How everyone in my family lost weight in Lancaster & Hershey, PA :)

[Guest guest]

We went on vacation, to Lancaster & Hershey, PA, a few weeks ago.

Everyone in my family weighed less when we returned home! (LOL?!)

Lancaster is Amish Country - - one of the centers of homestyle cooking and

family style/all-you-can-eat restaurants brimming with tempting goodies!

Hershey is the hometown of Hershey Chocolates! Here's how we kept from

gaining weight while on vacation there:

1. We walked day and night - - so many special sights to see and enjoy!

(Amish farms, Stratford Railroad, Choo Choo Museum, Kitchen Kettle Village,

Farmer's Market (where homemade goodies are sold, not just produce, meats,

and cheese), etc.)

2. Breakfast - -

A Deluxe Continental Breakfast was given to guests at the Inn where we

stayed. Most hotels and inns in Lancaster do the same, by the way.

Choices included: 4 different dry cereals; oatmeal; white and whole wheat

bread; bagels; muffins; English muffins; hard boiled eggs; honey; jellies;

peanut butter; cream cheese; butter, margarine, fruit (apples and bananas);

orange juice; coffee or tea; skim milk or whole milk.

Each morning, I had whole wheat toast or an English muffin with honey and a

hard boiled egg, plus orange juice, coffee and skim milk, and a small banana.

My son did the same, but opted for peanut butter rather than honey on his

bread. My husband preferred cereal and milk with banana.

3. Lunch - -

The first day we got there, we arrived early afternoon and were pretty

hungry. A family restaurant (LAPP's) had a chef's salad of greens, cukes,

tomatoes, onions, carrots, hard boiled egg, and cheese served with hot bacon

dressing. All three of us ordered this salad without cheese and without

dressing. *Also - - there was an option on the menu to add a freshly grilled

chicken breast to any salad platter for a few bucks. All 3 of us asked for

that option. YUMMY, high in protein and fiber, and low fat

Second day - - we drove to a local supermarket, and all of us bought a

yogurt.

We brought a case of pint sized bottles of Poland Spring water with us on the

trip, and also brought our smaller cooler with us. Thus, we had cold spring

water available to us at all times (there was a fridge in our room, too, and

we kept some of our water in that - - plus fresh fruit we bought at a Super

Wal-Mart in Lancaster.

So, we had yogurt and spring water for lunch on the second day.

Third day - - basically same as day #2, but we had fresh bananas with our

light lunch this time.

4. Dinner -

First evening:

The first night, we dined at what used to be " Harvest House " (a family

restaurant on Harvest Drive)...Now, it was the Family Cupboard....and I don't

recommend it....

For a buffet in Lancaster, it was chintzy (and *not* really inexpensive....)

The salad bar had about six items! (greens, tomatoes, pickled eggs, cukes,

onions, and I think some bean salad...)

The entrees left lots to be desired - - there were four and two contained

beef, which my family and I do not eat...the other two were both chicken

dishes (rotisserie and fried). I took a large piece of the rotisserie

chicken, and a tiny piece of the fried, to taste - - without the crust - -

WAY too salty! The rotisserie chicken was good, but we had chicken for lunch

and really wanted something else for dinner....*sigh*)

The side dishes were very fatty, for the most part, so I heaped some green

beans and baked lima beans (which were the best part of dinner!). I totally

skipped dessert after I noticed all the flies circling the desserts (and,

some flying near the other dishes we had eaten...*ech!*)

When we got back to the room, we had some of the fresh fruit we bought

earlier.

At least, we had nutritious foods....

Second evening:

We went to 's, which is EXCELLENT! It is a very pricey buffet, but if

you get the little pamphlet for 's restaurant (found in the hotel

lobbies and at all the tourist sites), you saved 3 dollars per person if you

get there before 4 pm. Not a problem!

After an early breakfast at 6:30 am, and a light lunch, we were ready for a

major dinner experience by 4 pm

's has more lovely foods than most wedding banquets! The salad bar,

alone, had about 25 items on it! Including 2 kinds of steamed shrimp! - -

plain or seasoned!

There were delicious salads, of which I decided to indulge in Broccoli Salad

(funny how broccoli salad seems to be a popular recipe lately online!

I heaped tons of cherry tomatoes, red onion, cukes, and fresh mushrooms on my

first plate - - and a nice portion of the shrimp.

(we all skipped soups and breads)

Entrees included: carved to order roast turkey; prime ribs; country ham!

