Paris Here I come SLIM !
 

I am dieting for a week now, as I have to be in Paris in April. (Tell me I should not, please).
I am starving myself on Mondays and Wednesdays, the rest of the week - toss tuna salad once per day. So far 5lb gone.

What was your biggest traveling sacrifice ?

My biggest sacrifice is coming up. As of last week I'm officially a diabetic. Now how good am I going to be diet wise for 10 weeks mostly in France in Italy? No bread, no pasta, no wine? Right! The desserts I can do without. I've always preffered the cheese to dessert anyway.

you do realise that that's not the right way to diet, don't you? As soon as you start eating you'll put all the weight back on again! The slower the weight-loss the better - you should aim to lose 2-3lbs per week by proper diet (not starvation) and exercise - you're a million times more likely to keep the weight off if you do it the right way!

Patrick, watch out for those doctor's restrictions. Some of which not justified. You absolutely can have some wine and some chesses and even pasta. In moderations. At least I hope you do. Very much...
cailin, people do not know how to diet, period, so there aren't advise that is right. I need to lose weight by April, period. I can gain it back or not - who cares ! I need to be slim in Europe, this is what is it all about. I am gonna eat there, baby !

I am sure Patrick's doctor will refer him to a nutritionist. My best friend is now diabetic, and has lost beaucoup pounds over an 8-month period and has never felt BETTER. She can eat carbs but does have to 'count' them or balance them in a specific ratio with proteins, etc. She never has imbibed, however. I am sure Patrick's physician or nutritionist will advise on what can be allowed during a vacation vs. a daily eating plan (don't say 'diet').

Patrick, I'm sure you will be okay. But you need to get acclimated to reducing some of the things you aren't supposed to indulge in now, before you go.

One of the reasons (other than finally getting disgusted with my weight and realizing my 50th birthday was rapidly approaching) that I went on a lo carb diet a year ago that my older brother has been diagnosted as a diabetic and my younger brother as a pre-diabetic so I figured if I kept up what I was eating, I would also end up there. The first two weeks were terrible! But I vowed to stick to it. Once I got past those first two weeks, it was much easier -- almost like I had to go through withdrawal symptoms. I do allow myself small amounts of bread or pasta now but find that a small amount satisfies me and that sweets almost make me physically ill. After loosing almost 40 lbs, I look and feel better than I have in the past 25 years!

Hi Ziana,

So far, my wife and I have *lost* weight on our trips to Paris.

Hi Patrick,

Sorry to hear about your diabetes. Best wishes for controlling it.

Don't worry about me. Actually I've been following a pre-diabetic (Sugar-Busters) diet for three years now. My carbs are almost non-existent, my alcohol intake has been greatly reduced, and I'm on a pretty good exercise regime (can't been a couple mile walk on the beach every morning!) I'm at the weight I should be. In all honesty, now that I'm on an insulin enhancer, I should be better off and able to indulge a little more than I've been doing the last three years. Guess I was being dramatic with that first post. And my dry robroys give way to red wine in Europe anyway!!

Duh. I meant "cant' BEAT a couple mile. . ."

sorry - I was just trying to help. It's not healthy to starve yourself. Just make sure you're getting the right nutrients or take supplements at least.

and enjoy europe! you'll find the portion sizes tend to be smaller over here (I'm presuming you're in the states)...so you never know, you might be like ira and actually lose weight over here - depite all the yummy pastries, pastas, pizzas and gelato!!

i have always lost weight when in paris. you can't help it because you end up walking so much. we were there ten days over christmas and i lost 4 lbs. i actually ate and drank like a pig but ended up walking 5 miles a day.

Speaking of walking -- we always start getting used to the idea of all that walking by doing so here at home as much as possible. For me that usually means no internet for about an hour or so after dinner when we go out for a good hike around the neighborhood! (BTW it also helps with dieting. I've lost 40lbs using WeightWatchers and kept most of it -- currently am working on about 8 I put back on over Christmas -- but the big difference is that extra exercise. It really does work. And even doing 2 weeks in France last Spring, I didn't put on an ounce...and we ATE all courses and drank a bottle of wine nearly every night.)

I'm similar to you uhoh_busted. I lost 42lbs last year with weighwatchers. Now I just watch what I eat, but can treat myself a lot and I haven't put back on any weight.

I think ira meant financial weight:)

Is that what Ira meant? I have always amazed myself at how little if any weight I gain when traveling, and have been known to actually lose weight more than once. Walking an average of 10 or more miles a day (nope, I'm not exaggerating) goes a long way to curb the weight gains, despite excess eating patterns. But I will say, spending time in London does make me lose a whole lot of "pounds"!!

