

My 2nd question is what snacks could I take? we have checked with airline and cool bag is not an option so a fresh salad and cheeses are out. I have brought some low carb shake powder, bars and protein biscuits. I know these are not ideal but thinks this situation is an emergency so will use those as I do not want to get hungry then eat something stupid in flight. Are there any other items that are suitable to eat, I should be on the legumes (do not even know what these are?) ladder level at the time of departure.

Cheeses are still an option. Most cheeses are best served at room temperature and besides...cheese is technically spoiled milk, so unless it starts growing some weird mold in the several hours of your flight, it will still be good enough to eat.

Nuts/seeds are an option too. So are some of the sturdier finger-food veggies like blanched snow pea pods or celery sticks.

My 3rd question is to USA forum users or users that know the USA well, where are the best places to eat for low carb options? I know a few restaurants add hidden carbs to steaks and omelette and I do not want to get caught out in this way, and with food labels how do I work out the net carbs as I believe it is different to here in uk.

In the Food Forums there is a list of fast food/restaurant chains and the links to their nutrition information. You might want to look at it and see what might be available to you.

Additionally, you might want to see if grocery stores/supermarkets are nearby. Often you can make a meal from what's offered in the salad bar and deli counter.

And lastly what sort of level of carbs would knock me out of ketosis?

If you've found your CCLL, then you know what that level is. If you haven't, stay within your current carb level to be on the safe side.

I am planning not to cheat whilst away, however I am not 100% certain that I won't, I'm sure I'll eat at least 1 ice cream and I love American waffles and pancakes but will try my hardest not to Indulge, my holiday is a busy 1 I am taking my kids to all the theme parks so I will probably not track so some advice would be really appreciated. I want to enjoy my holiday but also not gain to much weight, I am not stupid enough to think ill loose or even stay the same weight upon my return but I also do not want to undo my hard work and return home to my starting weight of 11st 4lb when I am currently 10st 8 lb and hope to be a lot less at time of holiday. Can anybody advice? X

Well, it's hard to predict how your body will react to the bits of ice cream, waffles, and pancakes you plan to sample. Just be aware that if you choose to eat those foods, do not be surprised if you don't lose weight or even gain weight. Yes, that doesn't sound reassuring, but it would be an outright lie if I told you "oh, don't worry about it, you'll be okay."

**joquinn** · February 22nd, 2012, 02:11 PM

Actually it is very possible to vacation and come back smaller than you left. You have to have the right mindset. Just expect that you will eat correctly and leave it at that.

Eating out on Atkins is quite possible as long as you are vigilant and don't let yourself worry about the price. especially if you are already on the legume (beans) rung.

Order a salad with Ranch or blue cheese dressing. No croutons. add grilled chicken. eat steak and ask for steamed broccoli instead of a potato. If you end up ordering and the item comes with a sauce - don't use it as an excuse to fall off the wagon - just order better next time. Choose grilled shrimp - choose a hamburger with no bun. Everytime I order a burger with no bun - it is no problem.

Nuts are a good choice for a snack. Raw almonds work the best for me.

For your ice cream indulgence.... there is a big thing in the US now - these frozen yogurt places... they usually have a "tart" flavor - which has lower carbs than the sugar-free. But anyway - they have sugarfree ones too. If you get a little bit (like 1/2 cup) and put berries on it - it is a fabulous treat. And so much better than the soft-serve junk that will make you feel yucky.

And as for waffles and pancakes? Well, they are just not on your eating plan.

I might sound harsh - but I want you to know that you can do it. It might be hard - but it is possible and the benefits are SO worth it. I fell off the wagon at christmas - and felt gross for quite a while. It took me 2 months to get back in the right mindset to lose - and I am still 1 pound away from where I was before I stumbled. But last week I went on vacation - and ate out and all that - and I am 2 pounds down!!! It can be done. You just have to want it.