PLUS: Chicken Pot Pie (which is, actually, chicken chunks with veggies in

chicken gravy, with thick squares of chewy homemade noodles mixed in); roast

pork and sauerkraut; baked sausage; baked chicken; baked fish fillets; mac

and cheese; stewed tomatoes; steamed carrots; dried corn (rehydrated and

steamed); stuffing; roasted and whipped potatoes; and more!

I opted for two slices of fresh turkey, and a spoon of Chicken Pot Pie, spoon

of dried corn; spoon of roast pork w/sauerkraut, and stewed tomatoes. I also

piled about 1 1/2 cups of steamed carrots on my plate

So, basically, I filled up on salad without dressing and shrimp, then fresh

turkey and steamed carrots. When it was time for dessert, I had a plan! - -

I saw lots of fresh fruit, and decided to fill up on that before looking over

the fattening choices! (lol)

I had several slices of fresh pineapple, cantalope, honey dew, and

strawberries.

By then, I only had room for a tiny taste of " something " - - and, that was my

plan

So, I looked over all the yummy and more caloric desserts - shoo fly pie,

cheesecake, cream pie, cookies, bread pudding, ice cream with toppings, and

Apple Pan Dowdy. I took a few spoonfuls of Apple Pan Dowdy. It was good, of

course, but not impressive to me - - I could tell I could make this with

fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, margarine, and Bisquick, and a drizzle of

confectionary sugar glaze. So, to me, it was not exciting enough for the

calories.

*ALSO* I was starting to feel quite stuffed!!!

Third night - we were home!! (we only went for 3 days and 2 nights - - my DH

was a little worried about how we would stay OP, but he now says maybe we

will go for a few days sometime during the Fall if he can get a day off

At home, we decided in advance we wanted a really light dinner to take off

the edge of any " hidden points " in what we all had eaten (there's always some

extra salt, sugar, and fat that may not be calculated in homestyle cooking in

those restaurants...)....So, we had Egg Beaters with Bagels, orange juice,

and fruit.

The next morning, we all were flabbergasted - - all of us had lost a pound!!!

I think that consciously making an effort to make healthy choices, plus

walking almost day and night, really is the reason our vacation in PA had a

very happy surprise ending

Love,

Cherie

>

> Looks good Cherie! I am glad that you are back! I have missed hearing

> from you every day!!

> Maureen

[Guest guest]

Walking and healthy eating!!! Great job!!!

Maureen

How everyone in my family lost weight in Lancaster &

Hershey, PA

We went on vacation, to Lancaster & Hershey, PA, a few weeks ago.

Everyone in my family weighed less when we returned home! (LOL?!)

Lancaster is Amish Country - - one of the centers of homestyle cooking and

family style/all-you-can-eat restaurants brimming with tempting goodies!

Hershey is the hometown of Hershey Chocolates! Here's how we kept from

gaining weight while on vacation there:

1. We walked day and night - - so many special sights to see and enjoy!

(Amish farms, Stratford Railroad, Choo Choo Museum, Kitchen Kettle Village,

Farmer's Market (where homemade goodies are sold, not just produce, meats,

and cheese), etc.)

2. Breakfast - -

A Deluxe Continental Breakfast was given to guests at the Inn where we

stayed. Most hotels and inns in Lancaster do the same, by the way.

Choices included: 4 different dry cereals; oatmeal; white and whole wheat

bread; bagels; muffins; English muffins; hard boiled eggs; honey; jellies;

peanut butter; cream cheese; butter, margarine, fruit (apples and bananas);

orange juice; coffee or tea; skim milk or whole milk.

Each morning, I had whole wheat toast or an English muffin with honey and a

hard boiled egg, plus orange juice, coffee and skim milk, and a small banana.

My son did the same, but opted for peanut butter rather than honey on his

bread. My husband preferred cereal and milk with banana.

3. Lunch - -

The first day we got there, we arrived early afternoon and were pretty

hungry. A family restaurant (LAPP's) had a chef's salad of greens, cukes,

tomatoes, onions, carrots, hard boiled egg, and cheese served with hot bacon

dressing. All three of us ordered this salad without cheese and without

dressing. *Also - - there was an option on the menu to add a freshly grilled

chicken breast to any salad platter for a few bucks. All 3 of us asked for

that option. YUMMY, high in protein and fiber, and low fat

Second day - - we drove to a local supermarket, and all of us bought a

yogurt.

