4 replies to this topic

[nancy5012]

I'm going into my 7th week with JC and a long way from maintenance, but we've been invited over a neighbors for dinner tomorrow. In the 7 weeks I have avoided all these types of social situations because I did not want to be tempted by food, but I realized I can't hide forever.

So, for those of you on maintenance, how do you handle the invites to dinner? My neighbors do not know I am on JC and I would rather not mention it. I don't know what they are serving and I'm a little scared about this, which is only one meal, but will be my first test with non JC food. Do you just eat a little? Do you pass on dessert?

any help is appreciated!

[CarrieinDE]

Hi Nancy -- Remember this is a lifetime, life style change. It can be so stressful thinking about food and choices. You have to try to do the best you can. Since you're still in weight loss mode, and if you don't know what they are serving, I suggest you eat a girnormous salad and some veggies before you leave. Maybe even drink a glass of skim milk. The key is to make sure you don't go over hungry so you are not tempted to over eat. Like when they say, "don't go to the grocery store hungry" the same applies here.

Have a glass of wine, a small serving of protein, load up on veggie and a small amount of the starch. Keep it reasonable and drink a large glass of water after you clean your plate. If your neighbors have noticed your weight loss, they might be taking some healthy choices into consideration.

The goal is not to beat yourself up or let it lead you into a binge. Enjoy yourself and have fun -- otherwise, why bother? You're doing this to improve yourself -- it's a process and won't happen overnight. You know enough to know that you should step away from the extra scoop of mashed potatos or the 3rd piece of garlic bread. Taste everything but be moderate. YOU CAN DO THIS.....

Look at how far you've come already.

[JWinATL]

Nancy: I could not improve a bit on what Carrie said. Nicely done, Carrie!

LOVE, JILL

[MargieJ]

Agreed--don't fast all day and go hungry. My approach to this has been to eat regularly that day but pass on the snack that afternoon. I'll never forget a time I had made a wonderful dinner, including a dessert, and invited 2 friends over. I didn't know both were doing Atkins--they wouldn't even try the dessert. I have always remembered how that felt and as a guest now, I'll have a bite or two (or small piece of something). The key is moderation. I'm able to protect my program while being gracious as a guest, too. Just eat less than you would have and remember the visual image of the plate: 1/2 veggie, 1/4 lean protein, 1/4 starch. Pass on the wine and bread then have a taste of dessert. Or as another member here says---choose 1 of the 3 (wine, bread, dessert) but not all 3. Keep drinking water throughout and it'll keep you full. Remember it's about the fellowship, not the food. Good luck.
Margie

[nancy5012]

Lsdies - thank you so much for all the input! I admit I am a little stressed, but you have all given me some great ways to approach this. I will pass on my afternoon snack and will load up on veggies. Since I am not much of a drinker (allthough a mojito or pina colada would go down real easy these days!!) I can just drink a diet soda or water.

I will visualize the food plate and make sensible choices - thanks so much!!!!!