Family Cookout!
beatingobesityforlife
Posts: 121 Member
My family is having a cookout soon, with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks, etc..and I am frightened! I do not know what I am gonna do, I have a problem eating everything...and I blame it on when I was raised I was given the "Kids overseas hardly get to eat" speech so I would eat my food, so now I automatically think I shouldn't leave leftovers!!
I do not know when to stop or listen to my hunger cues when I see food leftover, because in my mind it's like if I don't eat it, it will get thrown away, and I hate to think of perfectly good food being thrown away, but at the same time do not want to eat on hot dogs and chips for a week!
If you have any advice, or tips please share them!
I do not know when to stop or listen to my hunger cues when I see food leftover, because in my mind it's like if I don't eat it, it will get thrown away, and I hate to think of perfectly good food being thrown away, but at the same time do not want to eat on hot dogs and chips for a week!
If you have any advice, or tips please share them!
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Replies
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Make sure there are a lot of fresh fruits and veggies as sides and if you feel you need to eat, grab those. You can always make yourself a turkey dog (which are really good) or a turkey burger (also delish), but only allow yourself one.0
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As a foodie I understand your dilemma but how important is it for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I would consider avoiding the cookout if the temptation is too great!!!!
If you really want to attend the cookout eat healthy foods before you get there.0 -
Tell yourself: 'Being slim is more important to me than over eating, if I want to have more then I must counter that extra food with exercise. Over-eating will only satisfy me for a very short amount of time, but if I resist I will feel very proud of myself and I will be stronger for it.
This is how I have to talk to myself everyday. 0 -
I too find myself slightly nervous about any upcoming cookouts this summer. Which usually involves hamburgers, hot dogs, most people always buy white bread/buns, potato salad, noodle salads, desserts. *ugh*
I just picked up some turkey dogs (Ball Park turkey franks) at the store and will try those at home first. I am not a big hot dog eater but there is something about having to have at least 1 or 2 over the summer. lol
So far no cookouts on the agenda just yet, but I know with more upcoming holidays there will be.
If I like those hot dogs, I think I will just start bringing my own to any cookouts. I have pretty much decided I don't give a sh%t and if people want to give me crap about it then oh well. I'll probably bring my own fruit (salad) some peoples version of fruit salad is dumping fruit in whip cream or pudding/jello. Or if it's burger they cook, I'll bring one of my turkey burgers from home. I don't even eat that on a bun. I just like some grilled peppers and onion on top.
I know some people are pretty anti-hot dog and that's fine. I tried to pick the best option. These were lower cals than other brands, less fat than other brands, less sodium that other brands.
Good luck to you. The best choice might just be you bringing your own food to cook.0 -
I go for Ball Park FF hot dogs and Boca vegan burgers with whole wheat or high fiber buns. Get some baked chips, try to stay away from heavy salads, and load up on fruits (watermelon!!) and veggies. I'm a firm believer in bringing my own food in order to control portions. You can offer to make dessert and do fresh strawberries (mashed to bring juices from berries), a fat free angel food cake and fat free cool whip.
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When i have a family cookout to go to, my answer to the problem is usually "cheat day". xD0
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I haven't found a healthy or tasty replacement to hot dogs (never a big fan anyway) but I'd recommend bringing veggie burgers (my favorite is morningstar chix patties). 140 cal a piece, so the worst part of it is the bread and cheese.0
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Would it help to share the dilemma with your family and ask for their support in making the food healthier and taking away the leftovers so you don't feel compelled to eat them? you're probably not the only one in the family who has mixed feeligns about the day and what it's going to do to their diet so maybe if you can find some allies in the family who you can work with to help each other stay on track, that might help. Obviously i don't know your family, they might not be that supportive!0
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My family is having a cookout soon, with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks, etc..and I am frightened! I do not know what I am gonna do, I have a problem eating everything...and I blame it on when I was raised I was given the "Kids overseas hardly get to eat" speech so I would eat my food, so now I automatically think I shouldn't leave leftovers!!
I do not know when to stop or listen to my hunger cues when I see food leftover, because in my mind it's like if I don't eat it, it will get thrown away, and I hate to think of perfectly good food being thrown away, but at the same time do not want to eat on hot dogs and chips for a week!
