What to do when staying with family?

Karissa_Clohan

I'm at my mother's house for two weeks, and she's not exactly the most health conscious person. My siblings are both overweight, as well as my mother and step father. I want to remain on track while I'm here, but her idea of 'cooking' is getting a McDonald's 40 piece chicken nuggets and a few medium fries. I follow the iifym ideology, and I believe everything is fine in moderation... but it's really hard to eat fast food in moderation and still be within my calorie allotment AND feel full. I'm not near a gym to just work off extra calories, and I feel funny about doing home exercises with everyone here.

What should I do?

Miamiuu

You can always skip the fries. The nuggets are alright in calories. Also best thing to do is tell her you are trying to lose weight and if you could go to the grocery store and pick up some things for yourself. You could also tell them you are going to cook dinner for them for a change. Baking chicken is easy and just spread some barbecue sauce on top.

Francl27

You could try cooking dinner, or ask them to pick you up a salad at McDonald's or something. And go for walks.

Or bring some food with you if you can, offer to do grocery shopping etc.

fificrazy

Offer to cook! And don't tell them it's healthy if you think they'll scoff or be put off by what you make knowing that... But hey, having you cook is even less effort than running through a drive-through, afterall! Can't imagine anyone would turn down your offer! :P

Mr_Knight

What should I do?

Cooking comes to mind.

ottermotorcycle

Portion control. And you really don't need a gym to work off calories if you've got a half hour to yourself. Squats, pushups, lunges, and planks are a good place to start.

Other than that, see if maybe you can put in a special order - oh you're going to McDonald's? Could you pick me up a grilled chicken sandwich while you're there?

histora

I recently spent a week with close friends who tend to not cook for themselves. They live in a huge metro area and eat out a lot at exotic little restaurants. I know this pain.

My response was to offer to cook for them, and I did - I made stir-fry with chicken, and put the veggies in another pan with the same sauce because the guys aren't too keen on veggies. I also hit up the local food market and picked up my fave cereal, soy milk, and diet soda. I made sure to buy a few healthy snacks for myself as well.

When we went out (or ordered in) I looked for things that sounded good but good be adjusted. For example, chicken sandwich but no mayo, add veggies for extra fiber, and apples or side salad instead of fries.

A couple of times, I just let it all hang out and had whatever sounded the most delicious. HELLO Peking Duck!!!!!! Omg. That stuff was amazing. I just arranged a walk or sightseeing activity to walk off some extra cals. I asked if she was still going to a gym, but no deal.

You could maybe go for walks, and then just say you wanted to see the old neighborhood, or even make up a white lie and just say after that long trip you want to make sure your legs stay stretched. Ask if anyone wants to come along and have a good time with family, or if you need to time to your self, let it clear out your mind.

Good luck!

missiontofitness

I'm at my mother's house for two weeks, and she's not exactly the most health conscious person. My siblings are both overweight, as well as my mother and step father. I want to remain on track while I'm here, but her idea of 'cooking' is getting a McDonald's 40 piece chicken nuggets and a few medium fries. I follow the iifym ideology, and I believe everything is fine in moderation... but it's really hard to eat fast food in moderation and still be within my calorie allotment AND feel full. I'm not near a gym to just work off extra calories, and I feel funny about doing home exercises with everyone here.

What should I do?

If you can, bring your own food. For shorter visits, I honestly will eat whatever is presented to me, but eat reasonable portions. My fam invited me over for dinner this week, and my favorite pasta dish is on the menu...which uses olive oil as the sauce. I'll easily be fulfilling my daily fat from eating that meal (since it's about 2-3 tbsp of olive oil per serving), but I'll work it into my macros with an extra workout. In regards to fast food, you can forgo anything you're uncomfortable with, or request something healthier. You could always opt for a grilled salad from McDonald's, or do just a cheeseburger and a small fry like I do the rare times I do eat there. A cheeseburger and small fry is very easy to fit into your daily goals.

Don't be too shy about doing exercise at home either! You want to get healthy and follow your goals. So if you want to get your workout on in your room, or go for a walk around the block, don't feel strange over it.