Going Away…. How To Control What I Eat?

Dear Alice,

Now that it is summer, we go away for Shabbat a lot. I am not really comfortable toting along my own bag of Shabbat food. Can you give me some general guidelines for a successful Shabbat without requiring me to cook completely separate or bring all my own food? Thanks!

Signed, Vacationing and Dieting

 

Dear Vacationer,

I love your question because it shows the beauty of being on a food plan that is an actual lifestyle change rather than a diet. Yes, you can go away for Shabbat, eat the food that is served, and not sabotage your diet! Here are some general guidelines to go by. First, keep in mind that at most catered Shabbat’s, as well is in most homes, you will be served a combination of good and bad foods. Your job is to choose the best from the choices available to you. Although every home serves slightly different food, use the chart below as a general guide.

Just by taking a look down the left column, and then the right, you can see that the difference between the two is dramatic. Choose from the left column whenever possible.

Second, keep in mind portion control! Even when choosing the better options, they should be eaten in moderation so as not to consume too many calories.

Third, it may be worthwhile to pack along snacks that help you stay away from high calorie junk. If you are on our plan you are familiar with our TAP products that are not only healthy and nutritious but keep you from feeling deprived. Enjoy your Shabbat getaway!

Best,

Alice

Better	Worse
Matza	Challah
Hummus	Mayo based dips
Salmon	Gefilte fish, herring
Grilled or baked chicken	Fried chicken
Pickles and Cucumber salad	Cole slaw
Cholent	Kugels
Cold cuts	Kishke, Galla, etc..
Ices	Ice cream and cake
Fresh Fruit	Nuts and dried fruit