On the Road :

Don't let travel sabotage your weight-loss program . Here's how to navigate the carb-laden landscape.

You've finally got your act together. You're making terrific progress in changing your eating habits . You know exactly what to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You've emptied your kitchen cabinets of tempting high-carb snacks. Still, that trip coming up next week has you panicked.

Suddenly, you're without your familiar routines and resources. You are not only confronted with temptations you would never let into your house, but also exposed to them precisely when you're most vulnerable. (Just think about those cinnamon buns that perfume every airport.) As if such factors weren't hazardous enough, traveling in and of itself can bring on stress, which in turn causes unstable blood sugar and cravings for unhealthy foods. Proceed With Caution
So, what do you do? Throw in the towel? Of course not. To succeed with the Atkins Nutritional Approach , you must make a lifestyle change. That means dealing with every new circumstance in a way that is compatible with your commitment to new eating habits. When it comes to travel, the key to staying on track is a combination of mental and physical preparation.

The following tips should help ensure that you don't leave your progress behind when you take your show on the road:

Think "big picture." Don't use your trip as an excuse to go off the program. Remember, if you continually take detours from your planned route, you'll never reach your destination.

Take it with you. Pack some controlled-carb snack foods, such as 1-ounce portions of cheese in plastic wrap. If you're traveling by car, pack a cooler with cold cuts and cheese or salad. Or stow away a few Atkins bars to use as meal replacements.

Eat first. Start out on the right foot by eating a well-planned, satisfying meal before you depart.

Go a little nuts. Snack on nuts and seeds, which are high in protein and fat. You'll feel more satisfied and in control of your appetite after eating a handful. Go easy on these snack options if you are in the Induction phase, particularly if you find it difficult to lose weight .

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