Vacation tips for an always thin you: part 4

Rule #10: Don't over-order

When in a new place, with plenty of flavors, you’re tempted to try everything on the menu. And often, you end up over-ordering. Well, start by prioritizing. Whag is your favorite item on the menu? Choose that as your main dish. What do you feel like trying as well? Ask your friends if they would like to share it with you. in addition, you can always ask your waiter about their specialities and follow their advice. As for dessert, always share it, you will regret having a full piece of cake or fondant on your own after a heavy meal.

Rule #11: Don't eat something you can have at home

Even if you are craving home foods after a few days, please, don’t waste your meals on something you can have every day at home. Discover new flavors; enjoy new tastes instead of filling yourself with comfort foods. It will only add up your total calories, and will rarely be a substitute for the new country’s meals.

Vacation tips for an always thin you: part 3

Rule #7: Careful with the alcohol

If you're planning to eat and drink, my advice is to go for low calorie drinks such as wine, and pace yourself. You don't want to add drinkable calories to your overall damages! A long heavy dinner will allow you to have at least three drinks without even noticing (since your stomach is full, alcohol will reach your blood slowly, therefore you won't feel its effect as soon as expected). In that case, count your drinks, and have some sparkling water in between alcoholic drinks.

Rule #8: Keep on wearing your jeans throughout your vacation

It might not be as efficient as a scale, however, it will help you slow down your overeating. If it feels like your jeans tightening, you will automatically decrease your intake. Also, along the same lines, shop at the beginning of your vacation, this way; you will pay more attention to your meals to fit in your new outfits.

Rule #9: Skip the bread and butter

Some calories are simply useless, like bread and butter served athe beginning of meals. You probably knew it already, however, during vacations, we’re less likely to stick to such rules. Well no! Bread and butter should be a big no, even when you’re abroad. You’re already piling enough extra calories to want to avoid these additional ones. Plus, no one ever said "I went to this restaurant, and oh! The bread and butter there was exceptional".

Vacation tips for an always thin you: part 2

Rule #4: Don't force yourself to finish your plate

A very difficult task when you're having a meal that you might never try again is not cleaning up your plate. You want to enjoy every bit of it, however, do remember that indigestion will ruin it for you, and not being able to enjoy your new shopping items should be higher on your priority list.

Rule #5: Walk a lot

The good thing about traveling is that there is plenty of walking. You can easily walk for 2 to 3 hours per day while visiting a new country. My advice is to maximize that time. Avoid using cabs, cars, or any other means of transportation if you can make it on foot in under 20mins. Wear comfortable shoes, and go explore your new surroundings, this will allow you to see more things, while burning off some of your meals.

Rule #6: Don't skip all opportunities to have a healthy meal

Even if you're on vacation, there will be opportunities to eat healthy. When it happens, grab it! Even if you're in indulgence mode, a good salad, or a grilled fish with some vegetables won't kill you. The point is not to be on a diet while on vacation, but rather to have healthy meals when possible. They will be the exception, and hence you will be surprised and will enjoy them, while sparing your waistline a bit.

Vacation tips for an always thin you: part 1

I just came back from a long vacation in the US. My trip was both touristic, and culinary, and needless to say: the US is the fat food nation.

Before my trip, I promised myself that I would endulge in everything available and not think too much about dieting. However, I followed some simple rules to avoid over stacking fat on my butt. In my opinion, these rules can apply to any person who can handle one or two post vacation kilograms, but still wants to avoid coming back home looking like a parade float.

Rule #1: Eat your vegetables

Even if you are on vacation, don't kill all your good habits. Try eating vegetables with each meal, and favor dishes that can have vegetables as a side order. It's always better to spend more time eating greens or some steamed vegetables than anything else served on the menu.

Rule #2: Careful with the dressings

Not all salads are created equal. Always remember to ask what comes in/on it other than the vegetables, and more importantly what the dressing is. Avoid mayo or egg-based dressings such as ranch, Caesar, or mayo-mustard dressings, and favor simple balsamic or lemon-oil ones. It is always better to ask to have it on the side, so you can gauge the amount of fat you're adding to your greens.

Rule #3: keep the fries till the end

You ordered steak et frites, a grilled chicken with sautéed or mashed potatoes, or a burger and fries. We'll keep the potatoes till the end. At this point, you'll be full and less likely to finish your carbs + fat = extra calorie portion.