Totally off topic, but how do you do it???

I am taking a mini-vacation this week...leaving Weds evening, coming back Sunday..and going to the lake with Mom, Dad, and the family!  WOOHOO!!  (Btw...I am tired of not sleeping in my own bed!!!!!!  Two weekends in Bangor in a hotel, now, probably sleeping on the floor at camp!  I'm just tired!)   ANYWAYS! 

My question is this.......do you all pack all the food/protein/etc that you will need or do you just "fudge" it while you are away?  

My mom was freaking out on me the other day because she had NO IDEA what I could eat and what she should buy for me!  (She's anal...just a bit...and wants to do everything for everyone!)  So, I told her I'd bring my own stuff and as I'm packing it up tonight, it feels like I am moving out for good!!!!!!!!  I've packed protein filled stuff...like I normally eat at home and a few other things that she probably won't have. I know I've packed too much stuff...I ALWAYS do!!!  Maybe I should just eat whatever she has and not worry about it?  But, then again, I don't want to be tempted by some high-fat burger or hot dog that she might be cooking!  (I've been really good abou****ching the fat, sugar, and calories........99% of the time!  haha) 

This is SSSSOOOOOOOOOO  crazy!  HELP!!!!!!????????

Ruth~
Have fun...that's most important!!!  I would pack up what you feel is necessary but realize it is vacation and give yourself a "tiny" break.  I tend to allow myself to indulge during family gatherings and alwasy rein myself back in quickly afterwards so not to get out of control.  I would conciously stay away from high carb stuff but if you can handle burgers go for ONE w/out the bun.  The hotdog, well that doesn't sound appitizing to me so I'd skip it.  Side dishes are hard so that is where I would bring my own cheese, brocolli cole slaw, cottage cheese, etc....
Have a blast, be careful and enjoy yourself!!!

Good morning, Ruthie!!
I eat normal food with all the other normal people.  I do bring my protein powder and skim milk everywhere! That is where I turn if I really can't figure out what will go down ok.  I have tablespoons of potato sald, and even clam dip last weekend.  Little bits satisfy my OMG I WANT THAT, and since I can't eat much anyway, no harm done.  I went away 3 nights camping with friends and the grands and I lost 2 lbs this week...so...relax, and unpack 1/3 of what you have, you will be fine. Have fun!
love and hugs,
kate

I'm with Kate---eat what everyone else is having.  It is a lifestyle change, but we do have to feel normal.  If we have an event of family gathering I say just make the best chouices of what is there, and watch your portions.  Have the burger without the bun and not think twice about it.  I think the more "normal" we feel the better our tool will work in the long term.  Whenever I would diet I would end up resenting things,I can't have this, everyone else is having that and I can't it's not fair etc.  And I would always go off the diet and gain everything back and then some.  They key is to use the tool as part of our lives.  We have to allow ourself to eat things we shouldn't every once in awhile.  It's all in moderation.  And if we aren't eating much of something everything should be fine.

If I am going away I always bring my achiev protein drinks for breakfast (there is a quick 20g right there), some beef jerky to have for snacks in case there isn't much where I am for protein...and that's it.  I will eat what everyone else has at meals, just much smaller portions. 

Enjoy yourself!

Ruth I think Its time to let your guard down and start being NORMaL, and eat what everyone else is eating just working it into your program,  I cook and eat what everyone else is eating only less.  I know I'm a little different, and am not as dedicated as you are (therefor not as successful) but isnt' this whole thing about being normal and enjoying life?  Just take it easy, not to get sick, I'd bring some protein to drink, so you make sure you get your protein. I've been getting all my protein from meat and cheese. havn't had any liquid protein in 2 months.  I eat a little meat for breakfast, little more for snack w/fruit, salad w/ meat for lunch,  and for supper usually just meat and veggies or fish.  trying to stay away from Carbs totally.  I get all my protein in.  But am eating  probably more cal. then you want to.  I'm having about 1200 cal a day. so do you eat what you make for your family at all, or only your protein foods/shakes that you buy for yourself?  plus that can get expensive too.  I agree with Kate you can do this with no worry, enjoy. and "FUdge" it.... you'll be fine.  have fun and enjoy. let us all know how it went.  cheryl