Should I count calories on vacation? Topic

JakeSumm915 05/07/21
I am going on a vacation soon and don’t know if I should count calories strictly like I am now, or just not count. Enjoying good food has always been a big part of vacations for me and this is my first vacation since pre-COVID. Advise?

ChristyRich 05/07/21
Hey! I tend to relax more when I’m on vacation. Don’t count calories and enjoy yourself. I always make sure to be aware of my portion sizes though when I go on holiday. I will eat what I want but I listen to my body about when I begin to feel full so as not to over eat and indulge too much! Hope this helps :)

Liv 05/07/21
I do a LOT of exploring while on vacation. My first time visiting London I walked almost 15 miles! I would just be mindful of portion sizes and that you’re hitting all the food groups (ie. Not going overboard on sweets if you’re like me!). My advice is to explore the area as much as you can. Stay active but don’t let it be your main focus.

Dietician 05/07/21 replied to JakeSumm915
Hi JakeSumm915-
How exciting! I know so many people are excited to get out and travel.

It is such a personal decision. Here are a few points to consider:

1. What is your vacation goal regarding weight? Would you be disappointed if you gained 5# while on vacation. Would you be relieved to not gain 10#. What if your weight stayed the same, would this be ok with you? Think through your goals before you leave and develop a plan from there.

2. Might you try a modified tracking plan when you're on vacation? What if you tracked your largest meal each day?

3. Might you follow Liv's suggestion and increase your activity, eat small and balanced portions, though take a break from formal tracking?

For some people, travel is a trigger. Meaning they go off their eating plan and stop tracking while on vacation. When they return home, they find they have gained weight, and as a result, their mindset changes. They "throw in the towel" and return to eating habits that don't support weight loss. Could you prevent this from happening?

Here is a resource on wt mgt while traveling: https://www.mynetdiary.com/four-tips-to-help-you-manage-weight-while-traveling.html

Have a great trip no matter what you decide! Best, Joanna (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

JakeSumm915 05/19/21
Update: came back from vacation and actually lost a pound!

Dietician 05/19/21 replied to JakeSumm915
Hello JakeSumm915- Thanks for the update. I am sure you are pleased! What helped the scale continue to move downwards even on vacation? Best, Joanna (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

U1189873327 05/20/21
For me I have a minimum and maximum which I need to intake every day so I would have to

Should I count calories on vacation?