Diet & Fitness 

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Your holiday doesn't have to be a diet disaster

One member recently told us, 'This summer I have been taking what I eat very seriously. I want to continue to eat healthy and exercise. However, I am about to go to the beach with some friends who eat whatever they want. Please help me stay on my diet.'

Here are some wonderful tips that iVillagers have used to combat holiday gluttony.

1: "When on the beach, I have been trying to avoid being sedentary. I built sand castles with my daughter and played with her in the water. We took long walks on the boardwalk and tried to avoid eating dinner there. I would make us dinner at our villa and then have a treat later when we went on another walk. I felt a lot less tempted by all the "junk food" we encountered when we filled up at home on healthy food."

2: "Take an apple or other fruit that you can stick in your backpack or handbag; when your friends or family are eating a snack you don't want, eat your fruit."

3: "Really chew all of your food and enjoy what you are eating. You don't need to eat a large portion of junk food, just a small but delicious taste."

4: "Don't let yourself get bored because there was so much to do on holiday. Keeping yourself busy with fun activities should keep you from snacking too much."

5: "When you are out sightseeing, food is the last thing on your mind. Yet when it is mealtime, you usually want to eat at a new restaurant and try the new fare. I drink at least two glasses of water before the meal ever gets there. That fills my stomach up some. I skip the appetizers and always get a salad. I know how boring salads are, but if you really don't want to overindulge, that is the way to go."

6: "I start with a very light breakfast, like yogurt or a piece of fruit. Usually I eat lunch at a restaurant if I'm on holiday, so I try to eat something light, like a salad or soup, or even a sandwich. I realise that is kind of boring, especially at a nice restaurant, but it works. Then at dinner I splurge on whatever I want. I usually manage to stay at my pre-holiday weight. However, I do not eat a whole basket of bread that is placed in front of me like some restaurants will do. I usually eat one, possibly two pieces and push the basket aside. I never eat my entire meal either."

For more motivational weight loss tips chat to women on our You Can Do It Diet Support message board or take a look at the live discussions taking place there now:

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