We brought a case of pint sized bottles of Poland Spring water with us on the

trip, and also brought our smaller cooler with us. Thus, we had cold spring

water available to us at all times (there was a fridge in our room, too, and

we kept some of our water in that - - plus fresh fruit we bought at a Super

Wal-Mart in Lancaster.

So, we had yogurt and spring water for lunch on the second day.

Third day - - basically same as day #2, but we had fresh bananas with our

light lunch this time.

4. Dinner -

First evening:

The first night, we dined at what used to be " Harvest House " (a family

restaurant on Harvest Drive)...Now, it was the Family Cupboard....and I don't

recommend it....

For a buffet in Lancaster, it was chintzy (and *not* really inexpensive....)

The salad bar had about six items! (greens, tomatoes, pickled eggs, cukes,

onions, and I think some bean salad...)

The entrees left lots to be desired - - there were four and two contained

beef, which my family and I do not eat...the other two were both chicken

dishes (rotisserie and fried). I took a large piece of the rotisserie

chicken, and a tiny piece of the fried, to taste - - without the crust - -

WAY too salty! The rotisserie chicken was good, but we had chicken for lunch

and really wanted something else for dinner....*sigh*)

The side dishes were very fatty, for the most part, so I heaped some green

beans and baked lima beans (which were the best part of dinner!). I totally

skipped dessert after I noticed all the flies circling the desserts (and,

some flying near the other dishes we had eaten...*ech!*)

When we got back to the room, we had some of the fresh fruit we bought

earlier.

At least, we had nutritious foods....

Second evening:

We went to 's, which is EXCELLENT! It is a very pricey buffet, but if

you get the little pamphlet for 's restaurant (found in the hotel

lobbies and at all the tourist sites), you saved 3 dollars per person if you

get there before 4 pm. Not a problem!

After an early breakfast at 6:30 am, and a light lunch, we were ready for a

major dinner experience by 4 pm

's has more lovely foods than most wedding banquets! The salad bar,

alone, had about 25 items on it! Including 2 kinds of steamed shrimp! - -

plain or seasoned!

There were delicious salads, of which I decided to indulge in Broccoli Salad

(funny how broccoli salad seems to be a popular recipe lately online!

I heaped tons of cherry tomatoes, red onion, cukes, and fresh mushrooms on my

first plate - - and a nice portion of the shrimp.

(we all skipped soups and breads)

Entrees included: carved to order roast turkey; prime ribs; country ham!

PLUS: Chicken Pot Pie (which is, actually, chicken chunks with veggies in

chicken gravy, with thick squares of chewy homemade noodles mixed in); roast

pork and sauerkraut; baked sausage; baked chicken; baked fish fillets; mac

and cheese; stewed tomatoes; steamed carrots; dried corn (rehydrated and

steamed); stuffing; roasted and whipped potatoes; and more!

I opted for two slices of fresh turkey, and a spoon of Chicken Pot Pie, spoon

of dried corn; spoon of roast pork w/sauerkraut, and stewed tomatoes. I also

piled about 1 1/2 cups of steamed carrots on my plate

So, basically, I filled up on salad without dressing and shrimp, then fresh

turkey and steamed carrots. When it was time for dessert, I had a plan! - -

I saw lots of fresh fruit, and decided to fill up on that before looking over

the fattening choices! (lol)

I had several slices of fresh pineapple, cantalope, honey dew, and

strawberries.

By then, I only had room for a tiny taste of " something " - - and, that was my

plan

So, I looked over all the yummy and more caloric desserts - shoo fly pie,

cheesecake, cream pie, cookies, bread pudding, ice cream with toppings, and

Apple Pan Dowdy. I took a few spoonfuls of Apple Pan Dowdy. It was good, of

course, but not impressive to me - - I could tell I could make this with

fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, margarine, and Bisquick, and a drizzle of

confectionary sugar glaze. So, to me, it was not exciting enough for the

calories.

*ALSO* I was starting to feel quite stuffed!!!

Third night - we were home!! (we only went for 3 days and 2 nights - - my DH

was a little worried about how we would stay OP, but he now says maybe we

will go for a few days sometime during the Fall if he can get a day off

At home, we decided in advance we wanted a really light dinner to take off

the edge of any " hidden points " in what we all had eaten (there's always some

extra salt, sugar, and fat that may not be calculated in homestyle cooking in

those restaurants...)....So, we had Egg Beaters with Bagels, orange juice,

and fruit.

