Why am I feeling crabby on my lovely vacation?

I’m away with my family and my in-laws on vacation. We do this every spring, and each time we do it, despite the fact that this place is lovely, I seem to end up feeling a bit crabby.

One year I blamed it on this, one year I blamed it on that. Whatever the reason, it’s a drag to have a nice vacation shadowed by a bad mood. I should be thrilled and thankful to have the chance to have such a nice holiday -- and I AM thrilled and thankful -- but also a bit crabby.

Well, this year, I think I figured it out. I think it’s the food situation.

Usually, at home. I eat something about every three hours. Whenever possible, I eat “breakfast” at 7:30, “lunch” at 11:30, a “snack” at 2:30, “dinner” at 6:00, and a “snack” around 8:00.

My idea of what lunch etc. consists of is probably slight unconventional – but this schedule and intake works for me.

The problem? This isn’t how the world works. Some days I can stick to this schedule, but often, of course, I have to eat at different times, and it always throws me off. One thing that puzzles me is that most adults don’t seem to get hungry the way I do. They never seem to care about what time food is served.

Being on this vacation means I’m often starving before we eat. I can’t eat as often as I’d like. The food is richer than the food I usually eat, but somehow it doesn’t seem as filling. I have to gobble down my food, because at lunch the Little Girl is spiraling down toward her nap, and at dinner, toward her bedtime, so I have to be prepared to spirit her back to bed as soon as she’s eaten.

So my current prescription for my crabbiness is to start paying more attention to eating. I’m going to try to eat more protein at meals, to try to be fuller, longer. I’m going to make sure I have some filling snacks on hand (what, I’m not sure). I’m going to make sure I eat something every three hours or so, even if it’s not quite convenient.

When we get home, maybe I’ll even go to a nutritionist to see if there’s a better way for me to approach my eating, so that I’m not as susceptible to hunger and crankiness.

But other than that, we’re having a great time.

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Comments

[Piecake]

I like to eat every 3 hours as well. Sometimes I keep peanut butter crackers on hand for the morning snack and an apple for the afternoon snack. Good luck with it!

[amma]

You sound like what in ayruveda is called a classic "pita" type. Extreme hunger is typical. Don't beat yourself up, you just have a different metabolism and skipping or delaying meals isn't a good idea for you. I agree snacks here are key so your hunger doesn't attack you. Some good choices are protein bars, almonds, even little cans of tuna are easy to carry/eat. Good luck. PS> I'm the same way, that's how I understand the problem and have come up with some solutions.

[AndreaC]

Me too! My work colleagues are always saying 'you're always eating!' but little and often keeps me functioning. I never leave the house without some kind of snack with me - a banana, crispbreads, oatcakes (they do ginger ones here and they are so good) or a mix of nuts and pumpkin seeds. If I get too hungry I get tired, crabby and headachey, so you are most definately not alone.

[teri]

the way you eat is healthier than the typical 3 large meals a day. don't change a thing. learn to keep snacks with you all the time. most children do better if they are fed every 3 hrs.

on vacation, i get tired of sitting in restaurants and eating big, heavy meals. we try to stay some place with at least a mini fridge so we can keep a few things for a lite breakfast or lunch.

my 12 yr old has my super fast metabolism and low tolerance for being hungry. we *always* have snacks with us. i keep things in the car, in my purse, in his back pack, etc. on field trips, he will take a baggie of almonds or cashews so he can nibble when he gets hungry. our day is always planned with frequent snack breaks.

trying get protein in every meal helps greatly. keeps the blood sugar on a more even keel.

[sparkle]

i have the same problem when i go see my parents. my mom will make me breakfast in the morning, but it's 1/2 a slice of toast with a thin layer of pb. then we don't eat again till dinner! i don't know how they do it, but i promised myself the next time i go see them i'm going to the store to buy more stuff for me to eat.

[Jennifer]

Being hungry can definitely put a damper on things. I have learned to never to do anything with my husband when he is hungry. We will both be miserable. We too always have some snacks with us - PB crackers, bananas, and healthy snack bars are my faves.

Remember that fiber swells in your stomach and makes you feel fuller and is really good for you too. So a high fiber snack can go a long way!

[Sassy]

Oh, we've discovered our whole family is susceptible to extreme crabbiness if we get hungry. We went through Europe waiting outside restaurants for them to open; my sister travels with (and taught us to travel with) ziplock baggies of nuts. My husband and I have discovered that if we get hungry enough we can't even agree on a restaurant to take care of the hunger so we can discuss the issue rationally. BUT, once you recognize it, it's easy enough to keep some food on hand -- and it only takes one or two slip ups to get you back in the habit. Kudos for figuring out the problem, though (it's hard to think when you are hungry and crabby!).

[Niles Gibbs]

From Lin Yutang's "The Importance of Living":

"When the stomach is right, everything is right."

"Let us admit it at once and immediately proceed to qualify it by saying that the spirit is a condition of the perfect functioning of the endocrine glands. Happiness for me is largely a matter of digestion."

"If one's bowels move, one is happy, and if they don't move, one is unhappy. That is all there is to it."

