Looking for success

Hi, Myrna. It’s great to read that you are making such an effort and enjoying it. I need to add that 1 inch from your belly is actually a lot for a program that gently readjusts your metabolism, rather than starves you. How you look and feel and how your clothes fit are the most important indicators at this stage, as your exercise is building muscle that is heavier on the scale than the fat it is replacing, but looks much better on you. Over time, the scale will catch up. If you are concerned, you can cut down on portions of starchy carbohydrate-rich foods – don’t skimp on fruits and vegetables.
The following are some tips for traveling:
The general rules for meals are just to be sure to have something from at least three of the major food groups – particularly important to combine protein with carbohydrates, and tuck in a vegetable or fruit. Other than that, the following are some tips for traveling:
• Be aware of your surroundings: Take the time to research ahead of time where you are going and what you will have available to you. Find out what restaurants are nearby and if you have access to a grocery store or farmer’s market. Will you be able to cook your own food or are you only able to eat out? Plan for any occasion, and just know what your surroundings will consist of so that you can account for that in your food choices each day.
• Devise healthy alternatives: If you eat salads for lunch every day, then find access to a salad bar. If you are used to eating an egg white omelette, then order that when out. If you can get access to a produce market, then stock up on fresh items to keep with you throughout the day. No matter where you go, there are always ways to incorporate healthy alternatives. Simply ordering grilled salmon at dinner instead of breaded chicken is a simple but effective example!
• Carry healthy snacks just in case. There’s always room in your bags for items that will stay fresh during your travels. Pack some trail mix and brown rice cakes. No matter with what you are presented, you always have options when you pack a few of your own healthy snacks to back you up.
• Don’t give into the philosophy that food choices don’t count. Sure you are likely going to enjoy a few foods that you don’t normally get, but it’s important to keep it to a minimum. Savor the splurge and always keep portion size in mind, and then move onto the healthy stuff. Never give up or abandon your diet altogether, as that will just make it that much harder to get back on track when you return from your trip.
• Get in a workout whenever you can. When you have access to a gym, use it. If you can get in long walks on your travels, then do it. This doesn’t give you a license to eat whatever you want, but it does make you feel a bit more structured when you are out and about. This will help you to take the edge off, keep you away from endless food options, and even make you burn fat while traveling.
• Fill up on healthy foods whenever they are available to you. When you find a great restaurant nearby that serves healthy cuisine, make it a main fixture on your stay. If there is the potential to fill your hotel fridge with healthy fare, then do it. Any time that you can fill up on the healthier options, you are far less likely to splurge and keep eating the bad foods.