Avoiding Food At A Party

Any tricks to not "grazing" through food at a party? I have a hard time saying "no thanks" when attractive appetizers are thrust at me at a party. Plus, I visit the food areas at a party to excuse myself from a conversation, and to give myself something to do. One suggestion from a diet buddy (thanks buddy!) was to eat before I go. Excellent idea. That takes care of the hunger reason for eating, but that's often not the reason I'm eating.

I agree with Matt55 on budgeting the calories - figure about how many calories you might take in at the party and adjust your RDI for that day at your other meals. There's no way to know what the hostess will provide but you could allow yourself 500 calories for the party (for instance).

Just enjoy the things you want in small portions. If you know you're going to a party with food, and you're worried you may go over, eat filling things that don't contain as many calories earlier in the day to hold you over until then.

I'm going to a wedding later, and I plan on eating a big salad before I go and eating very small amounts of things I want to. Hopefully it works out. lol

If you have a cocktail in each hand, you can't pick up food.

What i would do, i gonna save some of my intake calories for the party ...Also, i gonna chose healthy food and drinks...It may there some salads, mini sandwiches, cocktails and so on..

If you use the food as something to do or to excuse yourself from a conversation, go get water or diet soda instead. Usually there is a veggie or fruit tray. Eat that with no dip on it.

some thing else that helps is the same thing that helped with my quiting smoking if you have a small straw like the ones they put in your drinks when you go out? then chewing on it gives you something to do with your hands and mouth decreases your anxiety and gives you the chewing effect you need gum also works but doesnt use your hands it keep them active but it is hard to put food in your mouth if you are chewing gum

I find that if I leave a little something on my plate, I can resist going back to get more. Try to spend more time in conversation....then your mouth is busy and can't eat!!!

I'm from an Italian family and they are always trying to get me to eat when I don't want to. I just tell them "Everything was delicous, I couldn't possibly eat another bite! But, I would love a cup of tea." Hosts just want to make sure you are taken care of and that you are enjoying yourself, so this usually does the trick. Another thing I do, if I don't want to sit around conversating, is round up some kids at the party and see if they want to play any sports. Hosts and other guests are grateful that the kids have something to do.

Great ideas! Thanks -- you guys rock!

I have one final mental trick to add to all these other excellent ideas: I keep looking for the ONE PERFECT thing. I can look over everything and think "Gee, none of that is the one perfect thing." It helps if I've had a salad or something before I get there.