[Ann]

I too tend to get not just hungry, but cranky, when I go a long time without eating. Something worth trying when you’re somewhere it’s not practical to snack—get some quick exercise, say, a brisk 10-minute stroll. It usually snaps me out of the cranky feeling for at least an hour or two.

[Mrs. Micah]

I have the exact same problem, since I get 15 minute breaks every 2 hours at my job (for snacks!) and when I work at home I can schedule nutrition.

My solution isn't great, I just get a couple boxes of yummy protein bars...try for variety packs to mix it up. They're not ideal on a nutritional standpoint, but they're easy to store and travel with.

[Gillian]

You've had some good advice here. Another advantage to high fiber is that it helps to keep you full longer. That really means you should try to get about 15 grams at breakfast and that's nearly half the daily recommendation. It helps me.

[Lynn]

i have a similar problem. i am always hungry, and always eating. my food schedule is roughly 7:45, 10, 12:15, 3, 5, and 8. i ALWAYS have snacks with me, wherever i go - the most convenient are energy bars that have some protein, but aren't too high in calories. my standbys are luna bars, clif mojo bars and zone perfect (the fruit ones). if you know you won't be able to eat as often as usual on a given day, try to stay away from a lot of simple carbs, and eat more protein. the sugar will make you crash, and leave you even crankier. also, drink lots of water to stay hydrated - a lot of people mistake dehydration for hunger.

enjoy your vacation! :)

[Michelle Potter]

I think it's obvious from all the previous commenters that there's no reason to feel guilty or worry about changing your eating habits. If you need to eat every three hours, then you should!

[Wendi Kelly]

I am sure you have found your reason. I am not only cranky without protein in my body at all times, I am down right crazy! My IQ starts to take a nosedive and I can't think.
I have to eat some kind of protein, even if it is a small handful of nuts, milk or something every few hours.
There are many of us out here. You are not alone!

[Here's your answer]

"Why am I feeling crabby on my lovely vacation?

I’m away with my family and my in-laws on vacation."

...nothing else needs to be said.

[Ann M.]

I agree with the previous commenters. I always used to be the first one asking my co-workers if they were ready to go lunch every day!

[Laura]

I think it should be clear by this point, but you are SO not alone! I have such a hard time being on other people's food schedule. It can reduce me to panic just thinking about it. Woe to those travelling with me if my bag does not contain snacks. Hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation.

[Julia]

Sorry to add to all the advice, but I have to speak up for the Glycaemic Index - eating carbs lower in 'GI' will keep you fuller for longer - something else to bear in mind along with the protein and fibre advice!!

[Jeri Dansky]

I've worked with two personal trainers, and they both recommended eating about every three hours. As others have mentioned, I make sure I can do this by always having Luna Bars with me.

[Vita]

Take Omega three vitamin supplements or fish oil pills. My husband is a grump if he doesn't eat and these help. The trick is as others mentioned above to keep the blood sugar level even.

[Stacy]

I am EXACTLY the same way. Fortunately I have made everyone in my family aware that if I am cranky then they need to get me something to eat. Low blood sugar and me do not mix. I usually have BALANCE bars in my purse for this very reason -- the balance of protein and carbs really does the trick. Without both, then I'm right back where I started in 30 minutes time. I should start it again because I've got to get in shape for summer, but the best I ever felt was when I was subscribed to the 40-30-30 diet, aka The Zone. I think that ratio somehow speaks to my dietary needs. Hope it helps!

[Zack]

Although it would be nice to eat at a schedule you want, you can't always get your way. More importantly, you can't always control the outside world. Just find peace within and if you don't get your meals soon enough, just relax.

[brooklynchick]

Take good care of yourself!

Bringing your own snacks is a great idea (I carry Kashi bars, nuts, fruit, and cheese sticks). Could you even help prepare some meals that were less rich, and more suited to you?

I'm never happy when food (when, what, how much) is totally out of my hands. It makes me tense!!! :)

So glad you are doing what will make you HAPPIER!!!!

[Healthy Librarian]

Great suggestions everyone! Sorry if someone already said what I'm about to say. We travel a lot-to all kinds of places. I also need to eat every 3 hours-& I'm picky about eating wholesome food. Here's my solution. I bring my every day must haves that are packable, so I can be assured of having a good breakfast (oatmeal-flax) and snacks. If it's possible I buy some things when I arrive. If we eat breakfast at a restaurant I bring a ziploc bag of flax meal & stir it in my oatmeal, cereal or yogurt. I always bring extras to share! Best tip came from my friend Marge, whose husband is a diabetic. If you're going to a hotel, call ahead to get a room with a mini-fridge. Ask them to clear it out or let them know you'll be putting in your "special foods". She's so fanatical she packs an extra suitcase just with food. Planning ahead helps so much. Living on restaurant food is bound to make you feel crabby. I'm guessing you're someplace with a kitchen (hopefully) if you're traveling with the kids-so that really helps. When our whole extended family stays together in NC the fridge is packed with everyone's must-haves! Here's my a list of my everyday must-haves:
http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/2008/02/my-almost-every.html

[Dawn R]

My favorite snack food: a mix of dried cranberries, almonds, Spanish peanuts, and a small dose of chocolate chips. Includes protein, salt, and sweet. If you're going to be someplace warm, leave out the chocolate chips or you'll end up with a gooey (but yummy) mess.