HELP Office Party Coming Up! What would you do?

richstyles
richstyles Posts: 18 Member
in Getting Started
So I'm back on the calorie counting wagon after a very long absence (my how wonderful the technology has come).

So there's an office party coming up where there will obviously lots of food and drinks. I have no intention of being "that guy" either refusing food or not drinking (plus I enjoy beer).

I plan on tracking calories as I go even if I need to be sneaky about it and pretend like I'm checking Facebook or something. What are some of your strategies for surviving parties?

My game plan so far:
  • Early morning workout
  • Turn the party into my "big meal"
  • Minimize alcohol intake (pretend to be drunk if I have to, don't make the best decisions when drunk lol)
  • Track all the things!
  • Maybe late night cardio if all of the above fails

Replies

  • richstyles
    richstyles Posts: 18 Member
    MikePTY wrote: »
    I don't really worry about tracking at these things. One day is not enough to throw you off track. But that doesn't mean that you can't make good decisions.

    Minizing alcohol intake is a good idea. No reason you can't nurse a couple of beers all night. There's no need to pretend to be drunk.

    Also eating slowly is a good idea. Try to space it out so your body has time to feel full. Then you won't feel the need to eat as much.

    Also, I'm not sure if this is the type of party with a dance floor or not, but if it is, dancing can definitely help burn off some of the calories. If not, just staying active by standing and moving around a lot will help.

    I wouldn't over think it so much though that it would get in the way of the enjoyment of it.

    Awesome tips! Just what I needed to put it in perspective :)
  • neugebauer52
    neugebauer52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    If I would know that all that food which I shouldn't eat will be around in heaps, I would get myself one of those hospital signs "NIL BY MOUTH - OPERATION IMMINENT". I would answer any questions most mournfully with: DON'T ASK! I think they are going to take out my....(your choice: belly, brain, stomach, big toenail, guts etc.) You will be guaranteed the centre of attractions - of some sorts!
  • NovusDies
    NovusDies Posts: 8,940 Member
    I bank calories for things like that. Shave 100-150 off each day leading up to it so I have more to "spend" when I get there.

    If it is too late for that hit the crudités platter or vegetable courses first so you dampen your hunger. Be really picky and only eat things you believe are worth the calories. If you have alcohol drink plenty of water too.

    I believe as long as I have a plan with some rules in it there is no reason why I can't enjoy myself on occasion. I want some rules because I understand that I gained weight because there were none and I do not want to return to that. A little discipline doesn't have to interfere with the fun.

    I will say that I have no problem being "that guy" either if I do not feel like indulging or I do not like the food I see/taste.
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    What I would do.. bank extra calories and do a bit of extra cardio that week, eat super light during the day maybe a protein shake or salad, accept a smaller loss the week after the party.

    How you handle it is up to you. We all have to find what works for us for events and social situations.
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,496 Member
    edited October 2019
    ElizabethKalmbach wrote: »
    Never let anyone make you feel bad for choosing not to eat or drink anything. Choose to eat or drink what you want at your own pace and only explain your reasoning if you feel like it.

    I was just at an office party yesterday. One of my favorite people ever retired. I was offered some of her beautiful custom cake. I declined. The cake was beautiful, and incredibly thoughtful with several inside jokes played out in the icing, but I hate chocolate cake. I'm not a particularly big fan of cake in the first place. Her feelings weren't hurt, because the point of the party was that we were happy for her. We're not 12 and eating cake is not a worthwhile dare anyway.

    I don't know if it's my personality or the nature of my friends but I have never felt obliged to make excuses for not eating what they were eating. I think the new culture of allergy awareness helps a lot. I *do* often explain when asked, "Oh, I'm so sorry, do you have an allergy?" "Nah. I just don't like that."

    Exactly, don't let peer pressure determine what you eat. Remember if you are in the US statistically 40% of your peers are obese and many more are overweight. Is that where you want to get food consumption advice from?

    Now, if you choose to eat/drink a bit more than a typical day at the party there are several suggestions above to help mitigate.

