MotivatedinVermont's Journal, 15 September 2011

Couple of ways to deal with that. One, basically what you did, eat the things you can, and don't eat the things you know are too high carb. If questioned, simply state, I am on a strict meal plan right now, and I am grateful you thought to cook for me, but there are certain things I'm avoiding eating right now. That is both polite and to the point, and if the food offerer gets offended by the fact that you want to improve your health, they have issues of their own. After sticking to it for awhile most people see your determination and stop offering you things you used to have. What is more important to you, your health or social graces?  

"Oh, I'm so sorry..I wish I had realized you were making that salad for me. I can't have that. There are just certain foods that just don't agree with my system. Thank you, though... I really appreciate it, but would it be ok if I just made a plain salad? Oh, and btw, do you happen to have just oil and vinegar or a lemon wedge I could use for dressing, :))) , - thank you soooo much, I really do appreciate you helping me to stick with these changes I am making." - There are soooo many people who eat Gluten Free, Low Fat, Sugar Free, Diabetic, Thyroid, Kidney, Heart, etc... Diets... that there's no way if you approach this w/ a grateful, yet persuasive tone - that they won't jump on board w/ wanting to help you! It becomes an art to pleasantly saying "no thank you"... AND... next time you're with these friends, YOU bring the salad and dressing as your contribution to the get together. They will see your dedication as a true and genuine change to your lifestyle... and not just a 'spur of the moment diet'. 

Health! Thanks for the words of encouragement IcyMaiden :-) I like your choice of words better than mine. I don't want to publicize "I am on a diet." I am truly trying to adopt eating healthy for life. It is very hard though, goes back to my upbringing. But at any rate, I'm not going to let one meal derail me from my focus. Thanks again for putting it all in perspective! Here's to another successful day for all of us of making good food choices. Thanks for checking in! 

Jsfantome - thank you for your advice too. I am so glad I found this community of wonderful supportive people. Congratulations to your son for being a good student! I have a 3 degrees, and teach at the college level among other things. Education is the key to getting ahead! Will be thinking good thoughts for you on the results of your tests. Sending positive vibes your way! 

thank you so much! You're doing a great job on your losses so far! Stick with it...you'll get the swing of it soon enough (regarding the friends, special occasions, eating out, etc.) YOU CAN DO THIS!! Just keep telling yourself that...until you firmly believe it! Much Love. 

One bad meal/day doesn't meal failure, it means re-evaluation. If you do stick with it long enough it won't be a diet, it will be just you eating healthier. sounds like you already don't think of it in "diet terms" which is the best way to think about it. If you treat it like a diet, when you reach your goals, you may just slip right back into those destructive eating patterns again. If it's a lifestyle change, well, that's for life.  

I deal with the same thing, every weekend. I eat at the in-laws and its so hard to try and pick through what is ok and what isn't. And they know I'm not eating certain things, but make those foods and send left overs home with me. I do have a very supportive husband who tells them no for me tho lol. He's a doll. Stick to your guns and don't give in! 

Stay true to youself and eat on plan.After 6 months,my Italian in-laws still get upset that I refuse to eat pasta or bread. 

Wow Nonna, as someone who has been an adult capable of making their own choices for years and years, I cannot imagine putting up with someone else being upset that I choose my own path to health. To me, it's like they are saying to you that YOU are incapable of taking care of yourself and making your own choices and that their feelings are more important than your health. I could not deal with that myself. Nonna, if you can find it you might try dreamfields pasta (low on glycemic index, package claims only 5 net carbs, i've eaten it about once a month with no gains)  

I remember a WW leader once giving the epitome answer to the common problem of being given something one can't eat..."I'm sorry I can't eat that, I'm allergic......to being fat." But in all honesty, I would just pick over and say how delicious it all is, etc. but that I can't compromise my WOE at this time as I'm on a roll and having great success.... Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight or be more healthy would understand.