Dinner at someone else's house?

I was just thinking about this same thing this morning... I am interested in hearing how others handle this too.

If people are insulted that you're not eating food because you're trying to live a healthy lifestyle, they're the ones being rude, not you.

I eat before I go over to someone's house, and do my best guess to count the calories I have. Did it at a party this summer and it worked pretty well. My friends and family know I am watching what I eat so this helps

If I have this situation arise I usually try to save as many calories as possible throughout the day, eat low cal things to save so that I can enjoy myself without worrying too much

perhaps you could bring a dish or two of healthy food

My boyfriend is coming home for Thanksgiving Break soon... We often have dinner at his house. However, his family often has pasta, burgers, polish sausage... Things super high cal that I know wouldn't fit into my diet! I don't want to be rude and not eat, but only eating a little bit isn't nearly filling enough for me. I feel weird asking her to see the packages from the food, too, to count my calories. Does anyone else have this problem? How do you stick to your diet when eating at someone else's house?

I totally relate to this issue. I have to say that it depends on the lengths you will go to take care of your nutritional needs.

For myself, I actually communicate with the person who is cooking the food and just level with them in being honest to say that I am working a food plan to reach a goal and I need to be sure that I am getting the foods I need to accomplish that.

Sometimes, I will bring my own food and have it on my plate (most people won't do that because they are afraid of what people will think) or if the person really cares about me, they are willing to help and let me know what they are cooking and agreeable to me bringing a few things to add to what the main protein source is.

Or, I will eat before I get there and just have salad or bare minimum so that I am still taking care of myself as well as not offending the hostess of the party.

Hope some of that helps. Thanks for the topic. Great question.

I have the same problems at my in-laws. I usually try to go for the healthier options (if any), eat a little of the sinful stuff and work out later if possible. I usually don't log calories but try to guesstimate on the go.

My sister recently had us come over for dinner. Her husband made gumbo. I stopped at the store before I got there and bought things to make a salad. I used my baby as a decoy. I made a bowl of gumbo and played it off like I was feeding it to both of us only taking a few bites and then I ate my salad lol.

I agree, bringing something you know you can eat is always a good idea and is always helpful at a party. For me though I just try to pick out the things I like and are not too bad for me, however these are the events that I use to indulge since I'm usually pretty good for the weeks leading up to big dinners/parties.

Remember everything in moderation. It's okay to have a cheat day every now and again.

Offer to bring something too, ask what the menu is and then bring something low cal (like a turkey cutlets or sausage dish) that will fit into the menu. Have some of yours, a little of theirs.

If it's just once in awhile, I shut my mouth, eat the meal (sometimes eat before so I'm not so tempted to eat more bad things!) say thank you and guess at the calories in private. I'm trying not to be militant, just mindful. If it is on a regular basis, I explain what I am doing with nutrition and how it helps me, and offer to help cook or bring something, and do what I need to do. It's not rude.

Agree with what everyone has said so far. Fortunately I don't have this problem often because the one main friend whose house we have dinner at is trying to lose weight also and she understands that I need to know calorie counts. Also my parents know so they are accommodating. I would do some extra cardio before, and depending on how comfortable you are with his parents, mention you are watching what you eat and don't make a big deal out of it. That way maybe they will understand why you didn't scarf down your whole plate. You may just have to guesstimate your calories, but one day off won't kill you. Just make the best decisions you can. Good luck!

You can't avoid eating at someone else's house or going out to dinner forever...it is just one day. When you are there try to make the best decision and eat smaller portions. Offer to bring a side dish and if not, just workout that day and save up some calories and then enjoy the dinner.

It isn't the end of the world if you deviate from your diet, unless you feel like you're the type of person who can't restrain yourself from jumping off the deep end, gorging yourself and ultimately losing your motivation to assimilate back into your diet routine. A diet shouldn't control you. Have control over yourself to stop eating when you are full and you should be fine.

You know exactly when this day is going to happen, so it's your responsibility to ensure that you stick to your weight-loss goal up until that day. When you're with your boyfriend's family, enjoy the meal, socialize, smile, and the next day you continue with your weight-loss goals. There is no reason to fret because you're going to eat some fattening food, if you learn to understand that eating healthy, exercising, and taking care of your mind and body is a lifetime achievement, not something you do on a whim.