If you’re watching your weight – vacations can be a challenge...

Do you leave your diet at home on vacation? 

Here are a few tricks to minimize some dieting damage on the road:

• Don’t let yourself get overly hungry getting there. Airports, convenience stores and gas stations are full of diet-busing temptations. Eat a meal higher in fat BEFORE you hit the road. You’ll feel full for longer.

• Pack some baggies of whole-grain crackers, veggies or raisins and nuts for the trip. Those are satisfying snacks that will help take the edge off.

• Pack some chewing gum and water too. A stick of mint gum and a bottle of water are an effective appetite suppressing duo.

• Once you’re there – consider skimping a bit on breakfast and lunch so you can really enjoy yourself at dinner.

If you’re really in a pinch and wind up at a fast-food joint on vacation – choose wisely. Opt for a kid’s meal or foods that are grilled. Skip the fries and have water or skim milk with that.