Opinion needed... skipping a Super Bowl party to avoid the f

papa3x

I just wrote a blog post about super bowl food and me.... I am not sure whether I want to attend a party because of the foods there. I feel like a sissy, in a way, that I can't beat food without avoiding temptation. Long story short, I have only begun the journey 5 weeks ago. I don't always feel 100% committed, though I am doing my best. I have a physical and blood work scheduled for early March, and I really want to see if 2 months can REALLY make a difference, not just in weight loss, but cholesterol levels, A1C, and all that stuff.

Part of me feels strong if I avoid the party, part of me feels weak.

You won't hurt my feelings no matter which side you are on.

alvabang

Don't avoid it - just take stuff you can eat...healthy versions of snack foods. We have potlucks at work and when I got serious about losing weight - I make healthy stuff...like a healthy pasta salad with chicken and a ton of veggies...I even blanched some of the veggies like broccoli, snap peas, asparagus...lot up on shredded carrots, cukes, nappa cabbage, and I healthy pasta and a light vinagrette. A citrusy one. Yummy. Bake chicken wings, for tenders, veggie trays, lean meats and cheese. Fruit platter. It is easy to make some thing you will eat that's not "diet" food. I never have any leftovers of my salad, I even make 2 1 with chicken and 1 without for veggie eaters. =-) Hope this helps.

Makethefatcry12

I'm bringing things I can eat with me. Plus if you drink a bunch of water before and while you're there, it should help to curb your appetite! You can do it!

monicalynne68

Losing weight can't be just a diet. It has to be a lifestyle. It has to fit into your normal routine or you'll feel deprived and not stick with it. And worse, you won't keep it off afterwards. Go to the party. Eat the food. Try not to pig out on it but if you do, you do. Try to get in some exercise before you go to burn off some of the calories and exercise and watch what you eat the rest of the week. One day is not going to ruin a whole weeks worth of effort. Go! Have a good time and don't sweat it!

Kaddyshack21

Eat something healthy before you go. You won't be so tempted. It is impossible to avoid all life situations that might be tempting to you so why not practice with the ones you do know about and "get your head in the game" LOL sorry for the crap pun.(couldn't resist)

Don't stop doing the things you love, just modify as needed. I hope you have an awesome time!!!!!!!!!

DatEpicChick

DO NOT SKIP IT. THIS IS A TIME TO PROVE TO YOURSELF THAT YOU CAN DO THIS.

TAKE A PAD OF PAPER WITH YOU, OR JUST A PIECE OF PAPER, AND WRITE EVERY SINGLE THING YOU EAT ON THAT PIECE OF PAPER AND THE CALORIES.

you will end up watching what you eat much more intensely than if you just blindly ate from a bowl of chips. Just a suggestion!

Scorpioangel

DO NOT SKIP IT. THIS IS A TIME TO PROVE TO YOURSELF THAT YOU CAN DO THIS.

TAKE A PAD OF PAPER WITH YOU, OR JUST A PIECE OF PAPER, AND WRITE EVERY SINGLE THING YOU EAT ON THAT PIECE OF PAPER AND THE CALORIES.

you will end up watching what you eat much more intensely than if you just blindly ate from a bowl of chips. Just a suggestion!

I agree - do not skip - prove it to yourself that you can do this and you will

This is a great suggestion!

Thena81

you cant build resistance with out temptation lol
go and have fun, bring healthy snacks if you wish
good luck sweetie

Heidi64

Losing weight can't be just a diet. It has to be a lifestyle. It has to fit into your normal routine or you'll feel deprived and not stick with it. And worse, you won't keep it off afterwards. Go to the party. Eat the food. Try not to pig out on it but if you do, you do. Try to get in some exercise before you go to burn off some of the calories and exercise and watch what you eat the rest of the week. One day is not going to ruin a whole weeks worth of effort. Go! Have a good time and don't sweat it!

^^^^ THIS!!! What's the point of living if you can't enjoy life and time with friends. Exercise before the party, drink water, eat slowly, sample everything. Then focus on eating within your calorie goals for the rest of the week. Many people believe in going over your calorie limit every now and again, as long as you're balanced at the end of the week.

Jarnard

Eat before going and have a good time there. Don't refrain from enjoying life. My opinion.

papa3x

Thanks for the opinions.... if this was 6 weeks from now, I doubt I would even have asked.... my new lifestyle would be more firmly entrenched.

kcoftx

In the beginning when one is struggling with just being on a diet and getting it everyday, I advocate skipping for a bit. Once you have it under control, and you are really committed and have faced daily temptations and beat them, then you need to venture out a bit. Having a plan before the day is a good idea.