If you have any advice, or tips please share them!
Youre the adult now, so you cant blame the way you were raised anymore because now you have the choices to make for yourself that only you can make. Do you want to continue under those same beliefs? Obviously not so make the choice not to. You simply cannot blame them anymore.
You know you dont have to finish what is on your plate. Thats another choice you have to be willing to make for yourself. There are no rules that state you must eat everything on your plate. If you dont finish your food, simply wrap it up and put it in the fridge for later - its as easy as that.
Instead of participating in the problem, be part of the solution: bring something along that you know you can eat. Bring a protein that you know you can eat and ask them to grill it up for you - again, very easy and simple. Enjoy a hamburger (if you can eat bread, I dont know what food-choices you have chosen for yourself), or if they plan on having chicken, have the chicken.
Whenever I throw a BBQ, everyone is told they are more than willing to bring a dish with them. I always provide the proteins, vegetable kebabs, and a variety of salads. That way if there is a family member having it a little rough, they know they dont have to provide and I always have plenty of food.
Food is not something to be stressing over. Eating too much will make you gain weight, but the rate your going with the unnecessary stress you are willingly putting on yourself, you are causing your body to create Cortisol - that puts weight on you.
Learn to adapt, take control and dont stress over this - its simply not worth it.0 -
The Jennie-O Turkey and Cheese Hot Dogs are very good. Even my daughter/wife love them. You can eat them without the bun. Fresh fruit is always an excellent side to take. Most people like Melons, berries, pineapple, etc. It disappears fast.0
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I think getting over this way of thinking is one of the best things you'll ever do for yourself. I used to be the same way, but at some point your realize that the food is going to be wasted regardless. Either it's going to end up in your garbage, or on your body as fat. But either is a waste, because clearly your body did not need that food.
Try to have some healthy options on hand. A fruit salad, whole grain pasta salad with lots of veggies, whole grain buns, etc. And try not to over buy and cook so that there aren't many leftovers. Also, if you have relatives at the picnic that are collage students or a young couple without much money or someone else who would appreciate your leftovers, give it to them to take home. If not, freeze what you can for another day and toss the rest in the garbage bin.0 -
The Hillshire Farms Turkey Pepperjack Sausages are a great sub for a brat with only 100 calories each and great taste plus more filling than a hotdog. I also like the FF Ball Park hotdogs if I am wanting a hotdog and 93% lean hamburger patties are a good option too. There are also several options available for light buns that have 60-80 calories per bun instead of the normal 120-180 calories in regular buns. The light buns tend to have more fiber too.
Also, as with any kind of potluck/cookout, always take a healthy option so that you know you can have at least one side or dessert without guilt. I always offer to take either a veggie tray or a garden salad. I like to make my own coleslaw, too. I simply use shredded cabbage and carrot, sprinkle with black pepper and then add enough light mayo or light Miracle Whip to moisten. If you like your more wilted instead of crunchy then add a little vinegar. I use the light Miracle Whip and I use about 1 T. per 1/2 cup of coleslaw mix for less then 30 calories per 1/2 serving. Not bad when deli coleslaw is more like 150 calories per 1/2 cup.
The mashed strawberries with ff angel food cake and ff cool whip mentioned earlier is a great dessert option as is a fruit tray or a fresh fruit salad.
You'll do great, I'm sure!0 -
As a foodie I understand your dilemma but how important is it for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I would consider avoiding the cookout if the temptation is too great!!!!
If you really want to attend the cookout eat healthy foods before you get there.
oh that gives me an idea, I can eat a small healthy meal right before I leave, and then take water with me so I won't drink any sodas
Thank you! 0 -
Tell yourself: 'Being slim is more important to me than over eating, if I want to have more then I must counter that extra food with exercise. Over-eating will only satisfy me for a very short amount of time, but if I resist I will feel very proud of myself and I will be stronger for it. This is how I have to talk to myself everyday.
