The Idaho Plan

I don't know if this will help anyone or not, but I know I find it helpful when people share their plans for dealing with difficult situations, so I'm putting this here both to "pay it forward" and to help keep myself accountable.

Elina suggested that I find a reward that helps me "walk into my power."  As weird as this seems coming from me, that reward is time to exercise.  atl_gadget_grrl suggested I break things into blocks of times, just to make it more of an incentive.

So, here is my Idaho plan.

We will arrive sometime on Tuesday (probably near or lunch).  We will leave sometime on Friday (depending on how the visit has been, either at dawn or right around lunch).  For every day I spend with family, I "get" at least an hour at the gym by myself to focus on myself.  That means I either get 3 or 4 visits, depending on our actual arrival/departure times.

When things get stressful or unpleasant, I will remind myself that my reward is not far away.

In addition, if I meet my calorie/carb/protein goals during our trip and log faithfully the entire time, when we return I get a trip to a lingerie boutique with Elina, where I will, completely without guilt, purchase myself at least one set of lingerie even though that feels like a huge waste of money when I am not at goal.  So far, I've been limiting myself to new bras/undies from places like TJ Maxx and telling myself I'll buy good stuff when I'm at goal. 

My other small strategies are a firm, "no, thank you," and, when that fails (because I know this woman and know she doesn't listen), I plan to point out that I do not insist she eat meat (she is vegetarian), so I'd appreciate it if she stop insisting I eat things that are not on my food plan.  If that fails, I will go for a walk, even though it is probably going to be hot, or find a reason for a quick trip to the grocery store just to take a break.

Maybe I'll do another small reward:  if I hit 10,000 steps per day on the full days we are there (just because I don't know if it's possible when we're in the car for 6 hours), I will go by myself a cute new dress, even if it's not on the sale rack.  Or maybe a cute pair of shoes.  Or maybe both, lol.  That will help me get out of the house with a specific goal in mind, even if it is hot.  And it gives me an excuse to go for a walk in the evening when things cool down.

Sounds terrific, Sarah!

What method are you going to use to log your intake?  Are you bringing measuring gadgets with you?

Another strategy (not that I'm saying you need any more) could be to channel slimpickins and say, calmly but firmly, "I don't eat that."  I imagine that your kids will be with you at the family meals, so I could see that you would want to keep the drama to a minimum.  Hopefully all involved will want that as well.  :)

I use MFP.  I typically measure with measuring cups, which I assume they will have, and have gotten pretty good at "eyeballing" (not my preferred method, but works when dining out).  You bring up a good point, though--at home I am used to our dishes and know what 1/4 c looks like in one of our bowls.  That may not be true there.  I plan to eat a lot of tuna, which fortunately comes pre-measured in the package.  I also plan to go to the grocery store on Tuesday as soon as we unpack the car and I can escape without it being seen as super rude. 

"I don't eat that" is a good idea.  Step one:  "No, thank you."  Step two:  "I don't eat that."  Step three:  "I don't ask you to eat meat."  Step four:  go for a walk. :)  Or maybe I'll reverse steps three and four.  Whatever seems most appropriate once I'm there.

Excellent.  As I said, all credit to Slimpickins for that phrase.  She posted about it so nicely in one of Kairk's threads, and it stuck with me.

I really appreciate your posting of your plan.  We will be traveling to *****oteague, VA the week after next, and I am trying to get my own ducks in a row as far as how to handle it.  I won't have the food pushers to deal with as you might, though.  My tricky points will be restaurants, especially since they don't seem to have much in the way of chain restaurants there, as in places with searchable online menus. 

I love it.  You better stick it out and make it work.  I say this for purely selfish reasons; I want to go lingerie shopping too!!!  Great plan and I am glad you wrote it all out.  Now when you come back, we can do a little autopsy on how things went.  You will be stronger for the experience either way. 

Sounds like a good solid plan to me!  I wish you luck and strength.  You can do this. 

Where in Idaho?  I live across the border (just gotta cross a bridge) in Washington from Northern Idaho.

Outside Boise--probably a bit of a haul from you!

Hi Sarah!,

I live in Emmett which is about 30 minutes away from Boise!  I know the potato thing is hard, if that's what your referring to, but I am sure you will do great!  It is hot though, in the 3 digits, I have been wilting!  You have my vote for going to work out at a gym!  That sounds like a great goal!  If you need help finding things to do let me know!  The paddle boats in Ann Morrison park might be fun, good exercise and inexpensive.  When you get stresses, take lots of deep breaths it will keep your blood pressure down.  Another thing that might be great with the weather the way it is, is a water aerobics class, at the YMCA or Idaho Athletic Club or maybe even the local swimming pools have them!  FYI:  the nights have been just as hot if not worse, mornings would be better for walking!  Hope you have a great time!

Smiles:),

Lisa