I have 3 social dates coming up.

The first is a bday party (long time friend--her big 4-0) at my very favorite restaurant where we typically pass food around the table and sample all foods followed by hitting a few karaoke clubs. You know what that entails too. That's my biggest worry. I'm using that as a planned splurge night but I still need to make a few plans especially for the club part.

The second is V-Day. We are focusing on going glass bottom boating but will be out of town and eat out. I plan to find something decent on the menu and try not to splurge too much. The date is more important and we aren't going to a fancy restaurant or anyplace we covet.

The third is a potluck BUNCO game night. That one I plan to take some foods I can eat there. I really do okay with potlucks on portion control, etc. as long as I stay away from DIPS and DESSERTS. Those are my biggest weaknesses where I double up on portions. So I have to plan accordingly. Personally I get so involved in talking, socializing and playing games that I am not a big potluck eater UNLESS that is the center of the action (ie, eat and talk only). If there is anything else to get my attention, I can handle it.

My biggest gripe is that all three are within a short period of time, but that's life. The first one is the one I'm most worried about. The other two I think I can handle.

What is your weakness at potlucks? Know them ahead of time. Plan accordingly.

Last night, I DID give up an outing. I knew I had these three planned already and that was enough for a short period of time. The only food I eat at this particular place suggested is very high calorie and fat so I declined for now. It's still early for me and I'm budgeting my priorities.

What's the worst thing that can happen? You blow it and learn what you can or can't handle at this time. Get back on the saddle the next day. I'm not saying make an excuse and go for it and don't worry about consequences. I'm saying it won't be an end all if you learn that it is too early for you to venture out yet.

NatashaK29

Losing weight can't be just a diet. It has to be a lifestyle. It has to fit into your normal routine or you'll feel deprived and not stick with it. And worse, you won't keep it off afterwards. Go to the party. Eat the food. Try not to pig out on it but if you do, you do. Try to get in some exercise before you go to burn off some of the calories and exercise and watch what you eat the rest of the week. One day is not going to ruin a whole weeks worth of effort. Go! Have a good time and don't sweat it!

I agree completely and 10lbs in just 5 weeks is great! Reward yourself! Just keep track as much as possible, record it later and you may surprise yourself. If you do go over, just work it off or try a lil harder the next few days. I have faith in you! Have faith in yourself!

cmstolz

Have fun enjoying your friends' company instead of eating. Make sure you eat some protein before you go. And bring a big jug of water so you have something to drink. Make a big salad to share. You can purchase the packaged salads at every grocery store. Bring a low cal salad dressing too. You can make a chicken wing substitute by cutting uncooked chicken breast into 1" pieces. Spray a nonstick skillet with olive oil. Cook the pieces over medium heat. Toss in Franks Wing Sauce. Eat the "wings" with a toothpick. It slows you down so you can enjoy it.

brandie_kelly

Eat something healthy, excercise before you go an while your there always have gum in your mouth and water in your hand. When you do get hungry or dont want to be rude and eat nothing just eat the healthy stuff, veggies sans dip, and a few pieces of the meat and cheese tray.

Definatly dont skip it, you will be reafirming to yourself you have no control and you willl also be seen as rude to the host. Go have fun and dont sweat it. Just be mindful.

healthyJenn0915

It's the Superbowl! Definately do not skip it! Just try to avoid the bad foods, and even if you do splurge a little, Monday will be a new day to start fresh. If you have to, take a veggie tray to snack on instead of the chips and dip or whatever. Or just eat in very little portions and moderation. Good luck in whatever you decide!

supersourbubble

i skipped a work party due to this issue. it's not that i was afraid i would eat everything, i was afraid of everyone hassling me for not eating a lot. or forcing me to consume calories i didnt want.

Now, i feel stronger about saying "no" and feel like im more in control. I, personally, needed to be fully secure in my new lifestyle change, and yes, i avoided situations where i couldnt be in control. I guess you have to do what works for you.

shelleylynnb

I think you should go to the party if your good friends will be there and if you want to enjoy watching the game with them, especially on a large screen. The party is probably not just about the food but about having a good time too. I'd go and keep my mind on having fun and not so much on the food. If you have friends at the party and they know you are trying to cut down on the food for your health, they should understand and be supportive. Also, eat some of the food there, avoiding high fat and high carb foods. I was at a party recently with good friends and I avoided the popcorn, chips and potato salad. Instead I had the grilled chicken and hit the vegetable tray. I was having so much fun doing karayoke at the party that the food was not nearly as important as the fun I was having with good friends. And, believe me, I love food.

kcoftx

The bottom line is this: You have to decide whether now is a time when you can handle it yet or not AND whether you want to risk your March data. Sometimes in the beginning it is more self-defeating. Eventually, however, you do have to venture out. Ups and downs come with the territory. One self-defeating day, however, does not mean you are done. Far from it. If you don't go, it means you recognize your current limitations and know that now is not the right time. If you do go, make a plan ahead of time. You've gotten some good tips!