Just reading that has inspired me. I know that would help me, just to teach my self and re think my habits 0 -
I too find myself slightly nervous about any upcoming cookouts this summer. Which usually involves hamburgers, hot dogs, most people always buy white bread/buns, potato salad, noodle salads, desserts. *ugh*
I just picked up some turkey dogs (Ball Park turkey franks) at the store and will try those at home first. I am not a big hot dog eater but there is something about having to have at least 1 or 2 over the summer. lol
So far no cookouts on the agenda just yet, but I know with more upcoming holidays there will be.
If I like those hot dogs, I think I will just start bringing my own to any cookouts. I have pretty much decided I don't give a sh%t and if people want to give me crap about it then oh well. I'll probably bring my own fruit (salad) some peoples version of fruit salad is dumping fruit in whip cream or pudding/jello. Or if it's burger they cook, I'll bring one of my turkey burgers from home. I don't even eat that on a bun. I just like some grilled peppers and onion on top.
I know some people are pretty anti-hot dog and that's fine. I tried to pick the best option. These were lower cals than other brands, less fat than other brands, less sodium that other brands.
Good luck to you. The best choice might just be you bringing your own food to cook.
Thank you so much! I never thought about adding veggies to a turkey patty instead of bread, that is a great idea0 -
I go for Ball Park FF hot dogs and Boca vegan burgers with whole wheat or high fiber buns. Get some baked chips, try to stay away from heavy salads, and load up on fruits (watermelon!!) and veggies. I'm a firm believer in bringing my own food in order to control portions. You can offer to make dessert and do fresh strawberries (mashed to bring juices from berries), a fat free angel food cake and fat free cool whip.
:flowerforyou: Thank you!!!0 -
Would it help to share the dilemma with your family and ask for their support in making the food healthier and taking away the leftovers so you don't feel compelled to eat them? you're probably not the only one in the family who has mixed feeligns about the day and what it's going to do to their diet so maybe if you can find some allies in the family who you can work with to help each other stay on track, that might help. Obviously i don't know your family, they might not be that supportive!
My mom is really supportive, she is watching what she eats as well..i will prob just go on a walk after we are all done eating, just a short walk, and to focus on what my goal is. Thank you 0 -
have will power! you CAN say no, so do it!
wouldnt it be considerate of you to take some food as well?
take some chicken, or some ground turkey, or some morningstar patties, or a veggie platter!
avoid the chips and the breads.
cut up a burger and top a salad with it.
water water water.
if people give you **** for eating healthy, that should just fuel your desire to keep kickin *kitten*!
"what are you...eatin all healthy now?"
"YUP"
done deal.
you CAN do it!
*ETA*
there are great variety of chicken sausages that taste FANTASTIC! my wife is a fan of the sundried tomato ones, and i'm partial to the chipotle ones. good stuff!0 -
My family is having a cookout soon, with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks, etc..and I am frightened! I do not know what I am gonna do, I have a problem eating everything...and I blame it on when I was raised I was given the "Kids overseas hardly get to eat" speech so I would eat my food, so now I automatically think I shouldn't leave leftovers!!
I do not know when to stop or listen to my hunger cues when I see food leftover, because in my mind it's like if I don't eat it, it will get thrown away, and I hate to think of perfectly good food being thrown away, but at the same time do not want to eat on hot dogs and chips for a week!
If you have any advice, or tips please share them!
Youre the adult now, so you cant blame the way you were raised anymore because now you have the choices to make for yourself that only you can make. Do you want to continue under those same beliefs? Obviously not so make the choice not to. You simply cannot blame them anymore.
You know you dont have to finish what is on your plate. Thats another choice you have to be willing to make for yourself. There are no rules that state you must eat everything on your plate. If you dont finish your food, simply wrap it up and put it in the fridge for later - its as easy as that.
Instead of participating in the problem, be part of the solution: bring something along that you know you can eat. Bring a protein that you know you can eat and ask them to grill it up for you - again, very easy and simple. Enjoy a hamburger (if you can eat bread, I dont know what food-choices you have chosen for yourself), or if they plan on having chicken, have the chicken.
Whenever I throw a BBQ, everyone is told they are more than willing to bring a dish with them. I always provide the proteins, vegetable kebabs, and a variety of salads. That way if there is a family member having it a little rough, they know they dont have to provide and I always have plenty of food.