Ziana,
The best advice I can give you is to STOP doing what you're doing right now! I gave up smoking and gained 10kg, and became very unhappy, because I have always been slim. I tried all those drastic diets, got depressed because they are so hard, and you gain the weight back the moment you look at food. I went to a dietitian but that didn't work either, too vague. Then I joined Weighless, like weight watchers, and in 3 months I lost all the weight and feel so much healthier and it was EASY! It was just a matter of learning to eat a balanced diet. I am sorry if I sound like I am preaching, I'm really just trying to be helpful because I feel for you, because I know how hard it is and how you feel :-) Joining a group also makes it so much easier because you have all those other folk to give you moral support. Good luck, I'll be holding thumbs for you :-)
PS. I'll be in italy in April and plan on gaining a few pounds!!!! hehe!

Ha ! Wrong !
I feel so good, I can't tell.
I think going to Europe impact my brain somehow.
I've been looking at food and telling myself "haven't you eat this before? you did 100 times, so ... shut up now, we going Paris !" and it really works. I am communicating with my inner "softy" who gives up every time it sees food. And I am winning so far.
Honest to goodness I am not hungry. I am happy and playing the game !

Patrick, you are funny. Look what happened:

ira: So far, my wife and I have *lost* weight on our trips to Paris.
cailin: you might be like ira and actually lose weight over here
ziana: I think ira meant financial weight
Patrick: Is that what Ira meant?
ILMAO

Ziana, you really made me smile. Well I guess as long as you are healthy and happy, all is well. Good luck anyway and please let us know how much you lost before your trip.

Patrick- I too an sorry to hear about your diabetes.

Can I tell you when I go to Paris, I actually lose weight from all the eat in between. When I go home I realize that I usually lose about 5 pounds.

Good luck with your diet, Ziana. Trust me though, when I say that once you're in Paris, you'll be more grateful to be wearing a pair of comfortable walking shoes than pants in a smaller size.

Patrick: If there is something good to be said for just finding out you have diabetes, it's that at least you can still travel.

Sure, diabetes will change a portion of your life, but not all of it. You'll still be who you are. Which, in your case, from what I've observed around here, ain't half bad.

If changing our eating habits would make us witty, strong, rich, and gorgeous, we'd all be pitching bourdeaux and baguettes out the windows right and left.

This isn't going to be easy for you. Lots of hard choices. The sheer injustice of it all will no doubt rankle. So think Travolta in a white suit, snapping his fingers. You can do it.

A few years ago I was in Paris for 12 days and came back home 8 pounds lighter. What a wonderful surprise that was when I got on the scale. I also walked everywhere and didn't diet at all when I was there. Now, if I could only stay there for a few months I would come back nice and thin.

Hi ziana,

>I think ira meant financial weight<

Well, that too.

We do lose weight in Paris.

We gain weight in the Germanic countries, which is not hard to understand - heavier meals.

I was surprised that I gained 8 lbs during 3 weeks in Italy. My wife thinks that it might have had something to do with eating 2-3 gelati each day.

O, ira !
I AM going to be in Germany most of my trip !!!
All of those good posts about losing weight in Paris almost made me get loose on weekends (almost), but now, "refreshing shower" about Germany ... Monday, here I am !

Drink a lot of water
and walk every day...
30 minutes of walking = approx 3km.
Eat half of what you would usually eat. For example: only make half a sandwich for lunch.
Also wait 20 minutes after eating your half a sandwich...that's how long it takes for your tummy/brain to register if your hunger has been satisfied. If your still hungry, have some fruit.
It's not always easy but if you aim to lose 1lb a week you will find that slower weight loss stays off.
Your current diet is termed Yo-yo dieting and is a no-no with keeping weight off for good.
This consultation will be charged to your account.lol

Hi Ziana,

If most of your trip will be spent in Germany, stop eating now so that you can enjoy roast meats, dumplings, sausages, breads, cakes, pastries, beer, whipped cream.

ira,

Only 2-3 gelati a day? I'm afraid I have you beat there...

Ziana/Tat(?),

I agree you need to walk regularly...starting now. While sightseeing in Europe, you will have to walk A LOT. IF your body becomes accustomed to all the walking, you'll save yourself some sore muscles in Paris, and you'll be able to see more because you won't have to keep stopping to catch your breath. I personally wouldn't crash diet--I lost weight very quickly (about 2 pounds a week) and safely recently by doing Pilates (there are videotapes in every Target, Walmart, etc) and eating according to Dr. Weil (you can find his books on amazon.com). He promotes eating whole foods and cutting back on overly processed food, which ironically, is generally how Europeans eat. You'll feel great and you won't go hungry, I promise. :)

I stopped !
Thanks for the warning though...:)

No, Ziana, don't give up completely. At the least, start a walking program so you'll be able to maximize your time in Europe and not be hindered because you're tired or your legs hurt. You'll be glad you did!

