<< Return to Eat Smart, Stay Fit

July 18, 2006

Vacation With No Weight Gain

Using a calorie awareness approach I find that I can estimate meals easily and enjoy dining out without feeling restricted to a certain diet. I have learned about portion size and what foods are simply laden with calories. I can choose to either avoid the morning muffin at the breakfast bar or compensate for it. But I now know what impact my food choices have on my daily calorie intake. I have become aware of the relationship between what I weigh, what I do in the way of exercise and what I eat. Amazingly simple, it is a direct relationship!

I can say that it really has worked for me. I have maintained my targeted weight for the last six months almost effortlessly. I do control the calories I eat but do so by selecting what to eat and when. Making these choices has become habit and I do not find it restrictive. As an example, I just came back from a short sailing vacation where we ate well, very well! But I also increased my physical activity to include daily swims, hikes and other exercise activities. The two changes in my routine offset each other as planned and I actually maintained my weight without having to forego the drink and food that comes with vacationing. And I felt no guilt! That said, I did not over indulge in sweets or breads. I now know that their impact is simply too great to try to offset.

I seem to have found a comfortable, long-term approach to choosing what I eat. This allows me to eat anything I want in a given circumstance provided I compensate for it in other ways. I am free to enjoy myself on vacations and not have to come back and worry about taking off any weight gained.

Posted by Ben on July 18, 2006 7:33 AM | DIGG | del.icio.us | furl