Sticking with Your Low Carb Diet on Vacation

Vacation time is usually not the time we like to diet. In fact, many of us diet in anticipation of looking good in that vacation swimsuit or once we're home to get rid of the vacation excess. But what if you don't have the option of "cheating"...? What if you know this vacation is going to be a vacation for your mind and body, but not from your food plan? Can you stick with low carb while taking some time off and not feel as though a portion of your vacation is passing you by? You can if you plan.

Do some research. If you've been low carbing for a while, you have a good understanding of what you can have. Check out your vacation destination for great restaurants in the area. Select a few favorites where you know you can find excellent low carb options and then search out a few more you've never heard of. Find a fondue place where you can enjoy cheese fondue served with vegetables and steak and lobster to your heart's content. Look for the area's best steakhouses and treat yourself to an aged New York strip and Caesar salad. Find a great place that specializes in breakfast and plan on ordering up an omelet with a fantastic coffee and a side of bacon. Look for specialty shops that may carry great sugar free offerings.

Add in activity. Have a walking plan at home? Bring it with you on vacation. If you'll be near the beach, plan to do some walking down the sandy shore. Explore neighborhoods and shopping areas and get the extra steps in. Enjoying a theme park, zoo or museum? Bring the pedometer and rack up some more miles. Low carb isn't only about the food, it's about the physical activity and lifestyle changes, so see if you can bring more exercise as an enjoyable part of your trip.

Pack for it. Will you be renting a villa or home with a kitchen or kitchenette? Bring along a few of your favorite things to have on hand. Low carb bread and a container of Splenda and cinnamon combined with a toaster and butter purchased on your trip allows you to add a sweet snack to your morning routine. Stock up on your favorite sugar free candy, crystal light drink mix and any other sugar free staples that make your meals complete. Be prepared!

Embrace the unexpected. Be on the lookout for sugar free and low carb surprises. I discovered the most amazing chocolate mousse in a bakery on one vacation where I was least expecting anything I could eat. Sugar free desserts are becoming more abundant at restaurants, but make sure you watch the carbs too. Be open to new things and you may find a new low carb favorite.

So yes, vacation is best served diet free, but if you don't have the luxury of throwing up the towel for a week or so, you still can find many low carb alternatives and offerings no matter where you choose to vacation!