My food choices are now causing problems...

Mtsidad

I've been watching what I eat now for two months (one month on MFP). Tonight my lack of flexibility (!) is causing problems because I'm not expressing interest in eating high fat or high starch foods for dinner, even though "that's all we have."

What do you do when your unwillingness to eat the way you used to causes conflict in your family?

krlaws2

I eat my own food and don't join in. I do a lot of the cooking as well, so that I can control that and also give my family healthy meals. If they eat extra, that's on them. I just don't join in.

My family is having strawberries and ice cream tonight for a snack. I just had a cup of water.

LuckyLeprechaun

I calmly repeat myself: "It's my health, and I will eat what I think is best. I appreciate your concern, but this is really MY decision."

You do not have to give in to pressure!

therealangd

I buy the groceries and I cook the meals. No problem.

pizzafruit

My family used to do the same thing to me and finally I just gave up and here I am starting over. Please don't let that happen to you. In time your family will learn to adjust and who knows, even if they don't need to loose weight healthy eating is good for everyone. Good luck - my fingers are crossed.

flutterqueen04

I have brought my own turkey brats and buns to cook outs and a salad to a pizza party. I never get criticized about it, just asked why I don't want to indulge cuz "one little bite won't hurt, would it?" I just simply reply that high fat foods don't agree with me. (I had my gallbladder removed a few years back so I tell them I have to watch my fat intake) If this is something you experience nightly in your household consider doing a separate shopping trip to get foods that you can make real quick on the nights that your family is having a not so healthy dinner. Or consider helping to cook meals so you can show there are yummy healthy entrees they can enjoy??? I don't know what your day is like so just do what you can

Forensi

Yeah I agree with what most people have said. I buy my own groceries and eat what I consider to be acceptable. Saying that though, most of my family and friends don't really eat very bad food all the time so it is generally never a problem. There is the odd occasion that we go out to Maccas or something like that for dinner but my view is that if it's only once every now and again then it's not an issue.

teetees40

Stay strong and firm to your goals. I wholeheartedly agree with what everyone has said. You dont have to give in...you can do it!

SueInAz

I ran into this problem when I was eating low carb. My husband cooks about half the time and he'd make something for dinner and I wouldn't eat the pasta/rice/potato side dishes or anything too starchy. He'd sigh and roll his eyes and you know the rest. I'd tell him just to make what he wanted and I'd eat what I could. If I was still hungry, I know how to make my own food. Of course, it still went on.

One day I just gently but firmly explained that I'm doing what is best for me. While I'd really love it if he'd change his eating habits for the better, too, it wasn't my place to force him to do so. However, I did expect that since I was respecting his eating habits, he'd also respect mine. It definitely got better from there.

Mtsidad

Lord it was tough.

We ended up compromising over whole wheat spaghetti noodles and the leftover chicken from yesterday. 1/2 c. chicken, 1 c. spaghetti noodles.

Not too bad. I _could_ have eaten more spaghetti (it's starch and starch is YUMMY) but I didn't eat more than one plate, and I'm going to eat some fruit later.

So after all not too bad. But the idea that my trying to eat less and trying to avoid foods that make me sick is causing a "problem" really irritates me.

SueInAz

So after all not too bad. But the idea that my trying to eat less and trying to avoid foods that make me sick is causing a "problem" really irritates me.

If the food is making you sick then that's definitely a problem and I'd think you'd get more consideration.

You may need to look at the underlying causes of this somewhat hostile behavior.

jakejacobsen

Its tough, eat what you know you should, BE the example. They will all join in and I am sure they want you to live a long healthy life. I have the same isues but I useualy fold because my wife is such an awsome cook, so I have to go to the gym 2x a day just to stay under my calorie count for the day.

jeannas

My thought is that your spouse is stressed out. Even when I wasn't dieting, just figuring out dinner for the family was a royal pain in the !$#@. I have three teenage girls, everyone liked something different, someone always complaining, eating at various times due to practices/games etc.

If it was me, I would just have a heart to heart. Explain gently that you need to do this and if there is any way you can help make it easier for them to plan. My husband started MFP before I did, and he did drive me a little nuts always recording stuff on his iphone. Once I noticed how serious and committed he was, I helped him however I could. After seeing his dramatic weight loss, I joined MFP and I am down 16 pounds in about two months. Keep up the good work and
Best of luck to you!

Jeannie

feliciapeters

i cook the same way I always have none of my kids has a weight issue so why shouldnt they have mac & cheese or whatever. Last nite (rough day at work) it was hot dogs & mac & cheese. I had one hot dog & a big salad

I usually eat whatever meat I'm cooking for everyone else, then I just add a big salad.

This may help though, on Saturday (and sometimes during the week) I will take 6 chicken breasts, cut in half lenghtwise ( so they are thinner, not shorter lol) and grill them.

I always have them available to bring for lunch or to have if I make something I think I would rather not eat I can always have a piece of chicken.

Mtsidad

My thought is that your spouse is stressed out.

Well, yeah. And rather than air the family laundry, I'll just say that I'm working on communicating what I want.

girlinahat

So after all not too bad. But the idea that my trying to eat less and trying to avoid foods that make me sick is causing a "problem" really irritates me.

without knowing any details, it sounds like food has become the focus point for other issues. You may need to think of creative ways to introduce the foods you want by distracting the focus away from food.

Do you do any of the cooking in the house? Can you get some groceries in to introduce more of the foods you want and mix things up a bit? Salads are great for making your plate look full, making you feel full, and thus eating less of the other stuff. Is it only you in the family who is on a health kick? (not that it's a health kick, mind). Are there ways you can make your desire for healthy eating a family focussed activity?