Hanging out with friends....

naomijuliette96
naomijuliette96 Posts: 153 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi guys,
My best friends invited me to hang out tomorrow, and we were planning on going to the mall, and to see a movie and then have some drinks at one of their houses. Sounds like fun!
Only problem is that they're all talking about eating a ton, and my one friend is gonna make a bunch of junk food, and I'm so frustrated because I REALLY want to go and have a good time, but I feel like it's gonna be really tough with not only all the food just sitting there, but with all three of them eating it... Not to mention they always get on my case when they notice that I'm not eating much with them.

Any tips guys? And don't say that one day of bad eating won't kill me, because I haven't been eating too well lately, and I've gained 5 lbs., so I've been trying really hard lately to eat clean. I feel like this night might mess all of that up.

Replies

  • HappyStack
    HappyStack Posts: 802 Member
    You're gaining weight because you're exercising and retaining water, and your calories are too low.

    A day of eating wouldn't be a bad thing.
  • sarahmichel101
    sarahmichel101 Posts: 158 Member
    I wish I had a solution for you! This happened to me tonight, and I chose to stay home to avoid the temptation. I hope in a few years this will not bother me, but now I cannot resist. What I have been doing is skipping the eating get togethers and try to create events that revolve around active things like bowling and skating. One night I did go for a few drinks but I drank less wine and added frozen raspberries to keep it colder/add a little snack ;)
  • kamakazeekim
    kamakazeekim Posts: 1,183 Member
    portion control. Take maybe a bite or two of everything but keep it at that.
  • HexyleneGlycol
    HexyleneGlycol Posts: 56
    One does not simply gain weight from one bad day of eating. Youre probably going to have several days where you "slip" I wouldnt worry about it just enjoy yourself then get back on track the next day!!!
  • sarahmichel101
    sarahmichel101 Posts: 158 Member
    One does not simply gain weight from one bad day of eating. Youre probably going to have several days where you "slip" I wouldnt worry about it just enjoy yourself then get back on track the next day!!!

    The only reason I see a problem with this is because for someone who is trying hard at losings goes out and eats say 1000 extra calories (Which come on, would be a movie popcorn and a chocolate treat) might get discouraged because it takes away the work that they did over probably 3 days (if you were trying to lose a lb a week). It might be easier and less discouraging to stay closer to your calorie goal by changing eating habits while with friends.
    NOTHING wrong with your advice, I can just see why one might want to take another route.
  • wordpainter09
    wordpainter09 Posts: 472 Member
    Here's my game plan for parties/evenings out:

    1) Know thyself. If there's certain foods you don't have control with and tend to overeat when stressed/distracted, don't eat them when you're out with friends, especially if you'll be drinking or doing other things. It's very hard to eat mindfully in these types of situations and stop when you're full.

    2) Make sure you're actually hungry. Don't become a victim of "social eating" and grabbing things just because they're there or because others are eating.

    3) Save your treats/meal for something you really like. Pick one and leave it at that. The "have a little of everything" strategy has never worked well for me. I like to feel psychologically satisfied with what I have, and one bite of something is not going to do that. But if you're the type who prefers to sample several things, do that. See point #1.

    4) Have fun and remember food is only fuel. The social situation is NOT about the food, it's about your friends/family/the surroundings (ok, except maybe a little on Thanksgiving, when it's kind of about the food) so pick your things you want, or decide not to eat, and move on. What they think is not your problem, and if they're your real friends, they will respect your choices.
  • triathlete1fp
    triathlete1fp Posts: 9 Member
    ^ very well put! I completely agree with @wordpainter09. Viewing food as fuel helps me quite a bit. I try not to eat things that I know will hurt my performance in the gym or on the road.
  • Nutmeg76
    Nutmeg76 Posts: 258 Member
    Eat a good on plan meal before you go and bring something to share with everyone that you can eat guilt free. Make it tasty and "safe". You may even help them see that healthy food can be good too. If you eat a big meal before the movie you won't need popcorn. If they ask, tell them you are full now, but will have a "treat" later. I find that movie theater popcorn tears up my stomach so avoiding it is easy.

    If you don't want to drink...offer to be a designated driver for someone, so they can drink guilt free and won't pester you to have some too. Bring some seltzer and fruit slices then you'll alsways have a "drink" in your hand.

    You can't continually avoid social situations because that isn't healthy. Learn how to make your lifestlye mesh with their's.
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    Plan ahead. I would definitely go to the mall and movie but maybe cut out of the friend's house a bit early to get away from temptation or plan to workout before to have a few extra calories.

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