Travel tips?

[djay]

Does anyone have and good travel tips, or know where I can find them?

I'll be in planes and airports a lot starting this upcoming weekend. I'll be staying with relatives, and going to orientations with strangers, and possibly a long road trip will be thrown in as well. This will all last about two weeks. At the end of it, I'll have to make a pretty big decision, under time pressure. And, all this w/o my husband, who has been really supportive.

I've so far managed to lose three inches off my waist, and 7 lbs. And I've mostly been feeling fine or better and not feeling hungry. I want to keep this up! It is, on the whole, marvelous. (Yes, I know some of the weight and inches is water, but, still - probably not all of it!)

I'm worried that, since I'm haven't been building Atkins-friendly habits very long, the change of pace could mess me up.

[ncarolina]

Hey djay,

I don't really have any tips, but will be soooooooo interested in any advice you do get from your post b/c I am in very similar situation---I leave Friday for a week in Costa Rica and am so worried about messing up. It has been pretty simple at home to stay steady on this w.o.e., but now am now travelling for the first time since I started atkins. Good luck to you and hope it goes great for you!!!

[dreamof145]

First of all ~don't forget to pack your DANDR. It always comes in handy and helps keep you motivated. Then, have a before photo of yourself and motivational phrases or photos (what you want to look like) for quick reference when you are tempted.

As for the food...there are lots of things you can pack in your purse or a small tote when you can't find anything acceptable. (string cheese, pepperoni, jerky, pork rinds, tuna packets w/mayo condiment bags,) If you have a blue freezer block that you have access to keep re-freezing...then you can also take fresh veggies in baggies and chunks of chicken, pork or other meats and cheeses)

Always volunteer to help with the cooking when you can. That way you can be aware of what is in the dishes. You can make yourself a separate dish without certain items.

If you know of any restruants or places that you are going to be eating at ahead of time, a simple phone call a few hours or day ahead of time does wonders. I've called many times and asked if they could accomodate me with my food preferences. I've never been told no. At times when I haven't called ahead, I've used the pick/choose method of either asking to alter the menu or just simply not eating certain items on the meal. Many times I've asked for extra green beans or salad in place of the potato or bread. Its a challenge, but it so worth the effort.

You can do it without causing insult to others or drawing attention to yourself. Its a matter of being creative and knowing what you can eat. Best wishes.

[sadie147]

I will second everything Dreamof145 said..perfect advice!

One thing I will add..which may be a bit off plan..but if you are really STUCK..i mean there is nothing. than you are far better off to eat 'higher rung' foods, than to completely abandon your woe. I always think having an ounce of nuts, a few berries, a yogurt, is still far better than saying 'oh well..nothing here for me to eat, i'll start again later' and gorging on anything and everything. I always worry when people are put in a position that they don't have an induction friendly food, they just completely abandon the WOE all together. it's a good idea to look at the owl rungs and if you are seriously stuck..they are a better option if you must.

Personally..I've been doing this woe for 4 years, and have yet to have to go off plan for any reason. I have been able to eat off plan at parties, friends get togethers,several vacations, and work parties.

[Scooterjam]

Excellent advice Becky!!!! Wow! You've traveled a bit, I take it? haha!!

[djay]

Thanks for the advice everyone! There are a lot of good tips in there.

I think my biggest problem will be having willpower when I'm tired and stressed. When I'm tired and stressed is when I most tend to to things out of habit.

Having the book and other reminders on hand, along with snacks, will be a big help at those times.

I should be on OWL for most of my trip, and the plan to eat a higher-rung food rather than go totally off -- if I really have to -- is also good. It'll make it slightly less black-and-white, which will make it less stressful, which will probably make me less likely to go off at all.

ncarolina: In case this is helpful, this is something else I thought of:

I'm fitting back into my somewhat smaller clothes from last year (before I gained about 8 lbs over last fall and holidays), so I'm planning to pack just them. Hopefully having all my larger clothes over a thousand miles away might also help for reminders and motivation!

[ncarolina]

Lots of good advice here, and thanks Djay for the tip---I am now in smaller clothes too, and will leave those bigger ones home!!! I'm actually pretty ready to face this first really big tempation of beach-resort food.

I am envisioning myself coming back home all tanned and SLIMMER, so I have my positive attitude ready to go!! Plus, I have to pour myself into a swimsuit on this trip so THAT ought to keep me focused on my goals. You have a safe and enjoyable trip and good luck!!!

[Maerow]

One thing I like to do on long long trips, is get one of those smaller veggie trays with the ranch dip. I don't really want to be eating mindlessly on stuff that's high calorie even if it's low carb, because when you are bored out of your mind on a long long car drive it's easy for me to get carried away. I figure...NOBODY got fat on veggies, so I can nosh guilt free on broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Just a thought, it works for me!

[ncarolina]

Hey djay,

just checking in---hope your travels went well? My week in Central America was great and I maintained with no gain---yippeeeeeeee!! Everyone's travel tips on this thread came in very handy so thanks! What a great support group!