How do you stay on target when....

bethanytowell

How do you stay on target when the world around you revolves as it did before you began your weight loss journey? For instance, my office caters lunch, my favorite lunch, usually once a week. Then there are the birthday cake and ice cream days, all the time. It would be considered very rude for me not to attend these functions. How do I stay on track? Not just while I am trying to lose but especially after I am at goal and trying to maintain. I cook for my family but I cannot eat the things my husband loves, alfredo, fried chicken, pizza, ice cream, mac & cheese….Just wondering how everyone else handles these challenges successfully?

vacamama

Moderation is key. The only way you can actually lose for good is if you do not have no way foods, but cut the portions down significantly and load up with veggies, fruits or salads. Be mindful of what you put in your mouth, and don't necessarily have a cheat day.
It is a hard struggle having life go on while you are changing, but it is a necessary battle to help you (and me) grow as a happy, healthy person!

If you need any help feel free to add me and we can chat

leannehoggdodd

I agree, its all about portion size - I can understand you dont want to be a misery and not eat anything at all but on tha days you do have a little cake or icecream log it and make sure you have a low calorie tea ir do a little extra excersize that day.

I dont know where you work but you could even suggest a healthy option on these food days?

X

bethanytowell

Oh no, healthy food is not an option. I am one female in an office of 25 male construction workers, If it even looks healthy they dont want it!

Babymomakell

I cant imagine how it would be rude of you to not eat a giant piece of Birthday cake... go over, celebrate, say Happy birthday.... just dont eat the cake! Problem solved.

rachelmorgan77

Maybe this is a dumb question... but couldn't you still attend the functions, just not eat the cake/ice cream/etc.? My husband gave up sweets for a year - God bless him I don't know how - but he was very honest with people. Yes, we still went to birthday parties and get togethers, but he was very honest about telling people he didn't eat sweets. Yes, you might get some ribbing at the beginning, but after a while, it will just become a way of life and it won't be such an issue, it'll just be your every day.

belgerian

We had a catored lunch today and I went for my daily run at lunch time. I know not everyone can get a run in at lunch time but you can do something other than eat. Of course I do not work in a traditional office environment so I am not surrounded by the junk food all day 3 or 4 or 5 days a week so temptation at work rarely presents itself. If it does it is in another building and I would have to go out of my way. And why would it be rude it is your lunch time just curious.

verptwerp

Can't help you with the husband stuff ...... mine eats what I give him ...... but this is what I do for:

1. lunch-catering days ...... I eat a light breakfast & dinner ..... and get some exercise !

2. birthday parties, etc, etc ..... I either say "no, thanks" ..... or eat a bite of cake ..... and get some exercise !

Pretty simple, really ...... good luck :drinker:

Mellie289

I second the get some exercise advice above. If I know there's going to be something going on in a particular day, like something involving cake or a meal out (especially buffet), I get up and work really hard to create a nice large calorie deficit in my day that I can fill guilt-free and actually enjoy treats with others. If there is cake, I will make someone cut me a small piece. If they cut a big one, I'll say no, I want half or only a quarter of that. Easily done, nobody is offended.

The husband thing is trickier, but if you're doing the cooking, I don't see why you can't determine what the meals are. If he wants something different than you are making, time for him to start cooking for himself! You aren't the cook in a restaurant that he walks in and orders whatever he feels like.

Edit to add: Your husband loves junk food that is high in calories and most of those are empty. Loving him might be preparing healthy food for him rather than the things that satisfy his taste buds.

WickedSpinSistr

I cant imagine how it would be rude of you to not eat a giant piece of Birthday cake... go over, celebrate, say Happy birthday.... just dont eat the cake! Problem solved.

I agree. I attend birthday parties with my 5 yo constantly, sometimes they're every weekend this time of year. When asked if I'd like a piece of cake I simply say "no thank you." I am not being rude.

As far as family dinners go, there isn't a big reason why you can't eat the same foods your husband likes. Aim for smaller portions and be sure that most of your plate is covered with vegetables.

Re lunch at work, bring your own. What type of food are these guys eating that is so horrible and can't be modified?

bethanytowell

I said it would be considered rude for me NOT TO ATTEND the work functions, not rude of me not to EAT at the functions. I was simply saying it is hard not to eat a function that I must attend for business especially when my favorite foods are being served.. Thank you for those who shared helpful advice. But for those who felt the need to interject your snarky opinions upon me, I’m less than impressed and you can take your judgment elsewhere.

bethanytowell

I cant imagine how it would be rude of you to not eat a giant piece of Birthday cake... go over, celebrate, say Happy birthday.... just dont eat the cake! Problem solved.

How Rude! Please learn to read and reply in context when responding to a members post.

Rage4lightning

I would suggest going to the functions with a plan in mind of what you're going to eat. Put that food on your plate and politely refuse seconds if asked.

I find it far too difficult to say "I can never eat _____ again." That attitude has never helped me before. So if the functions are a regular thing, maybe pick out only one or two of the worst delicious offenders, have a small portion of them, and enjoy something light and tasty before going. Just rotate out which things you're choosing to eat at the functions. You still get to enjoy your favorites and you're still working towards your goal!

CJisinShape

My kids get treats brought in by my husband. This week was cookies, ice cream and cones, chips. I share with them so I can participate without gorging. Instead of an ice cream cone, I wait for my little one to finish, and I get the little that's left. With lunch and cake office gatherings, be the last in the line, and take only a small bit. You get to celebrate, participate, without eating a plate.

sarahcuddle

I agree it is difficult. I attended a kids birthday party today where food was provided for adults since it was dinner time. I took my own food to eat (cottage cheese and an apple) and had a small amount of the food on offer. I know the people well so no-one was offended. I still cook pasta for my kids but I have a smaller portion and make it with wholemeal pasta (they haven't even noticed) and have a large salad with it. I make healthier versions of all our favourite meals and if it is quite calorific, I just have less of it, or do myself something different. If someone offers you something you don't want to eat just say you have already eaten and you are full. Hope this helps