Thanksgiving w/ the b/f's family... etiquette & eating tips!

For actual T-day, I would let yourself enjoy. But since you're going to be there an entire WEEK. Keep on your schedule and tell them just that. You have a schedule for when you're back home and you don't want to get yourself off it for when you have to go back! If they can't respect that, that's their problem. Hopefully your BF will back you up, if he's a good guy!

Try small amounts on your plate as well. I find that helps out cause then when you go back you are giving body more time to tell brain it is full.

Well one thing I noticed is that I will ALWAYS get asked/forced to go grab seconds. MAKE SURE your 1st plate is TINY. You can expect to be pressured to go up for more. Pick veggies, and protein - go low on the carbs.

Also remember dessert...dont forget about the dessert that will be following a meal. Try to get the smallest piece you can. Some families have other alternatives - pick the healthiest.

Plan to exercise through out your stay.


Or you could be assertive and just say "No I am full - I will get sick if I eat any more". That will usually stop the pressure from others to eat more. (Make sure you have a look on your face that your going to actually get sick if you eat any more...struggle to talk, cover your mouth and pause as if you are about to puke).

I feel your pain. My in-laws are determined to feed you when you visit! They are kind, wonderful people but have told my husband he looks sick since he's lost weight. :huh: Anyway, Turkey day- indulge! The rest of the week do your best to stay on track. Just tell them your tummy has shrunk as you've minded your eating. Mine actually has. I can't figure out how I used to eat as much as I did. For as much as you don't wish to offend, you also owe to yourself to take care of yourself first.

Thanksgiving is not actually intended for getting fatter. I will not dally from my course. I will eat till I get full and no more. I will continue with my proper choices and I will give thanks.

I don't know why anyone would be concerned if you are not overindulging but I would just say, "OMG! It is all so good. I am so stuffed but I really love the smells. Everything looks so amazing, I am so glad I tried a little of everything." Whether or not you did is a different story.

I feel you, my family is Russian and Armenian, meaning that food is always a BIG part of the holiday season. I think as long as you're eating, you won't be seen as the "weirdo girlfriend who won't eat." What I try and do if I'm at a family function is try and fill up with liquids and lighter entrees (Double points if you complement them on the food!). I try and take a sip between each couple bites. If you guys are drinking, for your nonalcoholic drinks stick to water instead of juice. For alcoholic drinks, stick to wine or clear liquor with soda water, instead of sugary mixed drinks. And most important of all, enjoy it! You've worked really hard to look the way you do, so don't punish yourself too much because of a few days of indulgence!

Good Luck!

I don't know why anyone would be concerned if you are not overindulging ...

Some people are hurt if you don't stuff yourself with their food. Others are passive aggressive, urging food on people who they know are weight conscious. Sometimes it may be unconscious on their part. They don't realize they are trying to hinder the other person's weight loss.

I dread the holidays, not just because of inconsiderate people, but because of my own tendency to cave in the presence of tempting, high-calorie, low-nutrition foods. It's a particular struggle when you are dining with people who are not health conscious and obese.

This is an example of a lifestyle change. Many of us grew up learning to stuff ourselves silly on Thanksgiving. Now it's no longer acceptable to feel that the most energetic thing we can do after a big meal is nap or watch football. It's kind of gross, actually.

Portion control....try small bits of what you like! They will think you are wonderful wanting to try a bit of everything! Little will they know! :flowerforyou:

Go enjoy, its one day but only eat what you are comfortable with, when everyone else is going for 2nd or 3rd you can always sneak off to the kitchen and offer to help clean up

Small amounts, but you should try a little of everything they made, if its store bought, leave it...that's acceptable, if you refuse to eat their cooking it can considered rude. It's like when I go to my moms for dinner, she makes everything....it's all pretty high in cals haha, I mean who butters green beans?!? Lol anyway, I eat some of everything, including the butter flavored green beans, and work out extra hard that day. I'd take an exta hour in the gym over hurting my moms feelings any day hope that helps!

having food pushers in my family as well, so I do understand your situation. A few things to remember- you don't have to eat everything at the dinner that's served. take a few things that are your favorites, and if anyone says anything- you can always say, I'm looking forward to enjoying that tomorrow, I just ate too much of the other things today- the offers of cleanup are great too, or helping little ones with their meals, washing up and playing is great too- you'll be there all week, so you'll be able to try a little of this and a little of that while you're there.

I don't normally push dishonesty ...but...if you are finding they are really pressuring you with the emotional hurt and guilt then you can always play the "oh my goodness but my tummy is a bit upset from all the travel!" ...surprisingly, many older ladies suffer from stomach upsets when they travel and you boyfriend's mother may sympathise and try not to stuff you like a turkey.

Good luck.

I say do not make a big deal about it. We typically want to go into why we will not eat something our scrunch up our faces at something when we first start out. Just do not do that, do not worry and act as if saying no is not a big deal.

Do not ask how many calories, do not try to make explanations, say yes or no thank you and eating small portions of things will not hurt you.

You are probably going to get a lot of comments like "oh enjoy life why dontcha" or "you could use a few pounds on your bones" They are not doing this to be mean, do not take it personal. This makes them feel better about their choices, if you know what I mean.

I have found over the years that people do not make a big deal of my eating habits if I do not call attention to it. It also helps to make sure people understand you are not judging their food choices as well. It actually is a lot easier than you think and you may be obsessing over it more than what will actually happen. I know that when I first got sober this was the case for me. I obsessed on people trying to get me to drink and also would make a big deal about me not drinking, then it was my healthy food choices. Now that I am 5 years sober and 4 years healthy eating, its an easy no thank you, no explanation needed, people really do not care that much, and the ones that do, well that is their problem, not mine.

Have a great trip and please remember, this is a journey, not a race. You have your whole life in front of you and would you rather have a great time and maybe gain a pound, oh goodness, even two, and not have any drama associated with going to spend time with his family? Trust me dear, in the long run, it is not worth it.

Start with small servings and load up on the veggies! Also, use mealtimes to get to know his family better-the more you talk, the less you'll eat! Going for a run bright and early before everyone else is up will help too. And I'd recommend drinking tea or coffee while everyone is snacking. Sounds like a tough situation, but you can do it!

What kind of horrible families do you people have who FORCE you to eat more than you want? Good god, stand up for yourself. Tell them you're not freaking hungry.