The next morning, we all were flabbergasted - - all of us had lost a pound!!!

I think that consciously making an effort to make healthy choices, plus

walking almost day and night, really is the reason our vacation in PA had a

very happy surprise ending

Love,

Cherie

>

> Looks good Cherie! I am glad that you are back! I have missed hearing

> from you every day!!

> Maureen

[Guest guest]

Walking and healthy eating!!! Great job!!!

Maureen

How everyone in my family lost weight in Lancaster &

Hershey, PA

We went on vacation, to Lancaster & Hershey, PA, a few weeks ago.

Everyone in my family weighed less when we returned home! (LOL?!)

Lancaster is Amish Country - - one of the centers of homestyle cooking and

family style/all-you-can-eat restaurants brimming with tempting goodies!

Hershey is the hometown of Hershey Chocolates! Here's how we kept from

gaining weight while on vacation there:

1. We walked day and night - - so many special sights to see and enjoy!

(Amish farms, Stratford Railroad, Choo Choo Museum, Kitchen Kettle Village,

Farmer's Market (where homemade goodies are sold, not just produce, meats,

and cheese), etc.)

2. Breakfast - -

A Deluxe Continental Breakfast was given to guests at the Inn where we

stayed. Most hotels and inns in Lancaster do the same, by the way.

Choices included: 4 different dry cereals; oatmeal; white and whole wheat

bread; bagels; muffins; English muffins; hard boiled eggs; honey; jellies;

peanut butter; cream cheese; butter, margarine, fruit (apples and bananas);

orange juice; coffee or tea; skim milk or whole milk.

Each morning, I had whole wheat toast or an English muffin with honey and a

hard boiled egg, plus orange juice, coffee and skim milk, and a small banana.

My son did the same, but opted for peanut butter rather than honey on his

bread. My husband preferred cereal and milk with banana.

3. Lunch - -

The first day we got there, we arrived early afternoon and were pretty

hungry. A family restaurant (LAPP's) had a chef's salad of greens, cukes,

tomatoes, onions, carrots, hard boiled egg, and cheese served with hot bacon

dressing. All three of us ordered this salad without cheese and without

dressing. *Also - - there was an option on the menu to add a freshly grilled

chicken breast to any salad platter for a few bucks. All 3 of us asked for

that option. YUMMY, high in protein and fiber, and low fat

Second day - - we drove to a local supermarket, and all of us bought a

yogurt.

We brought a case of pint sized bottles of Poland Spring water with us on the

trip, and also brought our smaller cooler with us. Thus, we had cold spring

water available to us at all times (there was a fridge in our room, too, and

we kept some of our water in that - - plus fresh fruit we bought at a Super

Wal-Mart in Lancaster.

So, we had yogurt and spring water for lunch on the second day.

Third day - - basically same as day #2, but we had fresh bananas with our

light lunch this time.

4. Dinner -

First evening:

The first night, we dined at what used to be " Harvest House " (a family

restaurant on Harvest Drive)...Now, it was the Family Cupboard....and I don't

recommend it....

For a buffet in Lancaster, it was chintzy (and *not* really inexpensive....)

The salad bar had about six items! (greens, tomatoes, pickled eggs, cukes,

onions, and I think some bean salad...)

The entrees left lots to be desired - - there were four and two contained

beef, which my family and I do not eat...the other two were both chicken

dishes (rotisserie and fried). I took a large piece of the rotisserie

chicken, and a tiny piece of the fried, to taste - - without the crust - -

WAY too salty! The rotisserie chicken was good, but we had chicken for lunch

and really wanted something else for dinner....*sigh*)

The side dishes were very fatty, for the most part, so I heaped some green

beans and baked lima beans (which were the best part of dinner!). I totally

skipped dessert after I noticed all the flies circling the desserts (and,

some flying near the other dishes we had eaten...*ech!*)

When we got back to the room, we had some of the fresh fruit we bought

earlier.

At least, we had nutritious foods....

Second evening:

We went to 's, which is EXCELLENT! It is a very pricey buffet, but if

you get the little pamphlet for 's restaurant (found in the hotel

lobbies and at all the tourist sites), you saved 3 dollars per person if you

get there before 4 pm. Not a problem!

After an early breakfast at 6:30 am, and a light lunch, we were ready for a

major dinner experience by 4 pm

's has more lovely foods than most wedding banquets! The salad bar,

alone, had about 25 items on it! Including 2 kinds of steamed shrimp! - -

plain or seasoned!