    Have fun and good luck.
  • skinnytacular
    skinnytacular Posts: 159 Member
    I am going to amend my comment from " Remind you are at the party primarily to socialize, not to eat" to, decide beforehand what your primary reason to attend the party is. If indeed your primary reason to attend, say, Thanksgiving dinner at aunt betty's house every year it to get to have a serving of her amazing 7-up salad that has been your favorite since childhood, by all means, make sure you get some 7-up salad. Plan for it! If you're on WW bank "points" for it, etc. Don't deprive yourself if some kind of special food is your actual reason for attend. Just plan and allow for it in a deliberate, careful and mindful way and truly enjoy it
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,496 Member
    edited October 2019
    skinnytacular wrote: »
    I am going to amend my comment from " Remind you are at the party primarily to socialize, not to eat" to, decide beforehand what your primary reason to attend the party is. If indeed your primary reason to attend, say, Thanksgiving dinner at aunt betty's house every year it to get to have a serving of her amazing 7-up salad that has been your favorite since childhood, by all means, make sure you get some 7-up salad. Plan for it! If you're on WW bank "points" for it, etc. Don't deprive yourself if some kind of special food is your actual reason for attend. Just plan and allow for it in a deliberate, careful and mindful way and truly enjoy it

    No offense but if the prime reason I was wanted to attend a family event was for some item of food, I would personally decline, find the recipe and make it myself.

    Why put yourself and others through the pain and suffering?
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    Budget in advance for a little increased calories.

    Fill up on high fiber food or whatever satiates you.

    Find low calorie options for drinks. I opt for club soda and lime in situations where I can't drink alcohol.

    The main purpose is to socialize and have fun, so do that. Get to know people outside of work and keep your conversations outside of work. People are incredibly interesting when you discover what drives and motivates them.
  • moanton
    moanton Posts: 16 Member
    Lots of great ideas here. Pick the ones that work for you. Ex. I know I would want to eat, so I plan for that but also don't go into it hungry. I agree that one day isn't going blow everything...just don't let it blow everything! ha. Have fun, keep moving, and have a couple of beers, and you will be fine. I started leaving parties a bit earlier and that helps too.
  • rainbow198
    rainbow198 Posts: 2,245 Member
    edited October 2019
    This is how I handle parties, events and the holidays:

    - I save up or bank some calories during the week for that meal.

    - I try to find out what's on the menu ahead of time if possible or scope out the food when I get there and try to create a plan of attack in my head.

    - I don't mindlessly snack when socializing. I tend to wait for the meal. Those extra calories can add up fast without you realizing it!

    - Earlier that day I'll eat light (protein smoothies, veggies, fruit etc.)

    - I don't drink calories so there's a lot of savings there.

    - I remind myself just because food is there or that I'm being offered food does not mean I have to eat it.

    - If I eat something I don't care for or it's it's not worth the calories I stop eating it.

    These last two points can and do create hurt feelings, but I try to be tactful about it. I don't let anyone pressure me, even when they try to make me feel bad.

    - Getting in some extra cardio for the day is always helpful, but I don't treat activity and exercise as punishment.

    - I stay in control and don't overeat. For some items that means it's better that I don't have any.

    - I wear non-stretchy, fitted clothing so that I won't be tempted to overeat because I can't. This works well for me. lol

    Good luck!
  • richstyles
    richstyles Posts: 18 Member
    ElizabethKalmbach wrote: »
    Never let anyone make you feel bad for choosing not to eat or drink anything. Choose to eat or drink what you want at your own pace and only explain your reasoning if you feel like it.

    I was just at an office party yesterday. One of my favorite people ever retired. I was offered some of her beautiful custom cake. I declined. The cake was beautiful, and incredibly thoughtful with several inside jokes played out in the icing, but I hate chocolate cake. I'm not a particularly big fan of cake in the first place. Her feelings weren't hurt, because the point of the party was that we were happy for her. We're not 12 and eating cake is not a worthwhile dare anyway.

    I don't know if it's my personality or the nature of my friends but I have never felt obliged to make excuses for not eating what they were eating. I think the new culture of allergy awareness helps a lot. I *do* often explain when asked, "Oh, I'm so sorry, do you have an allergy?" "Nah. I just don't like that."

    Thank you for the morale boost! And you go girl! Love the self confidence and assertion. I will remember this.
  • richstyles
    richstyles Posts: 18 Member
    skinnytacular wrote: »
    With parties, I like to:

    - fit in an extra workout
    - alternate water with alcohol and limit myself to 1 or 2 beers alcoholic beverages. At an office party, I have none alcoholic beverages (I'm a lightweight and don't want to make a fool of myself)
    - eat a small meal in advance (I like soup) so I don't show up to the party starving
    - When serving yourself, start with a small (cocktail) sized plate. Go ahead and take small (1-2 bite servings) of your favorites, but also don't overload your plate, instead remind yourself the food will still be there if you want to come back and serve yourself 1-2 servings more.
    - Remind you are at the party primarily to socialize, not to eat.
    - If you can position yourself far away from the food when chatting with people rather than next to the buffet.
    - Try to track all the things.
    - Have fun
    - Remember tomorrow is another day.

