Christmas Party HELP!

Drink wine instead of creamy eggnog stuff or beer and mix in a seltzer or something to make a spritzer (or just sip it slow)... then for appys/hors d'oevres just head for any veggie-based things and have a few. For the main meal, go for meat and veggies. Choose one carb side (or 2) and have a total of 1/2C of it (or both combined 1/4C each). If you worry you'll go overboard, eat a high protein snack/meal before you go - like eat a whole chicken breast. You will barely want to eat anything at the party. For dessert, just have one small piece of something.

That's what I'd do anyway...

Agree with above comment that people like to talk about themselves, so just change the subject to them. Also about not mentioning your weight loss plans because that will just draw too much attention to your behavior at the party as well as in the future. And finally, you can always just tell people that you're feeling a bit under the weather if they notice that you're not eating or drinking much. (And I totally get not wanting people to think you're pregnant because that would start a whole separate irritating conversation, but so what if they quietly speculate to/among themselves? They'll realize it's not true soon enough.) I've kind of learned that people don't say/notice a whole lot as long as I don't draw attention to myself.

Rather than sacrificing "holiday alcohol, Christmas cookies, and holiday parties", why not start practicing portion control instead? You don't have to ditch all the treats, just don't grab a plate piled high to the sky with all the cheesy, sweet, buttery stuff - take a small portion of the things you really like, drink a big glass of water in between small cups of the boozy stuff, and don't say anything to anybody about "dieting" or trying to cut back. If people see you eating and drinking, even in small portions, they'll be far less likely to say anything - they'll just see you enjoying yourself.

Plus, it's good to practice these good habits, habits you want to develop for life, because you're not going to ditch all the goodies forever, are ya? :bigsmile: Good luck!

This! Loosing weight doesn't equal restriction. Find a balance and enjoy yourself

At the risk of sounding harsh, I think you need to STAND UP FOR YOURSELF. If people try to lecture, pick on, question, berate you...make an assertive firm statement for yourself. "I don't want to talk about my weight/dietary habits" and leave it at that. You might say, "ooh but it's not that simple, you don't know my family..." Yes, it is that simple. You have to make it that way, though. You can't go there whining about your weight or talking nonstop about your goals or analyzing others' food...and then expect understanding and a peaceful enjoyable time.

As for indulging in the food...I for one totally disagree with the advice of eating before you go. I would take a more systematic approach. If there's a veggie tray or other healthy, light dish(es) then make that the core of your meal. If they don't serve anything remotely healthy then bring something along those lines yourself, to contribute to the meal. Then choose 1-2 things that look absolutely delicious or your longtime favorites, and have a small portion of those and savor them. It should not blow your daily calories to do that.

Do make an effort to focus on time spent rather than the food. Even if others are focusing 99% on the food. Obviously these people are important to you in some way/level so make that the focus of the time you spend.

If none of the above works, and they are messing with you or it's not fun, you can always wish them a Happy Holiday and walk out the door early.