Weight Loss Challenges: Traveling

Every trip has its own challenges for sticking with health goals.

Whether it is a short, one day trip or one that lasts for several weeks.

Family visits offer a set of challenges different from, say a trip to Disneyland--a happy place fraught with plenty of challenges all its own.Business trips are yet another animal.

No matter where you are going or for how long, the best way to maintain your goals is to plan, plan, plan.

Remember one of the biggest reasons we overeat is stress. And traveling, even when it is purely for pleasure is stressful. There is the packing and the getting there--by car, by plane...horse-drawn cart! Then there is the stress of being in some place that is just not home. And if you are traveling with someone(s) as much as you love them, there is that additional stress--especially if you are the main packer and planner and shepherd!

So, don't demand perfection of yourself! That is just another stress that you can better live without! Have some fun and relax a little with your discipline. Otherwise you risk your inner child having a tantrum when you get back home and doing far more damage than you would have otherwise!

Time Away and Celebrating

I took a few days to escape the heat and went to the mountains. It was in the high 80s even there and in the sun that felt quite warm. Fortunately for me, a few minutes out of the sun really helped cool the body down!

I was pleasantly surprised at my healthy eating while away. Things really are working! I am changing my eating patterns!!! I had a wonderful time and shared two treats (separate days) and didn't set off any binge eating even upon my return home. I'd say that is a huge success!

Instead of wanting to be in "vacation mode" and eat only special treats, I was very happy eating my vegetables. No, I didn't feel deprived--that is the point. It felt really good to be able to eat like a "normal" person. Have a little wine, have a dessert, and not feel like I needed (or wanted) to drink the entire bottle or eat the entire store's worth of chocolate.

Took a couple nice walks, too, so the body got to move a little bit.

A very good get away--only thing that would have made it better was a bit longer time. Oh well, next time!