    I'm going to just screenshot this and reread this during the party! lol

    This is an amazing and very practical list!
  • brenn24179
    brenn24179 Posts: 2,144 Member
    i would eat a little of the fattening foods, realizing I usually just want a taste. I would mingle with the people and socialize and not do all that overeating. I would eat something before I left home also so I wouldnt be too hungry.
  • richstyles
    richstyles Posts: 18 Member
    Dear everyone,

    Thank you so much for the thoughtful and very very helpful tips! I read every one and took some notes. Now I feel much more confident going in.

    It's amazing to see all the creative and thoughtful ways people fit this into their lifestyle without killing the "fun" in it. I'm really glad I posted here.
  • skinnytacular
    skinnytacular Posts: 159 Member
    edited October 2019
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    skinnytacular wrote: »
    I am going to amend my comment from " Remind you are at the party primarily to socialize, not to eat" to, decide beforehand what your primary reason to attend the party is. If indeed your primary reason to attend, say, Thanksgiving dinner at aunt betty's house every year it to get to have a serving of her amazing 7-up salad that has been your favorite since childhood, by all means, make sure you get some 7-up salad. Plan for it! If you're on WW bank "points" for it, etc. Don't deprive yourself if some kind of special food is your actual reason for attend. Just plan and allow for it in a deliberate, careful and mindful way and truly enjoy it

    No offense but if the prime reason I was wanted to attend a family event was for some item of food, I would personally decline, find the recipe and make it myself.

    Why put yourself and others through the pain and suffering?

    Well, my comment was a bit tongue in cheek. Food might not be THE primary reason to attend any kind of gathering, family or otherwise, but a special seasonal or favorite food or meal might be one of the top reasons to attend for many people.

    And I will say, I have an aunt who is the only person who has my grandmother's beloved fudge recipe (my aunt won't share it, which is a real sore point with me, long story to that). If I knew my aunt was serving fudge at one of her gatherings, I might go out of my way to attend when I might otherwise be busy. And you bet I'll have some fudge while I'm there. And maybe wrangle some to go. :) And of course I would enjoy everyone's company while I'm there, but it will have been the promise of fudge that got me there.
  • NovusDies
    NovusDies Posts: 8,940 Member
    richstyles wrote: »
    Dear everyone,

    Thank you so much for the thoughtful and very very helpful tips! I read every one and took some notes. Now I feel much more confident going in.

    It's amazing to see all the creative and thoughtful ways people fit this into their lifestyle without killing the "fun" in it. I'm really glad I posted here.

    Your life doesn't end because you start managing your weight. That is the mistake that I believe too many people make. The trick for me and for many here is how to make compromises so that you can live and enjoy life and still work towards your goal most of the time.
  • SnifterPug
    SnifterPug Posts: 746 Member
    Personally I would bank some calories for the booze but not go to the party hungry. I'd then put some food on my plate that I don't like all that much and wander around with the plate without necessarily eating any or all of the food.

    I'd steer clear of the beer (which I never drink now, anyway, as that was a huge culprit in my weight gain) and would drink something like gin and tonic or rum and coke. It's easy to alternate between alcoholic drinks and just Diet Coke/tonic so it looks like I'm drinking more than I might be.

    That's because I don't actually adore work parties and wouldn't want to sabotage myself for the sake of one. If it was the party with friends that I am going to next week I would just have whatever I want and deal with the consequences afterwards. I find, now that I'm tracking and logging, that I am generally much more aware of what I'm eating/drinking and find I want less than I thought, even when I give myself free access to everything.

    Have fun!
  • SuzySunshine99
    SuzySunshine99 Posts: 2,989 Member
    In an enviornment like that, no one is really paying close attention to what you are eating and drinking, so I don't worry about being judged.