There were delicious salads, of which I decided to indulge in Broccoli Salad

(funny how broccoli salad seems to be a popular recipe lately online!

I heaped tons of cherry tomatoes, red onion, cukes, and fresh mushrooms on my

first plate - - and a nice portion of the shrimp.

(we all skipped soups and breads)

Entrees included: carved to order roast turkey; prime ribs; country ham!

PLUS: Chicken Pot Pie (which is, actually, chicken chunks with veggies in

chicken gravy, with thick squares of chewy homemade noodles mixed in); roast

pork and sauerkraut; baked sausage; baked chicken; baked fish fillets; mac

and cheese; stewed tomatoes; steamed carrots; dried corn (rehydrated and

steamed); stuffing; roasted and whipped potatoes; and more!

I opted for two slices of fresh turkey, and a spoon of Chicken Pot Pie, spoon

of dried corn; spoon of roast pork w/sauerkraut, and stewed tomatoes. I also

piled about 1 1/2 cups of steamed carrots on my plate

So, basically, I filled up on salad without dressing and shrimp, then fresh

turkey and steamed carrots. When it was time for dessert, I had a plan! - -

I saw lots of fresh fruit, and decided to fill up on that before looking over

the fattening choices! (lol)

I had several slices of fresh pineapple, cantalope, honey dew, and

strawberries.

By then, I only had room for a tiny taste of " something " - - and, that was my

plan

So, I looked over all the yummy and more caloric desserts - shoo fly pie,

cheesecake, cream pie, cookies, bread pudding, ice cream with toppings, and

Apple Pan Dowdy. I took a few spoonfuls of Apple Pan Dowdy. It was good, of

course, but not impressive to me - - I could tell I could make this with

fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, margarine, and Bisquick, and a drizzle of

confectionary sugar glaze. So, to me, it was not exciting enough for the

calories.

*ALSO* I was starting to feel quite stuffed!!!

Third night - we were home!! (we only went for 3 days and 2 nights - - my DH

was a little worried about how we would stay OP, but he now says maybe we

will go for a few days sometime during the Fall if he can get a day off

At home, we decided in advance we wanted a really light dinner to take off

the edge of any " hidden points " in what we all had eaten (there's always some

extra salt, sugar, and fat that may not be calculated in homestyle cooking in

those restaurants...)....So, we had Egg Beaters with Bagels, orange juice,

and fruit.

The next morning, we all were flabbergasted - - all of us had lost a pound!!!

I think that consciously making an effort to make healthy choices, plus

walking almost day and night, really is the reason our vacation in PA had a

very happy surprise ending

Love,

Cherie

>

> Looks good Cherie! I am glad that you are back! I have missed hearing

> from you every day!!

> Maureen

[Guest guest]

Wow Cherie, I am so impressed!!!!! Give yourself and your family a great big pat

on the bakc!!!!! Glad to have you back on line!

Zephyr

How everyone in my family lost weight in Lancaster &

Hershey, PA

We went on vacation, to Lancaster & Hershey, PA, a few weeks ago.

Everyone in my family weighed less when we returned home! (LOL?!)

Lancaster is Amish Country - - one of the centers of homestyle cooking and

family style/all-you-can-eat restaurants brimming with tempting goodies!

Hershey is the hometown of Hershey Chocolates! Here's how we kept from

gaining weight while on vacation there:

1. We walked day and night - - so many special sights to see and enjoy!

(Amish farms, Stratford Railroad, Choo Choo Museum, Kitchen Kettle Village,

Farmer's Market (where homemade goodies are sold, not just produce, meats,

and cheese), etc.)

2. Breakfast - -

A Deluxe Continental Breakfast was given to guests at the Inn where we

stayed. Most hotels and inns in Lancaster do the same, by the way.

Choices included: 4 different dry cereals; oatmeal; white and whole wheat

bread; bagels; muffins; English muffins; hard boiled eggs; honey; jellies;

peanut butter; cream cheese; butter, margarine, fruit (apples and bananas);

orange juice; coffee or tea; skim milk or whole milk.

Each morning, I had whole wheat toast or an English muffin with honey and a

hard boiled egg, plus orange juice, coffee and skim milk, and a small banana.

My son did the same, but opted for peanut butter rather than honey on his

bread. My husband preferred cereal and milk with banana.

