I got back to Florida from Chicago late on Sunday and drove from the mainland directly to work yesterday. So, last night was my first night back at my home and this morning was the first time/opportunity I had to weigh myself since before the trip. I didn’t lose any weight over the week.
Naturally, my first reaction was one of disappointment with a sizeable dollop of internal whining. “Ohhhh, but I was sooooo good and I tried soooo hard!” “I barely ate and I only had a few pieces of chocolate but I did alllll that walllkkkiinnnggg.” “Whine whine whine, kvetch, kvetch, moan.”
Then I got some healthy perspective. In the past whenever I went away to a conference, I absolutely ate too much food, including dessert at every meal. I also used to have a few drinks every night and some nights more than a few. I was heavier so I didn’t do any more walking than necessary and, although I danced, I didn’t set the floor on fire in high-aerobic, calorie-burning workouts. Invariably I returned from conferences weighing more than before I left.
To have spent almost a week away from home and out of my routine and managed to maintain my weight is a victory. Let’s look at some facts. Liquid is liquid. I could have had wine or a mixed drink or two every single night. They served chocolate cheesecake after dinner one night and I absolutely could have slowly but steadily consumed the entire piece. Instead I took two moderate forkfuls and then moved the plate out of my reach. Yes, I grabbed some small pieces of chocolate, compulsively, when moving between the rows of promotional materials on my way to various panels, but it’s not like I binged on pounds of the stuff. I was mindful of my eating and my nutritional goals. I took care of myself and I maintained.
Yes, definitely a victory.
More to the point, I’m back home and back into my routine. Before, whenever I was on a diet and then veered off, I usually did not get myself back on track. Things are different now. I’m different. The losing trend shall recommence immediately.
Weighty Matters 
I definitely think it’s ok to have the occasional weekend where it’s about weight maintenance, resisting temptations and so forth. You had tons of victories. And you’ll keep going!
Congrats on keeping control! It’s not the bumps in the road that send us off track, but how we deal with them. I think you are doing great.
Egads
Yay!!!! And I saw some photos of you on FB and you looked wonderful…and happy!!
Good for you on all fronts! Keep up the good work!!!