I don't want to offend anyone!!!

janellybelly
janellybelly Posts: 112
edited September 18 in Health and Weight Loss
I think the hardest thing for me and my new lifestyle is that none of my (extended) family understands the true change. (in my eating habbits) I know they all understand that I want to lose weigh & be more healthy...but when it comes to the food they think that it's ALL about portion size. So what I am getting at is when we get together with family for dinner (which food is a BIG thing on both sides) there is never "Healthy" food. It is always casseroles, fried, dipped, gravied...etc. Now I know portion size is important....but so is eating foods that are healthy for you! So my delima is that when I go and I want to stay on track I have a REALLY hard time saying no becasue either my Mom..or Mother-in-law will be offended If I don't eat what they have made! Does anyone deal with this? Do you have any tips? :frown:

Janell

Replies

  • janellybelly
    janellybelly Posts: 112
    I think the hardest thing for me and my new lifestyle is that none of my (extended) family understands the true change. (in my eating habbits) I know they all understand that I want to lose weigh & be more healthy...but when it comes to the food they think that it's ALL about portion size. So what I am getting at is when we get together with family for dinner (which food is a BIG thing on both sides) there is never "Healthy" food. It is always casseroles, fried, dipped, gravied...etc. Now I know portion size is important....but so is eating foods that are healthy for you! So my delima is that when I go and I want to stay on track I have a REALLY hard time saying no becasue either my Mom..or Mother-in-law will be offended If I don't eat what they have made! Does anyone deal with this? Do you have any tips? :frown:

    Janell
  • Omni2463
    Omni2463 Posts: 36
    Why don't you try bringing something healthy, like a salad or grilled chicken, you don't have to worry about offending them, just try and fill up on the healthy stuff and have A LITTLE of everying else. :smile:
  • catlady
    catlady Posts: 9
    I would say, don't make a big deal out of what you are or are not eating while together with family. Take some of what your loved ones have prepared if that makes them happy. Just eat a tiny bit and casually get rid of whats left on your plate. If someone notices, claim you are full, claim your tummy is upset, etc, etc. Or bring your own food and gently explain that you are on a special diet. Again, if you present it as - this is what/how I'm eating now - hopefully they understand and support your choices.
  • breakingthepath
    breakingthepath Posts: 124
    Sounds exactly like my family. My aunts take turns hosting the get togethers, and they do try to stuff everyone. Go to this one and say you're not feeling the best and offer to host the next get together. You'll be able to pick the food and burn plenty of calories while you're at it.
  • Anise6789
    Anise6789 Posts: 100 Member
    I guess if it were me, I'd keep my sense of humor,and take my own , or take a small portion, or not go. Although it would be nice, I wouldn't want to make it all about me.Do other people enjoy the current fare? If I werent dieting I would resent eating healthy because one person wants to. Such is life. Take a salad and if they're offended you have been as sensitive to thier feeling as they are to yours. This may tell them you are serious also.good luck
  • GTOgirl1969
    GTOgirl1969 Posts: 2,527 Member
    Omni was spot-on. When I go to a family gathering (my family is in the South, so it's a cookout every weekend almost:laugh: ), I offer to make the salad and I always make some grilled veggies (like red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc. I always throw a boneless skinless chicken breast on the grill too...so I can feel like I'm eating what everyone else is eating.
  • Shannon023
    Shannon023 Posts: 14,529 Member
    I think the hardest thing for me and my new lifestyle is that none of my (extended) family understands the true change. (in my eating habbits) I know they all understand that I want to lose weigh & be more healthy...but when it comes to the food they think that it's ALL about portion size. So what I am getting at is when we get together with family for dinner (which food is a BIG thing on both sides) there is never "Healthy" food. It is always casseroles, fried, dipped, gravied...etc. Now I know portion size is important....but so is eating foods that are healthy for you! So my delima is that when I go and I want to stay on track I have a REALLY hard time saying no becasue either my Mom..or Mother-in-law will be offended If I don't eat what they have made! Does anyone deal with this? Do you have any tips? :frown:

    Janell

    {{how to say delicately}} If they're not concerned with supporting you and helping you with your weight-loss goals, then I wouldn't be too concerned with hurting their feelings.

    You do what's best for you. :flowerforyou:
  • Helawat
    Helawat Posts: 605 Member
    I would do two things:

    1.) Bring my own food to gatherings;
    2.) Eat before I leave my home tat way I'm not tempted to eat the crap my family prepares.

    I don't eat anything unless I know the nutritional information. I explain that to my family and hope they understand.
  • lashonda
    lashonda Posts: 32 Member
    I have the same problem with my family. We have alot of BBQ's and there is never anything healthy. I started bringing my own steamed veggies to eat instead of the potato salad and other unhealthy sides and asking for my food with sauce. I do the same thing when we get together for a regular dinner. After a while my Mom realized this is not just a phase and before dinner she will call me to ask if any of my food needs to be cooked special.

    Keep in mind your personal health is far more important that someone elses hurt feelings and if they love you they will understand and respect you position.

    Best of luck to you.:happy:
  • kristie874
    kristie874 Posts: 774 Member
    I say bring your own. They're family and they love and support you so I see no reason for anyone to get offended, especially if you explain to them that you just LOVE their food but can't really eat it. They, of course, want to still eat their favorite foods, so aren't going to change everything up. The idea of bringing a healthy dish that you can have is a great one, too! You could also try hosting some get togethers of your own where you prepare healthy dishes and hope that some people LOVE them and ask for the recipes to make at the next gathering.
  • janellybelly
    janellybelly Posts: 112
    Thanks guys! Great tips...I will be sure to apply those. =)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories