Visiting Family.

unsuspectingfish
unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
edited September 27 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I'm going to visit my family during the first week of July. I posted on Facebook that I've switched to a pescetarian diet, but I'm never sure what they do or don't read on there, and I doubt any of them even know what that is. They're all very much carnivores, and I'm mostly at their mercy food-wise when I visit (I stay in my parents' house). I'm willing to compromise some, but I don't want to completely blow this diet. I also don't want to come across as completely ungrateful. My dad is currently unemployed, so it's not like they have a lot of room to accommodate my newfound pickiness in the food budget.

Basically, does anyone have suggestions about how to broach the subject with them? Should I just come right out and offer to buy my own food while I'm there? I'm sort of leaning toward that one, but I don't want to come across like their food isn't good enough for me (my brother accused me of acting like that when I went vegan in high school, and I don't want a repeat).

Anyone have experience with this?

Of course, I have the exercise part covered. I'm already planning to walk everywhere while I'm there. The town is barely a mile square, so it's not hard. I even bought a parasol this week at the local Japanese import shop to protect myself from the summer sun.

Replies

  • Missy123556
    Missy123556 Posts: 80
    I would just be honest with them! If they don't want to be supportive then that is their own problem, but they don't get to have any say over what you want to eat!
  • melindaw1977
    melindaw1977 Posts: 15
    What if you were to make dinner for them? Tell them you are trying to eat healthier and these are some of the new recipes you've tried. Maybe you guys could go in on groceries together. It's probably better to broach the subject sooner rather than later though for sure. Good luck!
  • ehilgeman
    ehilgeman Posts: 45
    I deal with this too. I come by my weight honestly - my parents eat unhealthy stuff constantly. I basically offer to shop and cook for them a bunch when I visit, to thank them for having me in the house. But, of course, it's really about having something I don't feel awful after eating. This could be a good way to compromise, if you don't mind eating their food a few times, too. And, remember what my grandma always said: "Family's like fish.....after three days it starts to stink!" Good luck, I feel your pain!
  • unsuspectingfish
    unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
    I like this idea of offering to cook for them. They'd probably really like it, too. Thanks, guys!
  • av8rblond
    av8rblond Posts: 140
    I don't know what kinds of foods your family eats but what if you ate a variation of what your parents cook? If that is possible i think it might be seen as less of a snub to them. Is there a way that you could broach it that way? If you are making a stir fry or such, before the meat get added could you seperate your portion?
    This is a tough one...lol..you might still be better with your idea and gently suggest purchasing your own food.
  • unsuspectingfish
    unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
    I don't know what kinds of foods your family eats but what if you ate a variation of what your parents cook? If that is possible i think it might be seen as less of a snub to them. Is there a way that you could broach it that way? If you are making a stir fry or such, before the meat get added could you seperate your portion?
    This is a tough one...lol..you might still be better with your idea and gently suggest purchasing your own food.

    They're the meat and potatoes types. They have been trying to eat healthier, but they still eat a lot of meat. I have no doubt, too, that the 4th is going to involve copious amounts of barbecued meat. I suppose I could sort of push the "eating healthier" part a bit so we can all get more veggies and then just not eat the meat, like you suggested.
  • kaypee65
    kaypee65 Posts: 120 Member
    One suggestion, scan their local grocery ads on-line. You can find sales, put together some easy "meat and potatoes" meals for them that dovetail with your diet plan. For example, my grocery has ahi of $5/pound, sirloin for $6/pound, as well as pre-prepared mashed potatoes and corn on the cob at a good price. So you grill the ahi for yourself, the steak for your folks, heat their potatoes for them, cook the corn for all of you, and perhaps throw a veggie dish together.

    It's challenging, you can't come across as putting on airs, but at the same time, you want to be both true to yourself and a success. Good luck, we're all rooting for you here!
  • unsuspectingfish
    unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
    One suggestion, scan their local grocery ads on-line. You can find sales, put together some easy "meat and potatoes" meals for them that dovetail with your diet plan. For example, my grocery has ahi of $5/pound, sirloin for $6/pound, as well as pre-prepared mashed potatoes and corn on the cob at a good price. So you grill the ahi for yourself, the steak for your folks, heat their potatoes for them, cook the corn for all of you, and perhaps throw a veggie dish together.

    It's challenging, you can't come across as putting on airs, but at the same time, you want to be both true to yourself and a success. Good luck, we're all rooting for you here!

    I like that idea (especially if ahi is involved)! Thanks! And thanks for the support. I'm gonna need it.
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