Carole Carson

Magical Thinking About Eating

When I finished my vacation in Kauai, the scale was up three pounds. Bummer!

In light of this undeniable feedback on the impact of my behavior, I’ve gone over what thoughts or ideas steered me wrong.  After considerable reflection and analysis, I came up with a list which I call my “Magical Thinking” errors.

Error #1: Because I exercised more than usual (tennis, swimming, hiking), I thought I could eat whatever I wanted. Wrong. I still have to keep my caloric intake between 1200-1500 if I want to avoid gaining weight.

Error #2: A cocktail before a nice dinner or a couple of glasses of wine couldn’t possibly add pounds. Wrong: Alcohol shows up directly on the scale the next morning. 

Error #3: Food eaten at potlucks and prepared by Kauaians’ and fellow visitors must be thoroughly enjoyed, if for no other reason than to show respect and appreciation for the effort that went into the preparation. Wrong: Whatever the occasion, calories count and my priority should be to stay fit, not take care of the feelings of everyone around me.

Error #4: Because I’m eating only healthy foods, I shouldn’t gain weight. Wrong: Food, even the healthiest, will cause weight gain if too many calories are consumed.

Error #5: When in Rome, eat like a Roman.  That is, when you go out to eat and everyone around you is having Kauaian mud pie for dessert, order your own slice.  Wrong: Unless you want to look like an overweight Roman, you have to settle for a bite of someone else’s dessert.

My magical thinking ended when I return home. I’ve worked too hard to lose all the ground I’ve gained. Perhaps the rain and snow will have a chilling effect on my appetite.  In the meantime, aloha!

Take a “No Gain, No Returning Pain” Vacation

I work hard, so I want to enjoy my vacations. At the same time, I don’t want to give up everything I’ve invested in losing weight and getting fit.

 

I could give in and indulge myself, knowing I’ll shape up later? But if I decide to indulge, I may need to brace myself when I see the number on the scale when I return home.

 

I could go on an austere vacation, spending precious time feeling sorry for myself, frustrated that I never get a vacation from eating carefully.

 

Is there a middle ground? Yes. Here are four ideas that I use:

 

1. Drink plenty of water. By staying hydrated, you’ll be more aware of whether your body is hungry or thirsty. You won’t be eating when all you really wanted was a glass of water.
2. Seek fresh food. Buy lunch at the local grocery store. Pick out a salad and some fresh fruit. Or purchase a carton of yogurt and order a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread. If you want to eat out, find places that offer healthy options. For a list of those options in the area you are traveling, go to www.healthyhighways.com
3. Keep a cooler packed with healthy drinks and snacks. Include some fruit and other healthy snacks such as a jar of peanut butter, a carton of low-fat cottage cheese, or hard-boiled eggs. Some rental cars have built-in coolers.
4. Take your fitness clothes and gear along. Look for parks that you can walk in, hotels that have exercise options, and fitness centers that have day passes.

 

Facing higher numbers on my credit card statement after returning from vacation is tough enough. I don’t want to face higher numbers on the bathroom scale as well.

 

You can borrow my tips and add your own. That way, both you and I can have wonderful vacations and come back feeling fit, rested and relaxed.