What’s Up T-men? I was wondering what the best way to go about a vacation is as far as eating. Now when I say vacation, it is not the typical “vacation.” Basically I am heading up North to the Pittsburgh area to visit family and friends, I spent the first 15 years of my life there. It is only for a week, but I don’t want to through my diet down the drain, because I have been making awesome progress with it for the past few months, and my will power when I comes to sticking to dieting is stronger than ever now. Anyhow I have been consuming about 3800 cals a day for a while now. 40-pro/30-carb/30 fat. I think the biggest problem is going to be eating that much when I am up there. I plan on taking some MRP up with me to try to keep my metabolism up and consume maybe two of those a day. I am also on the massive eating protocol, so i plan on tring to just eat the pro/fat diets when i go out to eat, which i will have to do alot of. You know lots of steak, lots of eggs, salads with vinagar and oil… Anyone else got any recommendations. I know vacation is suppose to be a time to relax, but like I said, this is not a “vacation” Will a week of not so perfect eating be a big step back? Thanks. - Sped
Whenever I go on vacation, I take plenty of packets of Grow with me. That way, I can use it when needed (1-3 each day). Sure, I’ll end up going out to eat a few times, but I always choose the best meals I can. And when eating home cooked food, I make sure I get plenty of protein and veggies. It’s really not too hard to follow. I can pretty much stick to my diet when on vacation. I may allow myself more “cheat meals” than I normally have, but when you’re on vacation you’re allowed to do that! I did this successfully in Portland (May/June), Atlanta (June) and Massachusettes (July). In fact, I was in different phases of dieting during those trips (either bulking or losing). And I did fine! So just keep those MRP’s handy and go for what you know.
My bro steve and I used to live in PGH. While you are there you MUST go train at the Exercise Warehouse. This bare bones gym is very old school but is home to many t-men, old training partners of mine, and much of our blood and sweat.
John, where abouts it the Exercise Warehouse located? I remember an old buddy of my family, who what a rather large specim, worked out at a place called King’s Gym in the Burgh. I went there once with him when i was like 14 and the place was extreamly hardcore. there are a few other gyms in that area that i know of that fit that description also. i will definatly ask around up there for the Exercise Warehouse. Hey, think i get a free workout if i say “john m berardi Sent me.” thanks -Sped
so you visited my great state of mass eh?
Yep, I was there. Actually, I was born and raised in RI. So I went to Mass often as a kid. But I’ve been in Florida for the past 14 years. I love it here. Going back to visit for a week is enough for me. I would never consider going back to live! But I had fun while I was there.
the weather in mass sucks right now! you made a smart decision of going to florida
Where in Florida are you? I’m over in St. Pete, but live closer to Bradenton.
Its been a few years since I lived in the burgh so I doubt the guys I knew then will be working there now (the owner, mark macki, is usually not tending the counter). Some of my buds may be training though so ask around and see if any of the old boys are there. Again, it’s a small dumpy gym but very old school and functional. The only girl who trained there back in the day was my girlfriend. Although she belonged (she was 5’2", 115 and squatted 315 for 5, Benched 200 for reps, and did 15 or so chins), the guys always razzed her! The cool part was that every year, 4 or 5 of the top pros would come to town to guest pose at the pittsburgh bb show and train at our gym. One year Ronnie, Dorian, Flex, Nasser, and Kevin were all there training at the gym with us. We worked the show that nite and got to train, chat with, and go out to eat with the big boys.
I’m a bit north of you Mav, up in Gainesville! GO GATORS! 
I;m in Orlando…
I was in G’ville for awhile. Got my BS and MBA there. Finally left in '91, but miss it. Those were some GREAT years. Are you in school?
Nah, I graduated two years ago. I work in Gville now doing public relations for a local nonprofit org. I love the city and decided to stay after I graduated. Every time I leave town and visit other areas, I come back and appreciate Gville more each time. I’m getting ready to move into a nice pad with a supah dupah hella hot roommate. She’s what dreams are made of! 
I plan on sticking around here for a while. I’ll most likely make a job change in another year or so. I want to find something health&fitness related. I’d love to work for T-mag/Biotest, so that may be a future option. We’ll have to see.