3. Lunch - -

The first day we got there, we arrived early afternoon and were pretty

hungry. A family restaurant (LAPP's) had a chef's salad of greens, cukes,

tomatoes, onions, carrots, hard boiled egg, and cheese served with hot bacon

dressing. All three of us ordered this salad without cheese and without

dressing. *Also - - there was an option on the menu to add a freshly grilled

chicken breast to any salad platter for a few bucks. All 3 of us asked for

that option. YUMMY, high in protein and fiber, and low fat

Second day - - we drove to a local supermarket, and all of us bought a

yogurt.

We brought a case of pint sized bottles of Poland Spring water with us on the

trip, and also brought our smaller cooler with us. Thus, we had cold spring

water available to us at all times (there was a fridge in our room, too, and

we kept some of our water in that - - plus fresh fruit we bought at a Super

Wal-Mart in Lancaster.

So, we had yogurt and spring water for lunch on the second day.

Third day - - basically same as day #2, but we had fresh bananas with our

light lunch this time.

4. Dinner -

First evening:

The first night, we dined at what used to be " Harvest House " (a family

restaurant on Harvest Drive)...Now, it was the Family Cupboard....and I don't

recommend it....

For a buffet in Lancaster, it was chintzy (and *not* really inexpensive....)

The salad bar had about six items! (greens, tomatoes, pickled eggs, cukes,

onions, and I think some bean salad...)

The entrees left lots to be desired - - there were four and two contained

beef, which my family and I do not eat...the other two were both chicken

dishes (rotisserie and fried). I took a large piece of the rotisserie

chicken, and a tiny piece of the fried, to taste - - without the crust - -

WAY too salty! The rotisserie chicken was good, but we had chicken for lunch

and really wanted something else for dinner....*sigh*)

The side dishes were very fatty, for the most part, so I heaped some green

beans and baked lima beans (which were the best part of dinner!). I totally

skipped dessert after I noticed all the flies circling the desserts (and,

some flying near the other dishes we had eaten...*ech!*)

When we got back to the room, we had some of the fresh fruit we bought

earlier.

At least, we had nutritious foods....

Second evening:

We went to 's, which is EXCELLENT! It is a very pricey buffet, but if

you get the little pamphlet for 's restaurant (found in the hotel

lobbies and at all the tourist sites), you saved 3 dollars per person if you

get there before 4 pm. Not a problem!

After an early breakfast at 6:30 am, and a light lunch, we were ready for a

major dinner experience by 4 pm

's has more lovely foods than most wedding banquets! The salad bar,

alone, had about 25 items on it! Including 2 kinds of steamed shrimp! - -

plain or seasoned!

There were delicious salads, of which I decided to indulge in Broccoli Salad

(funny how broccoli salad seems to be a popular recipe lately online!

I heaped tons of cherry tomatoes, red onion, cukes, and fresh mushrooms on my

first plate - - and a nice portion of the shrimp.

(we all skipped soups and breads)

Entrees included: carved to order roast turkey; prime ribs; country ham!

PLUS: Chicken Pot Pie (which is, actually, chicken chunks with veggies in

chicken gravy, with thick squares of chewy homemade noodles mixed in); roast

pork and sauerkraut; baked sausage; baked chicken; baked fish fillets; mac

and cheese; stewed tomatoes; steamed carrots; dried corn (rehydrated and

steamed); stuffing; roasted and whipped potatoes; and more!

I opted for two slices of fresh turkey, and a spoon of Chicken Pot Pie, spoon

of dried corn; spoon of roast pork w/sauerkraut, and stewed tomatoes. I also

piled about 1 1/2 cups of steamed carrots on my plate

So, basically, I filled up on salad without dressing and shrimp, then fresh

turkey and steamed carrots. When it was time for dessert, I had a plan! - -

I saw lots of fresh fruit, and decided to fill up on that before looking over

the fattening choices! (lol)

I had several slices of fresh pineapple, cantalope, honey dew, and

strawberries.

By then, I only had room for a tiny taste of " something " - - and, that was my

plan

So, I looked over all the yummy and more caloric desserts - shoo fly pie,

cheesecake, cream pie, cookies, bread pudding, ice cream with toppings, and

Apple Pan Dowdy. I took a few spoonfuls of Apple Pan Dowdy. It was good, of

course, but not impressive to me - - I could tell I could make this with

fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, margarine, and Bisquick, and a drizzle of

confectionary sugar glaze. So, to me, it was not exciting enough for the

calories.

