Use Local Distractions To Help You Stick To Your Diet While On
Vacation
Vacations should be a luxurious time to indulge oneself and have
fun. Though it does lead to eating out more often, it also
removes many of the day's temptations: you won't be wandering
over to the kitchen when you're bored, or overindulging at the
grocery store and then feeling "obligated" to eat what you've
bought.
Spend time in the pool, on the sand, and at the shops, not at
the restaurants. Most vacation hot spots are ideal for eating on
the go; you can pick up a small meal from a roadside vendor and
eat it while walking the boardwalk and enjoying the sights and
sounds.
Don't make food about suffering. If the smell of saltwater taffy
engulfs you, treat yourself--to one. Having a small amount will
indulge your craving without compromising your diet. Better yet,
after you buy your taffy, don't begin eating it until you've
walked far enough away to avoid being tempted by the smell.
Try making a rule like, "If I eat, I need to enjoy a fun
activity, too: a walk, bike ride, swim, tennis, putt-putt, etc."
Then coordinate daily "pairings" or events with meal planning.
Life, including vacations, does not have to be all about food.
Nor does it have to focus on food.
Vacations and meals out are intended to be enjoyment, not
torture. If you do go a little overboard, it's important not to
beat yourself up over it. Forgive yourself and get on with life.
Simply use that experience to learn where you can improve the
next time you are in that situation.
With the right approach, eating out can be a pleasurable
experience. Remember, a successful diet is a lifelong lifestyle
modification. You need to be able to incorporate healthful
eating out activities into your routine.
What happens if you DO stress? Add extra activities to your
schedule. Swim some laps. Walk or jog. Leave your wallet in the
trunk and go to a mall for a shop-walk. Take a tour. Visit a
museum. Enjoy a park and feed the ducks. Just get out, focus on
something else and enjoy life.