Helloitsdan

Go and enjoy the cheat day! The worst it will do is boost metabolism up to 10%.

Scorpioangel

i skipped a work party due to this issue. it's not that i was afraid i would eat everything, i was afraid of everyone hassling me for not eating a lot. or forcing me to consume calories i didnt want.

Now, i feel stronger about saying "no" and feel like im more in control. I, personally, needed to be fully secure in my new lifestyle change, and yes, i avoided situations where i couldnt be in control. I guess you have to do what works for you.

It is super annoying when people hassle you about why you aren't eating and trying to feed you (I've had it happen). I think that people FINALLY got the hint but it takes a while. I don't know why people have to have everything revolve around food. I never bother others if they are or are not eating a certain amount!

Hsnopi

yer not a sissy. If this was all super easy everyone in the world would be fit. So don't worry about that.

Scorpioangel

yer not a sissy. If this was all super easy everyone in the world would be fit. So don't worry about that.

Exactly - it's hard. Whatever you do just push forward strong the next day and you'll do great!!!

yuckidah

I've been known to turn down invitations just because I don't want to eat the food or drink the drinks, but if it was something I really didn't want to miss then I'd eat something filling but low-cal before I go & (if it's a situation where saying no to offered food wouldn't be possible) I'd choose small amounts of the healthiest options and just do my best.
If these new lifestyles of ours are forever then we should be able to enjoy ourselves & have a little splurge every now & again without feeling too guilty, but I do understand your hesitation.

AZDizzy

I'm bringing stuff myself...a GREAT veggie plate (with cauliflower, green peppers, celery, lotsa cukes and some olives), naked wings, some turkey meatballs, a hummus dip, and a little berry plate, pineapple, nanners and yogurt dip for dessert! I'm sharing (and made A BUNCH) because I know several people also trying to eat healthier and this place is loaded poatato skins, mozarella sticks and breaded fried EVERYTHING!

I'm going to prove that I can interact with people and yummies without eating that stuff because it's "there".

ruby_red_rose

If I were you, I would skip. You are new at this lifestyle. You need to give yourself some time to fully get into it before you tempt yourself. Whatever you decide to do, I wish the best of luck and hope that you eat healthy tomorrow.

jdnuts

You have to go! It's true what everyone is saying--this is a lifestyle remodeling. Sometimes I feel like every weekend is super bowl Sunday. If I fill up on veggies, tea and exercise and watch my calories throughout week, I do well..Good luck..

HeavenLeAngel127

I am only counting calories right now but here's what I'm doing:

I made a cheat sheet of what I can eat and how much of it. Like how many hot wings- I got the recipe so I could figure this out..

Chew slowly so your first serving will last for a long time.....
I'm bringing a huge water bottle with some 0 calorie flavoring....

Do some cardio in the morning, like walking at a brisk pace a few times around the block.... and hey if you can't speed-walk forever nonstop don't worry about it.... your still burning calories like crazy as long as your heart rate is up... so alternate walking and speed-walking every 30 seconds...

2 months can make a HUGE difference... just only eat the amount of calories allotted to you per day and if you are still hungry do more cardio so you can have some calorie credits to eat..

If this is a lot and your not ready... Don't go... screw the party.... weak is giving up on your goal over a game... a great game, but a game nonetheless.

MarineWifey09

You are not a sissy!!!! I agree with a lot of people if working out and being healthy was easy we would all look like those celebs with killer bodies! Go and have fun, make note of what you're eating so you are keeping accountable, eat something healthy before and drink a lot of water. Water will fill some void in your stomach besides food!

ItsLessOfMe

You know what? Dont let anyone judge you. You do what you need to do. I've had to do some crazy things to stay focused. If you do go definetly bring something healthy for everyone to share. Best to you and congrats so far

tiffany_suz

DO NOT SKIP IT. THIS IS A TIME TO PROVE TO YOURSELF THAT YOU CAN DO THIS.

TAKE A PAD OF PAPER WITH YOU, OR JUST A PIECE OF PAPER, AND WRITE EVERY SINGLE THING YOU EAT ON THAT PIECE OF PAPER AND THE CALORIES.

you will end up watching what you eat much more intensely than if you just blindly ate from a bowl of chips. Just a suggestion!

I AGREE GREAT ADVICE!! also drink lots of water before you go and a big healthy snack