*ALSO* I was starting to feel quite stuffed!!!

Third night - we were home!! (we only went for 3 days and 2 nights - - my DH

was a little worried about how we would stay OP, but he now says maybe we

will go for a few days sometime during the Fall if he can get a day off

At home, we decided in advance we wanted a really light dinner to take off

the edge of any " hidden points " in what we all had eaten (there's always some

extra salt, sugar, and fat that may not be calculated in homestyle cooking in

those restaurants...)....So, we had Egg Beaters with Bagels, orange juice,

and fruit.

The next morning, we all were flabbergasted - - all of us had lost a pound!!!

I think that consciously making an effort to make healthy choices, plus

walking almost day and night, really is the reason our vacation in PA had a

very happy surprise ending

Love,

Cherie

>

> Looks good Cherie! I am glad that you are back! I have missed hearing

> from you every day!!

> Maureen

[Guest guest]

Wow Cherie, I am so impressed!!!!! Give yourself and your family a great big pat

on the bakc!!!!! Glad to have you back on line!

Zephyr

How everyone in my family lost weight in Lancaster &

Hershey, PA

We went on vacation, to Lancaster & Hershey, PA, a few weeks ago.

Everyone in my family weighed less when we returned home! (LOL?!)

Lancaster is Amish Country - - one of the centers of homestyle cooking and

family style/all-you-can-eat restaurants brimming with tempting goodies!

Hershey is the hometown of Hershey Chocolates! Here's how we kept from

gaining weight while on vacation there:

1. We walked day and night - - so many special sights to see and enjoy!

(Amish farms, Stratford Railroad, Choo Choo Museum, Kitchen Kettle Village,

Farmer's Market (where homemade goodies are sold, not just produce, meats,

and cheese), etc.)

2. Breakfast - -

A Deluxe Continental Breakfast was given to guests at the Inn where we

stayed. Most hotels and inns in Lancaster do the same, by the way.

Choices included: 4 different dry cereals; oatmeal; white and whole wheat

bread; bagels; muffins; English muffins; hard boiled eggs; honey; jellies;

peanut butter; cream cheese; butter, margarine, fruit (apples and bananas);

orange juice; coffee or tea; skim milk or whole milk.

Each morning, I had whole wheat toast or an English muffin with honey and a

hard boiled egg, plus orange juice, coffee and skim milk, and a small banana.

My son did the same, but opted for peanut butter rather than honey on his

bread. My husband preferred cereal and milk with banana.

3. Lunch - -

The first day we got there, we arrived early afternoon and were pretty

hungry. A family restaurant (LAPP's) had a chef's salad of greens, cukes,

tomatoes, onions, carrots, hard boiled egg, and cheese served with hot bacon

dressing. All three of us ordered this salad without cheese and without

dressing. *Also - - there was an option on the menu to add a freshly grilled

chicken breast to any salad platter for a few bucks. All 3 of us asked for

that option. YUMMY, high in protein and fiber, and low fat

Second day - - we drove to a local supermarket, and all of us bought a

yogurt.

We brought a case of pint sized bottles of Poland Spring water with us on the

trip, and also brought our smaller cooler with us. Thus, we had cold spring

water available to us at all times (there was a fridge in our room, too, and

we kept some of our water in that - - plus fresh fruit we bought at a Super

Wal-Mart in Lancaster.

So, we had yogurt and spring water for lunch on the second day.

Third day - - basically same as day #2, but we had fresh bananas with our

light lunch this time.

4. Dinner -

First evening:

The first night, we dined at what used to be " Harvest House " (a family

restaurant on Harvest Drive)...Now, it was the Family Cupboard....and I don't

recommend it....

For a buffet in Lancaster, it was chintzy (and *not* really inexpensive....)

The salad bar had about six items! (greens, tomatoes, pickled eggs, cukes,

onions, and I think some bean salad...)

The entrees left lots to be desired - - there were four and two contained

beef, which my family and I do not eat...the other two were both chicken

dishes (rotisserie and fried). I took a large piece of the rotisserie

chicken, and a tiny piece of the fried, to taste - - without the crust - -

WAY too salty! The rotisserie chicken was good, but we had chicken for lunch

and really wanted something else for dinner....*sigh*)

The side dishes were very fatty, for the most part, so I heaped some green

beans and baked lima beans (which were the best part of dinner!). I totally

skipped dessert after I noticed all the flies circling the desserts (and,

some flying near the other dishes we had eaten...*ech!*)

When we got back to the room, we had some of the fresh fruit we bought

earlier.

