Lose weight the fun way.

Posted on September 9, 2014

Food is social for me. One of my favorite ways to connect with people is by sharing a meal or ice cream or the cucumbers from the garden. I know that for me to succeed with this challenge I need to overcome the social expectations that surround eating.

Let me give you a few examples just from this week:

Tonight I am going to my partner's father's birthday BBQ. There will be an abundance of food, including cake. There are all kinds of social expectations around the food given that various family members will have made different dishes. I have been told straight out that eating a slice of cake is expected. I accept that, but it doesn't need to be a big slice of cake.

On Thursday, my coworkers are having a going-away lunch for me (I'm taking a new job later this month). I've requested we go somewhere with healthy options, so I hope to be able to snag a big filling salad and sidestep the issue.

The thing is, when people notice you're not eating like everyone else, they tend to comment, at least in my world. I really don't feel like opening up about exactly what I'm doing diet-wise to the extended family or my soon-to-be-ex coworkers. I don't want to hear "Oh [that food] isn't not bad for you, try some." or "A little won't hurt." I don't need the temptation.

I got this. I know what I'm doing. While I will listen politely to any such talk, but it's not going to change my mind and I am bound and determined it's not going to throw me off track.

I went for a run this morning to get my exercise in for the day before the BBQ and I'm tracking my calories. I'm going to portion control myself to pieces tonight.

Comment Now!

LizzyinJapan

09/09/2014 6:25PM

I can relate to people offering food, insisting I should just try some or just have one piece. After about 6 months of me explaining my diet plan, they FINALLY stopped asking. You just have to be strong, and dont be afraid to offend your family members. Sometimes the closest people in your life can be your worst enemy when it comes to dieting. They don't understand what you are doing and don't want to see you make big changes in your life.
It's great they made a cake for the BBQ. Why do you have to destroy your diet just to make them happy? Make yourself happy and control your choices. :) Stand up to your family and eventually they will understand your journey and support you!

Sarah E.

I hear you. I think there's a balance though. I want to be strong with what I'm doing, but not inflexible. If one piece of cake or one night of social expectations can throw me off track, then there's no way I am going to be able to keep weight off over the long-term. I think they support me, but they know not what they do. :)

Jojo

09/09/2014 11:18AM

You are focused ....some days are easier than others! As for as socializing, my temptation is the Wine! On weekends, my hubby and I forget about the diet and usually gain back what we have tried so hard to lose during the week! Willpower on weekends sux! I have to be more disciplined ..... Dietbet makes it more interesting! I am ready to see a new me in 28 days! I hope that for all of you too, let's have fun together and I am sure we can do this!

Sarah E. likes this comment.

ellen

09/09/2014 10:19AM

Good luck! I know what it's like to have family expectations around food. Everyone has their favorite dish to share and want it to be enjoyed. Perhaps you can bring something that is healthy and you know you can eat it, which might help take the edge off of being surrounded by unhealthy choices. When eating out, its always important to order first.

summerdresses likes this comment.

Sarah E.

That's a great idea! Not sure I'll have time, but let me see if I can make that work!