Food is not something to be stressing over. Eating too much will make you gain weight, but the rate your going with the unnecessary stress you are willingly putting on yourself, you are causing your body to create Cortisol - that puts weight on you.
Learn to adapt, take control and dont stress over this - its simply not worth it.
Everything you have said is so true, and thank you for being honest with me! I am definately taking notes on all of this and am applying it to my life. As far as bread, I may eat a piece once or twice a week, but only 100% whole grain or maybe 100% whole wheat.0 -
Everything you have said is so true, and thank you for being honest with me! I am definately taking notes on all of this and am applying it to my life. As far as bread, I may eat a piece once or twice a week, but only 100% whole grain or maybe 100% whole wheat.
Honestly speaking, it used to be like this with my mother. But, it got WORSE real fast when she asked me why I wouldnt eat anything else. The whole live-a-little (cant do it her way, I end up with Insulin Shock), you-can-enjoy-it-today (gotta balance out my intake - Im taking prescriptions), and the constant pushing of food and alcohol, I finally said to myself, I dont need this and I shouldnt have to fight with my family about this each and every damn time Im invited. So I solved the problem: I refuse to go over anymore. And its not just food, but her being a food pusher is to the extreme, she is an alcoholic and is not happy unless people are pigging out on the food and pounding back alcoholic drinks. She wont ask - she just gets up and makes bulk of everything and starts serving.
Some people have said "thats the role of the Mom, to feed everyone until they are happy" .... Insert every vulgar word here because THAT IS NOT right. I DONT DO THIS with my kid when she comes over to visit. I made it very clear to my daughter, when you come over, make yourself at home. If you are hungry, go to the fridge and find something you want. If you are thirsty, we have plenty of iced-tea, ice cold water, etc. Help yourself - I wont push anything. I wont because its damn insensitive to do it that way. Its wrong. My daughter feels more at home here than she does at Grandma's house (My mom)... she doesnt feel like she has to make her grandmother happy by stuffing her face.
Im glad to see you do have your mother willing to understand your predicament though. But dont let this BBQ be your excuse to go hog-wild though. If your mom is 'right there' with you on the same playing field, then see if she can make some good foods available....0 -
I'm sure plenty of people are in a similar situation this summer. There are a couple things you can do to keep on the right track, in the face of a food assault.
I think the recommendation that you eat something beforehand is a good. Try to eat a breakfast with a higher amount of protein so that you will be full longer. Nuts also help me feel satisfied longer. Bring an apple so that you can munch on that right before everyone starts on the cookout. If you want to eat a meal right before, that is a good option. But I think the problem with the cookout is more "social eating" than being hungry, so that it something you will have to confront.
Another recommendation is to do a controlled (!) "cheat day." To stay at your weekly goal, you could, say cut 100 calories Monday through Friday, which would put you at a 500 calorie surplus for your family cookout day. Now, this wouldn't give you license to go completely crazy, but it would give you a little more leeway to indulge one day. And, I would suggest eating very cleanly and balanced on Mon-Fri. I think it's perfectly fine to give yourself a bit of flexibility in your diet. (Some people think these kind of diets help you lose fat by "confusing" your body--I'm not sure about this, though.)
On days of family feasting, though, you have to practice a little more mindfulness. It may help to think about your health/diet goals instead of the food (this helps me resist temptation sometimes). Make a (reasonable) plan in your head about what and how much you will eat. Tasting some of the higher-cal food is not going to ruin everything, but you do have to make sure you're limiting your portion sizes. Also, think about easy ways to avoid calories. For example, a burger is delicious, but the bun is generally empty and flavorless calories, so don't eat the bun. Don't butter the corn on the cob. Don't put mayo on the cheeseburger. Etc.
One thing that might help is to go for a walk once you've eaten your planned amount instead of sitting around getting tempted by food. When you get back from the walk, your brain will likely have processed that it's full and the food won't look as appealing anymore. Oh, and!! drink plenty of WATER! I've read that being thirsty can make one eat more, and I find drinking a full glass of water before a meal helps me. Good luck!0
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