vacation will be coming up in a few weeks (Hilton Head ) and i imagine its gonna be awful hard because every night i think we will be going out to dinner. I will be 8 weeks out at the time, dose anyone see a problem with me going and enjoying some plain fish and veggies????? geesh i really really hope not.
thanks

Bendel,
eating as close to the diet on vacation when you aren't at home is challenging. yes stick to the fish but you have to watch how its prepared. I commend you for you commitment even on vacation, thats a tough one especially 8 weeks out. I myself would not go on vacation that close to competiton, but thats me. I dont even (or try not to) back home to cleveland where my mom and dad live simply because its hard while contest dieting...they love to eat out and sweets in the house. but good for you if you can do it...

I travel alot for work so this may correlate to your scenario.

When I go for dinner OR when I travel, I make sure I am very nice to the waiter or waitress so they dont screw up my order.

Here are some tips: Dont be bashful to ask how meals are prepared. I know this may not be right, but I tell the waiter that I am allergic to butter and oils (how are they going to know ;-) ahead of time and apologize for being picky. Most of them laugh and say its not a problem.

Most of the time I order garden salads with chicken added; no cheese or crutons OR bacon!
Or I go with a steak and ask them if they could grill it without using the oil on the grill.

Just try to remember, most restaurants want to serve the customer the best they can.

Good luck! Going on vacation can be hard.

Hope that helps,
Steve

Wow...This will be a test to see how bad you want it. I tend to be like run4fun, I don't like to go anywhere during contest prep, unless work forces me to. I went to my parents a few weeks back when I was about 12 weeks. Even then, I was in full contest mode. It was difficult for my Mom who really enjoys cooking and making all those comfort foods. So, there I was at the table with my chicken, beef, and green beans while everyone else was chowing down.

Anyway, stay focused. I like to tell everyone what I am doing ahead of time, so they aren't constantly questioning why I am not eating the normal stuff. I think I told my Mom I was dieting about 3 weeks before I went !!

Dwayne

I wasn't in competition mode.. but I did survive my recent beach vacation with no problems and stayed on my diet. As suggested, when you eat at a restaurant, you can ask for variations to the menu and choose lean cuts of meat and no sauces, add extra side of veggies or plain salad or plain potato. Also, I was very active while on vacation - we hit the gym 7 days straight and I lifted and did extra cardio. I also walked the beach daily and was active in the evenings. It can be done.. don't let the issue become so big that it ruins your vacation and 'relaxation' time!! Take extra protein powder.. when in a pinch I just mixed up a shake or protein pudding with water. Packaged tuna and an apple or fruit can be taken to the beach for lunch. ENJOY!