How to stay on track when staying at a family member's home

foodgirl05
foodgirl05 Posts: 1 Member
edited October 2024 in Motivation and Support
Hi,

I will be staying with my in-laws over the Christmas weekend soon and my mother in law recently lost 21 pounds from a prompting of her doctor to get off her type 2 diabetes pills. She doesn't seem to act as though she needs to try eating better anymore and everytime my husband and I visit, I always feel scared to eat anything. I'm thankful that she cooks and wants to be a good host, but even the vegetable dishes aren't healthy. I always feel like she's trying to send me home with all the bad food and never has anything I can eat there.

What do I do? I've politely tried to say no thanks for more food and throw the sweets away when I get back home she sends with us. I don't want to hurt my husband;s feelings either, but I can't eat and live the lifestyle his family does. He can eat anything he wants and never gains weight. It's really frustrating.

He's tried suggesting his mom have a few items that will be ok for me and she knows my weight is hard for me to work with sometimes, but I would think for someone who lost weight she would understand. My husband says he tries to support me but only thinks exercise is weight loss, not food. I know it's both.

Replies

  • therealangd
    therealangd Posts: 1,861 Member
    If she's lost 21 pounds, she's done something right. Bring your own fruits and veggie snacks. Eat smaller portions. And do lots of walking.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    Just need to be honest.... offer to help with the cooking where you are staying there for a bit. Otherwise, grab your own foods at this point.

    Be honest with your husband - he is supposed to be supporting you 100% unconditionally no matter where you are.
    Be honest with your MIL - you just cant have some of the foods she prepares. You just dont want any of the candy she has.... and be honest with the 'why'....
  • robynnatasha
    robynnatasha Posts: 20
    Honesty is the best policy!
    I agree with therealangd, ask for Smaller portions! Good luck :)
  • CMmrsfloyd
    CMmrsfloyd Posts: 2,380 Member
    I just make the best choices I can amongst the options available, plus portion control, log it and get back on track when I get back to my own kitchen. It's tough though when you know your family member needs to be more mindful for their own health, not just b/c you are working on your own weight. If it were just an issue of you staying on track, I'd say just do your best and worry about the rest later. But it's an issue of your MIL's health, too. Just b/c she was able to go off of the diabetes pills does not mean she'll get to stay off of them forever if she doesn't take care of herself. That being said, I'm not sure how appropriate it is to criticize or make suggestions in someone else's home when they are trying to be hospitable the best way they know how. It's a real catch-22......
  • Supercatie80
    Supercatie80 Posts: 1,802 Member
    Perhaps offer to cook a meal or two? Then you'll be sure to have at least a couple meals where you don't have to worry about what you're eating. During the other meals, drink lots of water, take small portions, go for walks or jogs, do some burpees in another room. I don't know how tough your battle is but during the holidays, I tend to let loose a little bit and get back on track when I get home.

    Good Luck!
  • PepeGreggerton
    PepeGreggerton Posts: 986 Member
    Pfft it's Christmas. I'd eat less before and after and just have a nice relaxing full carb-induced coma filled weekend.
  • tangiesharp
    tangiesharp Posts: 315 Member
    I'm not sure of the climate, but maybe go for a walk every day and take an exercise DVD with you. It would be great "me" time in case you get stressed out. That's what I did over Thanksgiving, but I was visiting Phoenix. Nice weather.
  • poustotah
    poustotah Posts: 1,121 Member
    I seriously bring my own stuff. I will go to the grocery and get food for myself and I fix it and eat it. If someone questions me I tell them the truth - I'm making a lifestyle change and your 10,000 calories of meatballs and marinara sauce don't fit into it.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    I seriously bring my own stuff. I will go to the grocery and get food for myself and I fix it and eat it. If someone questions me I tell them the truth - I'm making a lifestyle change and your 10,000 calories of meatballs and marinara sauce don't fit into it.

    8-)
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