Dieting and Socializing - Tips???

wazert

So this weekend I spent most of my time with my boyfriend and his family.
I had a great time and I love hanging out with them but it didn't do any good to my diet.
I feel like I spent most of my weekend eating, and most of the time I wasn't even enjoying it because I get full very fast and portion sizes in restaurants are ridiculously big ( I prefer eating smaller meals and have snacks in between).
I feel bad and rude if I get invited and eat only 1/4 of my plate. Especially if it's a fancy restaurant. and especially when they keep asking if you like it, they all empty their plates, and look at you saying "isn't it the best food here?" and I just feel really pressured to eat.
At lunch I did ask for a box, but of course I was the only one, all the other plates had been cleared and it was weird.
I dont want to tell everyone I am on a diet because I wanna be able to have an ice cream if I really want to without everyone mentioning the fact that I am supposed to be in a diet. I like to be able to make my own decision freely. I know wether I can treat myself to an ice cream or not. It's none of their business.

How do you politely decline food offered by other people? You know, when they are all smile, saying "hey, I bought a bagel especially for you! " and all you want to answer is "thanks but no thanks, you can keep these 300 calories".
or "you've GOT to try the chocolate cake here, it's the best..."
I don't want to be the downer, braking the food party.

How do you guys manage your diets on the weekend? Or during family meals? Do you tell everyone you are on a diet or do you have tips and tricks?

kacarter1017

This is about you, not them. I know it's tough, but the more you stand up for what you need, the easier it gets. You're setting a great example for them. You're showing them what a healthy lifestyle can be. It's possible that if you stay consistent, you may change their way of thinking about food. If someone asks why you don't eat all your food, or ask,"Isn't this the best food?" You can say," The food is excellent, but way more than I usually eat, so I'm going to bring the rest home." No mention of "dieting." And, I've never said I'm on a diet. I'm choosing to eat healthier. Doesn't change what I'm doing or how I'm doing it, but it changes my mindset. A diet seems temporary to me, something I can stop. But the way I'm eating will be lifelong.

kacarter1017

Oh, and when people bring you food, you can either politely accept it and say, "I did just eat so I'll save this for later." And throw it away, or give it to someone else as soon as you can. Or, have it for lunch if it works into your plan. Or, you can take a small bite and say "Thank you" and get back to work. Then throw the rest away. As far as the chocolate cake, simply politely decline. "Im sure it is, but I'm not hungry right now." Or "I'm sure it is, but something sweet isn't what I'm hungry for right now." You can also say that you are now choosing to try to eat healthier. That's not a diet, and gives you the option of having ice cream when you want.

Hope this helps!

russellma

There's nothing wrong with asking for a box or only eating a bit or two of something given to you and saving the rest for later (to eat or throw away if it's not worth the calories).

You could say, "I would feel miserable if I ate all of that and I'd rather enjoy it twice (or more!) times than wish I hadn't had it at all!"

It's not about being on a "diet". That's temporary and usually has to be repeated again and again. It's a healthy lifestyle and about living maximally for good!

wazert

Thanks for all these great ideas . I will definitely use them in the future.