At least, we had nutritious foods....

Second evening:

We went to 's, which is EXCELLENT! It is a very pricey buffet, but if

you get the little pamphlet for 's restaurant (found in the hotel

lobbies and at all the tourist sites), you saved 3 dollars per person if you

get there before 4 pm. Not a problem!

After an early breakfast at 6:30 am, and a light lunch, we were ready for a

major dinner experience by 4 pm

's has more lovely foods than most wedding banquets! The salad bar,

alone, had about 25 items on it! Including 2 kinds of steamed shrimp! - -

plain or seasoned!

There were delicious salads, of which I decided to indulge in Broccoli Salad

(funny how broccoli salad seems to be a popular recipe lately online!

I heaped tons of cherry tomatoes, red onion, cukes, and fresh mushrooms on my

first plate - - and a nice portion of the shrimp.

(we all skipped soups and breads)

Entrees included: carved to order roast turkey; prime ribs; country ham!

PLUS: Chicken Pot Pie (which is, actually, chicken chunks with veggies in

chicken gravy, with thick squares of chewy homemade noodles mixed in); roast

pork and sauerkraut; baked sausage; baked chicken; baked fish fillets; mac

and cheese; stewed tomatoes; steamed carrots; dried corn (rehydrated and

steamed); stuffing; roasted and whipped potatoes; and more!

I opted for two slices of fresh turkey, and a spoon of Chicken Pot Pie, spoon

of dried corn; spoon of roast pork w/sauerkraut, and stewed tomatoes. I also

piled about 1 1/2 cups of steamed carrots on my plate

So, basically, I filled up on salad without dressing and shrimp, then fresh

turkey and steamed carrots. When it was time for dessert, I had a plan! - -

I saw lots of fresh fruit, and decided to fill up on that before looking over

the fattening choices! (lol)

I had several slices of fresh pineapple, cantalope, honey dew, and

strawberries.

By then, I only had room for a tiny taste of " something " - - and, that was my

plan

So, I looked over all the yummy and more caloric desserts - shoo fly pie,

cheesecake, cream pie, cookies, bread pudding, ice cream with toppings, and

Apple Pan Dowdy. I took a few spoonfuls of Apple Pan Dowdy. It was good, of

course, but not impressive to me - - I could tell I could make this with

fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, margarine, and Bisquick, and a drizzle of

confectionary sugar glaze. So, to me, it was not exciting enough for the

calories.

*ALSO* I was starting to feel quite stuffed!!!

Third night - we were home!! (we only went for 3 days and 2 nights - - my DH

was a little worried about how we would stay OP, but he now says maybe we

will go for a few days sometime during the Fall if he can get a day off

At home, we decided in advance we wanted a really light dinner to take off

the edge of any " hidden points " in what we all had eaten (there's always some

extra salt, sugar, and fat that may not be calculated in homestyle cooking in

those restaurants...)....So, we had Egg Beaters with Bagels, orange juice,

and fruit.

The next morning, we all were flabbergasted - - all of us had lost a pound!!!

I think that consciously making an effort to make healthy choices, plus

walking almost day and night, really is the reason our vacation in PA had a

very happy surprise ending

Love,

Cherie

>

> Looks good Cherie! I am glad that you are back! I have missed hearing

> from you every day!!

> Maureen

[Guest guest]

Good for you and your family! Congrats to all! I know how difficult it can be

to eat healthily while on vacation!

[Guest guest]

Good for you and your family! Congrats to all! I know how difficult it can be

to eat healthily while on vacation!

[Guest guest]

Wow! Great job Cherie (and family) I tend to just let loose when I

go on vacation...you've shown that is possible to stay OP too.

Thanks!

-riza

> Subject: How everyone in my family lost weight in

Lancaster &

> Hershey, PA

>

> We went on vacation, to Lancaster & Hershey, PA, a few weeks ago.

> Everyone in my family weighed less when we returned home! (LOL?!)

[Guest guest]

Wow! Great job Cherie (and family) I tend to just let loose when I

go on vacation...you've shown that is possible to stay OP too.

Thanks!

-riza

> Subject: How everyone in my family lost weight in

Lancaster &

> Hershey, PA

>

> We went on vacation, to Lancaster & Hershey, PA, a few weeks ago.

> Everyone in my family weighed less when we returned home! (LOL?!)