by Leann Zotis

Created on: November 10, 2009

Weight Watchers offers a sensible eating plan for life, and that includes vacation. Most people look forward to vacation time as a chance to kick back, relax and let their hair down. The restraints of day to day life are set aside briefly in an effort to enjoy the good life.

If you've been following your Weight Watchers guidelines faithfully and enjoying the success that comes along with it, you probably realize it's not a good idea to abandon your hard earned efforts, even briefly. A little conscientious effort on your part can make sticking to your new Weight Watchers way of life easy to achieve.

* Plan ahead

In the days leading up to your vacation, try to stick closely to your points allotment. Don't dip into your weekly bonus points; save them for vacation splurges.

* Increase your exercise level

You can earn a few bonus activity points, but you'll also be working on building endurance so you can be more active on vacation; you win twice.

* Check out vacation destination restaurants beforehand

If you have an idea where you might be eating dinner while you're away, consider checking out the menu online. Make your healthy selections in advance before the sights and aromas of the restaurant have a chance to sway your resolve.

* Challenge yourself

While on vacation, you'll be in a new place, checking out new things. Wear your pedometer while you're away and challenge yourself to meet the 10,000 step per day goal. You'll definitely torch some additional calories to compensate for some indulgences during vacation, plus you'll be so busy seeing the sights and trying to build those steps that you'll forget about food for a good part of each day.

* Change your focus

Remember that vacation is about good times with good friends and family. Use this time to create memories. Focus more on experiences than on over-indulging at meal time.

* Don't eat out all three meals

Plan to enjoy oatmeal or scrambled eggs in your hotel room if you have the facilities to permit it. Pack fruit to take with you throughout the day to snack on.

* Whatever the outcome, don't beat yourself up

You may not be perfect during your vacation. It's not the end of the world. As soon as you return home, resume your previous high standards of following the Weight Watchers guidelines. Your ultimate success is not about one meal or even a series of meals. Succeeding at losing weight and keeping it off will ultimately be a matter of changing your overall lifestyle and the way you look at food.

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