This weekend I am traveling to Williamsburg, Virginia for a short getaway with my family. After a little bit of research I just found out there is no Whole Foods nearby and no kitchen in our hotel. This means I will have to surrender to restaurant eating the whole time. (Houston, we have a problem).

Look, I love vacations just as much as you do but when I end up coming home feeling bloated and fat instead of relaxed andrefreshed, I don’t love it as much anymore.

Here is my plan of attack…

I will do what I call “damage control”: Do the best I can, with
what I’ve got and have an awesome time on my trip!

Prepare my “emergency kit”. I will pack and take with me: walnuts,
almonds, almond butter, organic turkey and beef jerky, apples and
pears. None of these need refrigeration so they will keep well all
weekend. If I’m in a situation where there is no protein handy
(like when it’s time for a snack), I’ve got my nuts and jerky to
tie me over. If you don’t have something handy, you just may find
yourself grabbing pretzels and potato chips (or whatever other
horrid food people eat while away).

Breakfast – There is always a protein on the menu, no matter what.
Omelets, or smoked salmon are my favorite choices but I’ve even
gone to places that now carry turkey bacon and turkey sausage on
the menu. Stay away from the heavy and deadly pancakes and waffles.
This is a blood sugar disaster waiting to happen. Eating a sugar
loaded breakfast like this will only set you up for hunger and
cravings the rest of the day. And, just may ruin an otherwise great
day.

Lunch and Dinner – I have said this before. Most of us know what is
healthy on the menu but we still continue to order the crappy
stuff. Yes, I do believe in a treat and a cheat meal once or twice
a week, but definitely not every night of your vacation. Some
people eat and choose items off the menu like they are being sent
to starvation camp when they get home. This is not an “all or
nothing” deal. You’ve committed to eating healthy for a lifetime.
Don’t worry. The food will always be there whether you eat it all
at once or space it out over a lifetime.

Ok, back to my point. First, items on the menu that you know are
drenched in heavy sauces are an instant No-No. Fettuccine Alfredo?
Come on now. Are you serious? Can you get the steak, veggies and
salad instead and be just as happy? Or, the Chicken Cacciatore with
a side of broccoli rabe? (Yes, we’re at an Italian restaurant).
Often times, our taste buds are really just as happy with a
healthier choice. No, this is not deprivation. This is choosing to
feel good, be healthy and eat good food at the same time. Comprende?

Desserts – I love desserts too and I will definitely get myself a
yummy piece of apple pie or chocolaty treat while I am away. But if
the piece of dessert is bigger than the size of my head, I will not
eat the whole thing. There is no need. My taste buds are just as
happy with a few bites (and my body is happier too). Remember,
we’re not going to starvation camp after this. Trust me, there is
enough apple pie, chocolate or (insert your favorite dessert here)
to have a small amount at a time for the rest of your life.

The Trolls – The who? Yes, you know who the trolls are. Those
people who tell you to “just eat what you want”, or “don’t torture
yourself”. These people always seem to come out of hiding when
dining with you at a restaurant. (They are also present at parties
and family functions. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid). Don’t let
anybody else tell you that taking care of yourself and feeling
great is a bad thing. I don’t mean to talk bad about your family
and friends, but chances are they are not too thrilled with their
current weight and health and really just upset that you actually
started to eat healthy and take control of your life.

Remember, there is no need to avoid restaurants and vacations (but
please do avoid fast food joints). You just need to focus on the
healthier options and have a great time!

In health and happiness,

Isabel De Los Rios
www.TheDietSolutionProgram.com

  

Another great weekend in Jersey. Lots of sun and Saturday was a gorgeous day (I love the summer!).

My family and I spent Saturday afternoon at my cousin’s house barbequing and having a great time. There are 2 things guaranteed at my family functions: lots of laughter and LOTS OF FOOD!

So, just as we’re chowing down on steaks, chicken legs, hamburgers and hot dogs, (I swear, I was not the one eating the hot dogs) my uncle came up to me and said “Hey Isabel. Your mom says her knees don’t hurt anymore like they did last year. My knees are killing me. What do you think is wrong with them?” (All the while he’s still chomping down on his second hot dog and cola).

“Well Tio (I speak Spanish to all of my relatives) let me give it to you straight. (Look of fear in his eyes). This past year my mom, your sis, lost 40 lbs. That’s 40 lbs less weight that her knees have to carry around. Of course they feel better. I guarantee if you lost a few lbs. yourself, your knees would stop hurting.”

At this point Tio looks like he wishes he had just asked me about the weather, the upcoming election or even quantum physics, ANYTHING but be told that he needs to lose weight.

“Isabel, I’m 60 years old and I have been this fat forever. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

So I gave him 3 super easy rules to follow.

“Tio, follow these three rules and I guarantee you, better yet, I promise you, you will lose a minimum of 10 lbs. in 14 days.”

1. Don’t eat anything that is white. Name every single food that is white and chances are you shouldn’t be eating it (healthy foods like cauliflower, chicken, turkey, fish are all exceptions to this rule). Based on Tio’s current eating habits, I didn’t think he was all too worried about cauliflower anyway.

2. Only drink water, NOTHING else! How about coffee? Just to keep any possible withdrawal headaches at bay, one small cup of organic black coffee. Can you add half and half?…Well is it white?

3. Don’t eat anything with the word wheat in the ingredients list. What if it’s whole wheat? Look, if the word starts with W and ends in T and has the letters h e a in between, you can’t eat it.

Tio agreed that he was up for the challenge. Anything to make the knee pain go away and make his niece stop lecturing.

In 2 weeks, I’ll tell you exactly how much he lost and how he felt during his 2 week challenge. In the meantime, where do you need to begin to finally lose the weight and achieve the health you’ve been wanting? Is it to follow rules 1, 2 and 3 above? Or are you ready to take your life to the next level?

Don’t let one more day go by without feeling and looking as great as I know you can!

In health and happiness,

Isabel De Los Rios
www.TheDietSolutionProgram.com