    I always keep a drink in my hand at those parties....I'll have one adult beverage and then move on to water/soda.
    The advantage to always having a drink in your hand is that it's harder to eat a lot, especially if you're moving around and socializing. I look over the food choices and pick out a few things that I really want and pass over the things that are ordinary.
  • swim777
    swim777 Posts: 599 Member
    Great advice here! I struggle with the social events, too, especially if I’mseriously cutting back. Tonight we have a fire pit party so luckily, it will just be lighter fare after dinner. I’m hoping to take my favorite large cup that keeps everything cold and sip on diet 7 up. I’ve walked my two miles and I’m planning to just have my regular lunch today skipping breakfast and snack. We are going out to eat a nice dinner before. So I am having something different that I like, and I should be full. (These are close friends so I can bring munchies to contribute and just enjoy my drink and company.). If I were further along with my efforts, I would have a small amount of something, but I’m really on a roll, and I’m trying to keep motivated.
  • richstyles
    richstyles Posts: 18 Member
    Quick Update: I survived! lol

    The tips really came in handy. Drank a large protein shake (pure whey and milk) as a "pre-game". Alternated with alcohol and unsweetened tea. Made sure to load up on salad.

    But most of all just enjoyed everyone's company.

    Of course, I scanned the barcode on my beer and racked up some calories as the night progressed (that I walked off later) but all in all, everything worked out great. Had fun without any guilt or worries. Hopefully my scale will agree with me in the morning.

    But if not, I'll just make up for it along the way.
  • MariaA1960
    MariaA1960 Posts: 16 Member
    Glad you survived the party and not only that, enjoyed it.

    I found the tips on this thread absolutely brilliant and shall be utilising them myself throughout the up and coming festive season.

    I like the idea of always having a drink in hand (mine will be sparkling water with ice and a slice) so I can decline the offer of a drink politely, and using a small plate, and only putting on a couple of food items...again, people will see that I have food, and no-one is going to cajole me to go to the buffet.

    Hopefully by the time the festive merry-go-round is underway, I will be a good few pounds lighter than I am today.
  • FireyChimera
    FireyChimera Posts: 155 Member
    I think that you are worried too much. Just go and enjoy yourself, live a little :)
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    edited October 2019
    The thing about dieting that we are inclined to either deprive ourselves or overcompensate. I usually bank calories for events and just enjoy the things I like the most and don't touch the things I like less. I'm less inclined to overcompensate because I have been managing my calories for a long time now, but there was a time when I had that fear of overeating way more than I can manage to balance out.

    Earlier in my weight loss, I needed to remind myself that it only feels like a big deal because I'm dieting, but it actually isn't. To give myself a better perspective of what to expect and what to do, I used to ask myself "how did I eat at similar events when I wasn't dieting?". Sometimes the answer was surprising because things were within my calories and I didn't need to change anything or maybe just a few small tweaks. For example, when I go out with friends for pizza, it's less than 700 callories, which is how many calories my main meal had when I was dieting and I discovered the reason it felt more stressful initially was just that it was in a differnt setting away from my comfortable routine, and that feeling that I "shouldn't be doing this while dieting". It was all in my head.

    For bigger events, the first time I decided to "just live a little" I ate way more than I would have when I wasn't dieting. When I reflected back after the event, it was eye opening. No, this wasn't how I usually eat at similar events. I usually do eat a lot, but it takes less food to make me happy and content than it did that evening. I was clearly overcompensating. It's okay to say no to things I don't want. I didn't have a problem saying "no" when I wasn't dieting, so why did I feel compelled to eat everything I was offered? Was I trying to hide the fact that I was dieting? Was I being too strict with my diet that I rebelled? For the next similar event, I tried to remember as well as I could how I ate before dieting. Then I calculated the approximate calories, and thought of a few tweaks to reduce the calories without changing my party routine too much. Got a diet drink instead of juice (no advice for managing alcohol calories since I rarely drink it) and ate only the things I liked the most in the smallest amount that made me happy - if the smallest amount that made me happy is still high calorie, so be it. I got 95% of the food enjoyment for 60% of the calories with just these two simple tweaks and that was a very memorable day.

    After a good while it becomes much easier, so you have that to look forward to. Eating out or going to a party is not a big deal for me now, just a part of life. I just enjoy my time without thinking too much about it, and I don't do it daily, so it can easily be balanced out without stress or deprivation.
  • geraldaltman
    geraldaltman Posts: 1,739 Member
    edited October 2019
    It wasn't a party and what I did was a late decision. My exercise today exceed what I had for breakfast and I wound up having a full day's (plus) worth of calories remaining. So, I decided to take myself out to an early (pub approved 😉) dinner. Try as I might, my meal, drinks (and a couple more at home) and rich dessert didn't even come close to using them up.

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