HELP! How do I stick to my diet when visiting my parents?

I have one word for you: Moderation. There are no foods you "can't" have. You just might need to eat smaller portions of them.

Make sure you stay active, and drink lots of water too, and you'll be fine, and you'll be learning how to tackle ANY situation and still lose (and eventually maintain) your weight.

I can offer up a few ideas.

1. Remember the changes you made in your own lifestyle. You have to live your life everyday. Visiting parents or being at home shouldn't change how much you eat. ( not saying I don't know it does sometimes, but portion control and excercise are always there for us)

2. Offer/ tell you're mom you'd like to cook for her a few times. That way you have an opportunity to give her a healthier lighter meal and you can control the calories for yourself.

3. If your friends want to hang out, why not offer some alternative activities that aren't ABOUT FOOD; such as belly dancing class (you're treat!), or a nice walk in the park. You could pack the lunch and have a picnic instead. If those options aren't fiesable, take walks after you eat, usually no one will say no, especially if the conversation is going well.

That's a difficult one for me to respond to. I've found that when I go out to dinner, or over to people's houses, I allow myself if necessary to go over my caloric budget. It is difficult to calculate how many calories you consume from restaurant food, although I always make attempts; and it's only a bit easier when dining at friends' houses. The rule I use is when in doubt, estimate to the higher end. This is why I find it much easier to cook at home. It also saves me money. I can measure much more accurately and I always know exactly what I consume. I consider it a treat when I go out, so it's not something I can do all the time.

By now, for me, I have a fairly good idea what a cup of this or that looks like, what 50g of this or that looks like, when before I had no idea; so it's become much easier to estimate when I don't actually have a scale or measuring cups. If you don't have that skill yet, then just do your best. Focus on MOST days, not trying to be perfect EVERYday. You have the rest of your life, and six weeks is NOT going to break you. Come on here as often as possible, or enlist friends if you can to join with you. Support is VERY important.

I have a good relationship with my mother, so if I were to tell her what I was trying to do, she'd be supportive of me and do her best not to undermine my efforts. Perhaps, while you're there, you could cook for them there once or twice a week; or, she might allow you to cook for yourself sometimes while you're there. If you cook healthy, fresh, food, you cannot go wrong. You don't have to do this for every meal, but something, anything to keep up the momentum.

It's your life and your lifestyle change; don't hand anyone else the reigns. YOU hold them.

I know how you feel, My Dad is also an amazing cook and my mom loves to bake. But right now its about you. I think its a great idea to speak to your mom and let her know what you are eating... Its also about how to change the food you love to a healthier version. Like if the recipe calls for butter, Use Spray butter instead, or Grilled onions use Pam instead of oil. Lets said you like chicken wings... with hot sauce. Make Chicken Strips, dip them in egg whites and use whole wheat flour and you can use hot sauce with spray butter...

I would buy my own foods, so that you always have something good to eat... But lets say your mom is making your favorite meal...
Try eating a low cal. breakfast and a low cal. Lunch so that you do have more cals. for Dinner...

I know we don't know one another but I am 32 years old.. I have been over weight for about the last 12 years now and I am on a mission... to get this weight off.... ( KNOW WHAT YOUR GOING TO EAT, FOR THE NEXT DAY) it helps alot...

Stay Strong!!!! YOU CAN DO THIS... Good Luck.