What should I do??

This summer, I'm going in a trip for about 3 weeks. That means 3 weeks off my workout routine and 3 weeks off my diet (I'm travelling in a group and will not get to choose where to eat). What should I do to prepare for this trip and while I'm on the trip?

No matter what you should try and incorporate some sort of physical activity daily. Since you will be traveling, try and walk around all the places you are site-seeing for more than an hour! Walking is a as good a cardiovascular exercise as anything! As for the eating... when you go out to eat/eat in cafeterias, etc - you can ALWAYS modify your food choices... and if they look at you like your crazy, simply say your allergic to the foods you do not want to eat, and people will STOP asking questions! 

But on top of all that, have a GREAT time and enjoy yourself! Where are you traveling to? And this is only 3 weeks, you will be fine if you follow the above tips for sure! Then when you return home, get back on your regular routine! 

You can also just not finish your meal. Eating out often means bigger portions - just eat a reasonable amount.

And depending on the trip (is it a working trip or will you be out and about), you might find that you are active enough to make up for the lack in workouts.

Have fun! And remember, you didn't gain whatever weight you are trying to lose in 3 weeks. If you are set back by that long, is that the end of the world?

I'll be travelling to Europe. I am hoping that we'll be walking a lot. Thanks for the other suggestions. I guess it is only 3 weeks and I was thinking about it and I'm pretty sure a lot of areas in Europe prepare food pretty healthy so that should help.

I don't think any trip, even with a group, doesn't allow you some free time most days. I am sure you will be able to get in a few workouts each weeK and you will certainly be walking almost daily. Also, the portions are much smaller in Europe.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Original Post by workaholic1:

I'll be travelling to Europe. I am hoping that we'll be walking a lot. Thanks for the other suggestions. I guess it is only 3 weeks and I was thinking about it and I'm pretty sure a lot of areas in Europe prepare food pretty healthy so that should help.

That is debatable. Again depends where and what you eat. Good news portions are smaller. That brings back memories. There is this small cafeteria in Rome near Vatican which had these amazing salads with nicely smoked thinly sliced fish. Delicious!

I agree with the others, just eat in moderation. I'm guessing you will be doing a lot of walking/sightseeing type of stuff, too? Both times I went to Europe I LOST weight, and I ate like a crazy maniac!!  Especially in Italy...I ate bread, and pasta, and bread, and more pasta...LOL! But we were always walking around, and climbing stairs to the top of some tower...I got so much exercise without even meaning to exercise. 

So (try) to watch what you eat, but enjoy the local cuisine. And have fun! 

I'd also suggest coming up with a modified workout routine.  For example, if you do a lot of resistance training, bring one of those stretchy bands with you.  No, it's not as good as weights, but you can still get in some resistance training.  If you do a lot of cardio, maybe do some HIIT that you can do in your hotel room or whatever; I just started doing the Abs Diet 2 Workout (the cardio portion) and it's 25 min of HIIT.  Basically you jog lightly in place for 60 sec, then jumping jacks for 30, then jog for 60, then sprint in place for 45, then jog for 60, then faux jump rope for 60 etc.  There are other cool moves too; you might want to rent the dvd and do it a couple times and see if you can't do that sort of workout while your on vacation.  You probably have 30 min at the beginning or end of the day that you could get some exercise in.  Good luck!

I'd agree with the whole portion control thing too, and especially if you do fit in a workout every day, you should have some more calories to "play" with during the day.  Have fun!!