Vacations and weight gain

During their time in our weight loss program, many people will go on a vacation or business trip that will involve much socializing. "Control" of the dietary intake is often lost and it is virtually impossible to follow a defined dietary plan while of of your usual environment. When our patients come back to us after their trip, there is often the lament that controlling weight while on vacation is impossible.

Here are some thoughts: There is no question that part of the fun of any vacation is eating some great foods and perhaps drinking some good wine or the drinks with the whip cream, cherrie on top and an umbrella. Purposefully counting portions, not touching a dessert or alcohol beverage, etc. can actually take away from the fun of the vacation. Can you imagine spending thousands of dollars on a great cruise and NOT going to the midnite buffet? At the Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Centers, Linda and I never expect our patients to not partake of some of these food sources.

Some suggestions: 1-Perhaps provide yourself some "wiggle room" before leaving, meaning that for several weeks before a known, upcoming vacation, purposefully be extra-vigilant on your dietary intake so as to lose more weight than usual, expecting that vacation week will be difficult to lose weight, and odds may even be a weight gain. 2- Choose vacation spots where your food/alcohol are paid for ala carte. The "all inclusive" resorts that provide food and booze in the "all you can eat and drink" mode challenges the very fabric of human nature. 3-Limit your alcohol intake...it is amazing what damage alcohol does to your weight loss efforts. 4-Log onto the business center's internet everyday and read this blog...envision Posner's face saying "when you get back you won't be happy if you step on that scale and see that you gained weight you worked so hard to lose." (laughing...kidding you about this one) 5- "taste" desserts as opposed to eating the entire thing..6-exercise daily...every hotel/resort/crusie ship etc. has a workout facility..no excuses!!!

time for my morning run...hey...anyone interested in a "Serotonin-Plus' run sometime on a weekend? Informal gathering of our patients, staff, friends, etc? can be a walk/run...pick a park in Northern VA or D.C.