Cultural Issues and Weight Loss/Fitness

Personally, I don't "diet" on holidays. The traditional & decadent foods at my family gatherings are something I look forward to, since I only really have them maybe 2-3 times a year (Easter, Thanksgiving maybe, & Xmas). I don't diet on vacation either, I eat what I want in whatever quantity I want then get right back on track when it's over. I love food, & since I'm in weight loss mode most of the time I'm eating a certain way, so it's a nice treat every now & again.

But the point is, you are entitled to stick to your WOE if you want to. Your family is also entitled to say what they want to about it & there's just no way around that. If you wanted to indulge on holidays you certainly could without hurting your progress. If you didn't want to, lmelangley's suggestion to bring something is a good one.

It's also likely that the family members who do say stuff are not actively managing their own weight & seeing you be so dedicated only emphasizes their lack of commitment. That doesn't really sit well with anyone. Honestly I think it's less about you & more about what you're doing is saying about what they're NOT doing.

From my perspective I see 2 choices:
1. You take a day off from dieting & enjoy the traditional holiday foods occasionally. Your fam will probably still give you crap, just not about food, it'll be about something else because that's how it goes. Pro: You get to enjoy some stuff you like but don't eat anymore, it resets your metabolism so you can continue losing weight, gives you a mental break from dieting. Con: Your weight spikes up for a few days afterward. Big deal. It'll come down after a few days back on track.
2. You cook something delicious & healthy & bring along a huge quantity of it. You eat that for dinner & very small portions of anything else you wanted to eat. Pro: Minimal, if any, damage to your regular way of eating. Con: Gives family something else to give you crap about.

Do what makes you happy & what you can feel good about. The only one who has to be ok with what you're doing is YOU.

I used to live in So Cal and have been to many a Mexican celebration throughout the years. I know Mexican food can get a little out of control on the calorie meter. I think I saw a response from someone who is Eastern European, I am as well (Slovakian & English decent). I think every culture no matter what you are experiences these types of foods which are now seen as "unhealthy". Why, you may ask...because these were the ingredients that our grand and great grands had to work with. They didn't have agave, splenda and margarine etc.

I embrace the food of my culture and have fond memories of cooking and baking with my grandmother for our EVERY Sunday gatherings which on a light Sunday would gather around 50 of us. My grandma and 12 kids so yes, we have a huge family. I only wish I had written down many more of her creations. Slowly we are gathering the recipes from the aunts and cousins and are creating a cookbook of our family favorites.

I think the point I am trying to make here is that for that occasional time you get together as a family, embrace those times as they will soon be a memory by themselves. Use these gatherings as opportunities to tell stories, reminisce, and enjoy the bounty your family abounds upon you. Your diligence when the day is over with a little extra exercise will make up for the indulgence.

Bring a dish made your way and enjoy it. Mexican cooking has many delicious "proteins" , carnitas, chile verde are among my favorites. Paired with your wonderful salsas, guacamole, rice & bean dishes, I am sure you could make it work for you. I am hoping you are not complaining in front of your family and those who prepared the feast for everyone's enjoyment, that would be rude and would give them cause to titter behind your back.