I NEED to start OPT!

joy8030 · 05-16-2009, 03:42 PM

I posted this on Leigh's site as well, sorry if you're reading this twice. :-)

So here's my story....

I was at pretty much my goal weight when I got a job in Mexico. Now, 6 months later, I think I've gained 15 lbs. I didn't track what i was eating and even though I was working out I was not moving enough during the day.

I'm in Mexico for two more days. Then I'm on the road for a week, then I'm moving to another new city for 6 months. I'm trying to decide when to start OPT. I'm going to have my scale back on Tuesday and I was going to jump right in. But am I setting myself up to fail if I start while I'm traveling? But then I think, I'm moving to a new place should I want a week till I get settled in? Then it's my birthday..... Of course the excuses just keep going. I think once I'm out of Mexico and not drinking as much, moving more, and actually back to my healthy eating the weight will start to come off. I don't want to wait to start OPT but I don't want to fail.

Anyone out there have any advice? Especially if you've done OPT. I hate this extra weight I've gained but it happened and now i have to pay the price.

dianas · 05-16-2009, 04:03 PM

How about a compromise? Start OPT after you've moved. I would think you'll end up eating out a lot or doing a lot of convenience food while traveling and moving so I think it would be hard to start a program like OPT in those circumstances. I would wait for a specific program when you can plan and prepare your food yourself. There's a big difference between making excuses and being realistic.

However I don't think you need to wait until you've moved to start making healthier choices overall. You can do that even while in Mexico. (Unless you want to tie on on your last two days down there. If so enjoy.) Use the travel and moving time to start logging your food, making better choices food wise, cutting down on the drinking etc.

Do you mind my asking what is your job? I've always envied the travel nurses who get to go all over and will work someplace new every 3 to 6 months. That would be fun for a while and I'd do it in a hearbeat if I was single.

joy8030 · 05-16-2009, 04:11 PM

ACTUALLY, once I realized how much weight I had gained and that none of my clothes fit me anymore i started tracking my calories and drinking less. So that's good!

You're right about just making good choices when I return and then starting OPT when I'm more settled in. I can't wait to have a kitchen again! I do need to be realistic.

I work in TV. Normally I'm in LA but I was lucky enough to get on this show that's in a different city every 6 months. I love it! I'm single (actually just got out of a 5 year relationship 6 months ago) so it's perfect for me.

Thanks for the advice!

EasyRhino · 05-17-2009, 01:57 AM

I only recently had to confront trying to make good choices while on the road (maybe a couple-three weeks of travel), and it's tough, but it's possible. Personally, I'm okay with deviating pretty hard from my goal diet and excercise regime, I just improvise and work at it and do the best I can.

If you really want try out OPT to the fullest, then you'd probably need a kitchen.

6 months on a job in a place with no kitchen? Seriously? Who cheaped out on the accomodations?

dianas · 05-17-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joy8030

I can't wait to have a kitchen again! I do need to be realistic.

[quote=EasyRhino;711756]6 months on a job in a place with no kitchen? /quote]

I didn't realize that you didn't have a kitchen in Mexico. While I know that any weight gain is frustrating I think you need to give yourself a great big pat on the back. Under the circumstances your weight gain was actually pretty minimal all things considered. Most would have put on at least twice that much if they spent half a year without a kitchen.

Sounds like an interesting job.

joy8030 · 05-17-2009, 03:13 PM

We've been staying at an awesome hotel. We're in the middle of Cancun. There weren't many housing options. I did get a hotplate and microwave and found some good meals to eat at the hotel. But it still wasn't enough. I guess you're right Diana, I definitely could have gained more. I felt like I was actually watching what I was eating. Infact people gave me a hard time about it. But late night binges after drinking were probably my downfall. Once I'm settled into my new apartment I'll get everything back under control and start OPT.

Thanks for the advice!