Just received my AVON talking Jump rope ! 20 min roping instead of 1 hour walking (AVON's promise) !

Ziana--there recently was a report that residents of Marin County who ate tuna frequently (it was considered healthier than red meat) had unacceptable levels of mercury in their blood system. Tuna everyday is <b>not</b> recommended.

You got to be kidding ! No ?
What is mercury does to you (to me I meant)?

Warning on mercury is a precaution to women of childbearing age.

http://www.npr.org/display_pages/fea...e_1544488.html

The doses are not the same, but the expression &quot;mad as a hatter&quot; comes from the fact that hatmakers were ingesting mercury which had an deleterious effect on their nervous system. You might want to google &quot;mercury poisoning&quot; to get an idea of the problem, or try to find the original report at SFGate.com.

Just a thought Ziana about the jump rope; if you are heavy then your knees might take the worst of it. If you are in pretty good shape and accustomed to exercise then great add the stair stepper too. Those towers in Europe tend to be at least 350 steps to the top for a great view.
I have to add to cailin's concerns about starving yourself though. Why not eat at least raw foods on Mondays and Wednesdays? And lots of water.
Blessings and good luck.

Hi

Mercury is a heavy metal. In quantity it is a poison that causes neurological damage and kidney damage. See
http://www.epa.gov/r02earth/health/m...%20my%20health

I have studied mercury in the environment. Over the years, the 'acceptable'level of mercury has een steadily reduced. There is little evidence that eating fish (which naturally contains mercury) is more harmful to your health than eating meat.

Our 12 pound cat has eaten a can of tuna a day for 11 years and has exhibited no signs of mercury poisoning.

Enjoy your tuna.

OMG !
You, guys are killing me :)
To eat or not to eat ?
ira,
I trust you because now thinking about it if anything was wrong with eating tuna every day it would say it right on the can, wouldn't it ?

Like &quot;Lot's of tuna may increase your chanse of getting to Paris thin and poisoned !!!&quot;

Thank you guys a lot. It is all educational anyway.
I haven't heard &quot;mercury&quot; since ... school ... or Freddy ? Brings memories.

You are the best !

Ziana:

If you want to lose weight quickly and in a reasonably healthy manner, Google the South Beach Diet.

I had never dieted in my entire life until this winter, when I realized I had been gaining 2-3 lbs. a year for about 7 years - imagine what I was going to look like in 10 years!

So I went on the South Beach diet, which isn't even really a diet but a way of changing some dietary habits. It's a lot like the Atkins diet, essentially a low-carb regime.

Well, it works. I've lost 14 lbs. since Christmas, and am back in a size 6, which I haven't worn since I was in college (and that was SOME time ago). And I'm never hungry.

I also work out for 45 mins to an hour at least 5 days a week. That builds muscle, which counteracts the weight loss to some extent, but is good for you!

Don't do anything drastic. Starving yourself will only exacerbate the problem later. Get plenty of exercise and find a dietary regime that enables you not to feel as though you're starving yourself.

And if you have high cholesterol, I would NOT try the Atkins or South Beach Diets. It's always best to check with your doctor before you try any diet.

If the upcoming trip to Paris inspires you to lose weight that you want to lose, I say that's great! As long as you diet healthily, etc. etc. as others have already said. My upcoming trip to London in April is doing wonders for my resolve. I started dieting three weeks ago and have already lost 4 or 5 pounds. There are six weeks to go, and I am inspired to keep going. Like you, I am looking forward to a gastronomic extrvaganza. Good luck!

Ziana:

From the top...sorry, I got confused as I kept reading so forgive me if I am now going to be off topic.

My biggest travel sacrifice was dieting and saving TONS of money for months before my journeys.

You will automatically loose weight in Paris. I came back from my first trip to Europe 17 pounds lighter and I am a FOODIE and I enjoy wine...lots!

PATRICK:
My mom has diabeties. I am forwarding her this thread in hopes that she may borrow some of your practices. Thank you!

Ziana:
You got weight loss advice across the board...do what was working for YOU.

Everybody is different and when I ate jello, applesauce and fish for one week I lost weight. I stopped loosing when I TOLD people what I had done because I stopped based on their outrage and concern...go figure...

Happy Travels,
Oaktown Traveler