Scared of failing on my vacation Please Help! need ideas

[JerseyGirl]

Hello Doug,
Fortunately, a friend led me to your book. I am 72 and have had a weight problem all my life. Over eaters Anonymous got me on the correct path years ago, but I always craved something other than what was on the food plan.
Your book has been such an answer for me. My cravings are gone and I have lost 8 pounds in about 5 weeks.
I am now at the point where I believe I must become more conscience of portion sizes. I believe the cravings have subsided, but I still must deal with the compulsive eating that has been a part of my life for so long.
Now to my question: my daughter and I are going to Disneyworld in September. Vacations have always been about eating and food for me.
What is going to happen if I occasionally have a glass of wine with dinner or want a piece of pita bread with the hummus in the Animal Kingdom buffet?
In other words, I am scared to death of even thinking about eating a simple carb. Help!!
Can you help me? I want to lose about 10 more pounds and I would so content. I do not exercise and know that I should because I just feel I would stand up straighter and be able to hold my stomach in better if I took a weight class and walked more. I know I am being lazy because of the heat. (I am in NJ). I do a lot of gardening and think of myself as an active, blessed, healthy person.
Thank you in advance. You have written a truth that I have not found in any other book. I want to continue down the same path as you, but need a little more help.
Sincerely, Barbara

[Doug Varrieur]

Hi Barb welcome to the forum. The key to being off your home turf and winning is preparation. You should make sure your purse always has no sugar FTS snacks such as beef jerky, low carb protein bars, sunflower seeds, almonds, even a couple hard boiled eggs for a quick "pop" when you feel hungry. Doing this will take away all the hunger and give you time when you'reout to choose the right place to eat and the proper choices on the menus. What makes us grab the wrong foods is that ravenous feeling followed by the "I don't care....I'm hungry" decision. You can avoid all of that with a simple piece of jerky and a small handfull of almonds....... Now....go into the eatery, order your "occasional" glass of wine and order the correct food. Be vocal with the waitstaff so you get exactly what you need and STAY AWAY from the pita and the hummus!

Being scared is a good thing, you should be scared it will keep you on your toes. Falling back into the "sugar trap" is exactly the wrong thing to do at this point in your program. Have fun at Disney!!!!

[Rena]

I was just searching to see if Disneyworld came up on this board. It looks like I might be going there in May and if all goes well, I'm hoping to be at (or very close) to my goal weight. The last thing I want to do is gain 20 pounds and throw myself back.

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll pack some snacks in my bag. I'd love to find individual packets of low-carb salad dressing to keep with me, too. I know they make travel ones, but I haven't found any low-carb ones yet.

I'm hoping food won't be too big of an issue for me. I will be with 5 other people and won't be able to pick where we eat every single time. Hopefully, I can stay on track.

[mouseissue]

I was just searching to see if Disneyworld came up on this board. It looks like I might be going there in May and if all goes well, I'm hoping to be at (or very close) to my goal weight. The last thing I want to do is gain 20 pounds and throw myself back.

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll pack some snacks in my bag. I'd love to find individual packets of low-carb salad dressing to keep with me, too. I know they make travel ones, but I haven't found any low-carb ones yet.

I'm hoping food won't be too big of an issue for me. I will be with 5 other people and won't be able to pick where we eat every single time. Hopefully, I can stay on track.

You'll do fine, Rena! 
Keep a positive attitude and always fear carbs and you'll do great!
Vinaigrettes are usually low in carbs.

[Rena]

Thanks -- I'm trying not to sweat it too much. I'd just hate to take a big, giant step backwards, especially if I'm closer to my goal by then. And besides, we'll be doing so much walking, which will help. TY!

[Doug Varrieur]

Rena, have faith in what you've learned. As you look at the menu and selections spot the sugar and stay away from it. ALWAYS have a low carb "quick grab" in your purse just in case you have zero choices (almost impossible) This way you won't feel ravenous leading you into a bad choice. Remember Rena, it's your responsibility to open your mouth and speak to the waitstaff. Tell them due to health you can't eat sugar or carbs and request special food preparation. I've NEVER been turned down. Have FUN FUN FUN and don't worry the forum members are all sitting on your shoulder 

[Rena]

Thanks, Doug!