**mission to lose** · February 22nd, 2012, 02:38 PM

Katie,

Where are you going to in Florida? Orlando? Disney World?

Maybe if you tell us what city or cities you will be visiting, some of the members that live there may have some advice as far as to what local restaurants (besides the usual chains) or local stores may have Atkins Friendly foods that they can recommend.
We have many members here that live in Florida.

Are you staying in a hotel, or staying with friends or family? Many hotels near Disney are family friendly and have small refrigerators.
We stayed at one many years ago that had a fully equipped kitchen. We were able to make a good breakfast before we left for the theme parks, and also have food when we got back late at night.

Enjoy your trip. March is a good time to be in Florida, it won't be too hot.

**Katie Henry** · February 22nd, 2012, 04:58 PM

Thank u to all for help, I'll take the cheese I think but I personally cannot do nuts they make me hungry and I get cravings for chocolate which Is strange lol

I'm not to bothered about pancakes or waffles I don't want them unless I see them so best to avoid these places I think and persuade the kids to go else where lol

I'm staying In lake buena vista in Orlando in a hotel we do have a fridge but we are room only so have the flexibility to et where we want, we will be visiting all the big theme parks, but there is so much more choice there now for food then when I last visited so I am hoping it will be easier to stay on track.

Thank u all :0)

**Elizellen** · February 23rd, 2012, 03:48 AM

Well done for asking for advice on how to stay on plan, Katie!! I am sure you will do well and have a lovely time.

When you said that nuts make you hungry, was that roasted/salted nuts or raw ones? I find that salted almonds are hard to eat only one ounce of them so I buy raw/unsalted ones and find that one ounce of those is a satisfying on-plan snack for me. Since reaching rung 3 OWL I always carry a small container or two that holds just one ounce with me for emergencies and it has kept me on track countless times.

**Katie Henry** · February 23rd, 2012, 05:04 AM

I had 20g of salted peanuts 1st time I tried... Never again!!

The 2nd time was cashews same weight the reaction wasn't as severe but I really wanted to eat more and had to get my work collegue to eat the rest so I wouldn't

I also had a gain the week I added these, I'm not to worried about it but not sure of it was the nuts or the fact I had to rely on processed foods abit heavier that week due to work situations I wasn't prepared for, I also went over on my cheese allowance a couple of days so it may have been the combination of the 3, but am still reluctant to try any further nuts,

Berries are good for me though enjoying having those back :0)

**bizzlekitty** · February 23rd, 2012, 06:08 AM

When eating out, do not be shy about asking about how foods are prepared or for changes to your meal to suit your eating. Most restaurants here will be accommodating. Sometimes you have to pay a little more for the changes, but it's worth it if you eat right.

I've been able to make this Way of Eating work about anywhere I go. It's a matter of making it your priority to do so. Sometimes it means going out of your way to obtain the right foods, not being shy about asking for options, and preparing as much as possible ahead of time with planning and food prep.

I've been able to eat low carb at Disney. Make sure you see what your options are ahead of time and plan your day to eat at the right places with the best options for you. There will be salads and hamburgers etc. so the challenge will be getting in your veggies most likely. Eat a good breakfast of eggs, bacon, etc. and plan on a good hearty dinner someplace nice (steak!) and lunch and snacking should be easily doable in the parks. And be mindful of cravings and triggers from "eating out" alot, along with sodium.

Good luck and hope you have a great trip!

**Katie Henry** · February 23rd, 2012, 06:20 AM

Thanks I have allocated £1400 of our spending budget for food for me and my family so that we don't have to skimp on the price ;0) my biggest fear is getting the horrible "starving" feeling again, not just on my holiday but in life itself as I barely get that feeling I eat 3 small meals per day and only snack at work or after heavy exercise, b4 I was constantly hungry never satisfied as my diet was low fat high carbs now it's reversed I love it, even though my weight loss has been slow and up and down (frustrating) normally I would have given up but because of the non craving hardly hungry I have persevered :0)