Birthday coming up

tunastamper

My birthday's coming up next week and I'm really conflicted about what I should do food-wise. I just started changing my diet and exercising a week ago so I haven't made much progress, and I'm scared that if I eat too much I'll just undo it all, which would really suck. But I also want to enjoy my birthday and not have people being like, "Come on, it's just one piece of cake!" What do you guys usually do on special occasions like this? If I eat fewer calories for a little while will it make any difference?

Skoster1

I'd go in with a plan. Whatever the plan is, stick to it. Be proud of yourself for following it even if the plan is to eat whatever you want on your birthday but to immediately go back to your goals the next day. I'm not saying that's the best plan, but I think it's a better plan than trying to stick to your goals and failing and feeling miserable.

Personally, I'd try to stick to my goals, but then I don't care that much about birthdays. Maybe see if you can fit your expected birthday food into your goals?

Francl27

I'd eat lightly all day (low calories, filling foods like egg white omelette or chicken breast) to make room for it. And have some cake.

writergeek313

My birthday was the other day, and I'm really proud of myself because even with a piece of cake I only went over my daily calories by 50. I was pretty active this week and was 200 calories under my goal on two different days, so I knew going a little over was okay. Still, I didn't go nuts with high-calorie foods like I might have in the past.

I'm supposed to see my parents next weekend for a birthday dinner with them. My mom asked if I still wanted my favorite cake this year or if it would derail my healthy eating. I logged the recipe, saw it has a lot of calories...and then decided life is too short to not have a birthday cake from Mom! Now that I know the calorie count, I'll just have to make sure it fits into my day.

Be mindful about what you're eating but don't stress yourself out about it. One day won't make or break you. It's sticking to healthy habits most days that really matters.

sun_fish

Try to make a plan. For example, when I am approaching a special occasion, I will pre-log the majority of my day, including cake (or whatever will be served). Then, I can adjust as I go, making decisions to reduce here or there to make room for what I really want. I often go a little under calories the day before and the day after, so I can go over the day of. And, if I end up going way over, no big deal, I don't beat myself up. Just start new the next day. And most importantly - enjoy your day, food and all. Don't feel guilty or feel like you are eating "bad" food. It's all good!