Dream vacation and the diet

[dthomps]

In two months, my husband and I are going on a month-long jaunt through Europe. This is a dream vacation for us.
Anyway, I'm on the diet, eating Atkins-correctly with few minor slip-ups. But when I go to Europe, I know I'll cheat some, but I want to do it in a very controlled way. (Does that make sense?)
For example, I would LOVE to have gelato in Italy and wine on a wine tour. I don't have to do it, but even if I try to be perfect, there will be challenges that make perfection almost impossible. (i.e. language barriers and menus. Needing to stay within a specific budget and not knowing where the best options for Atkins-friendly food will be.)
So, what should I do to mitigate gaining 10 pounds while I'm gone? We'll be getting lots of exercise. Should I plan "cheats" several days apart or stick 'em all together for example in Italy where I anticipate it will be harder to find approved meals and then starve or only eat tuna packets in Spain?

[liv]

No don't eat tuna packets in Spain - it is a mecca of great food. Try some of their seafood dishes. You just have to
OK that is all I will say.
If it was me I would use some common sense and go with that.
You are your husband is in for a treat.

[JulieB]

Don't starve yourself...you do not want your body to go into starvation mode. Stick to the diet as much as possible when not cheating (eat your veggies, drink your water, eat when hungry, etc). Hopefully the extra exercise will balance out the rest.

[dthomps]

From your lips to God's ears, Julie!

[pagliaccia]

Run your way through OWL and you should be at Rung 9 by the time you leave. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so just get yourself as close as you can to pre-maintenance. That's what I'd do, at least. Have fun on your trip!

[Ohbehave007]

When I was in Austria I followed the diet as well as one could expect (not knowing the language). What I did was when I was shopping I would look at the label. As long I it contained no sugar I would go ahead and have it. I had one meal (more like half a meal) in a restaurant and I told my boyfriend I didn't care for this one meal because it was a once in a life time thing. I only ate the berries in the dessert but that is because the ice cream was way to sweet for me.

I say use your common knowledge when it comes to things you are eating everyday but do enjoy the local cuisine every now and then. Don't gorge yourself but enjoy.

Have fun on your dream vacation and if you come to The Netherlands you have to try their warm stroopwafels (syrup waffles), they are served on the street by street venders.

[ShannonK]

Ditto the stroopwaffels!

I would also start working my way up the rungs. You will find by being able to have nuts and beans that it will be a lot easier. Also, wine!! Rung 5....