South Beach Diet - How would you deal with this ?

Ok so...I'd planned ahead to start P1 at a 'good' time for me, ie, not a time I'm going to be eating out a lot or a time when those TOTM cravings are likely to make it tougher, and also I'm working through the Beck book again so I'd set a date a couple weeks in advance to start my P1. I know from previous experience that I need to do a completely clean P1 so I have to know that I can eat my own meals that I planned etc

Just found out that on my very first day of P2, working with my current plan for when to start, I'm going to be out for dinner. That wouldn't be a problem - I find restaurant eating relatively easy on P2 - but the menu is set in advance. I just looked at it and every single course is going to contain starchy carbs and/or sugar. The restaurant is happy to change one course but it's a Tasting Menu, it's been specially planned for our group and to deviate from all the courses would make it pointless.

So to get to the point :dizzy: - how would you handle it? I'm thinking like this - follow P1 as planned. Go to the dinner, first day of what should be P2. Try to pass up the bread and alcohol and eat each course sensibly, but then do P1 again for a few days afterward.
I've struggled with transition to P2 in the past and I am so scared that this meal is going to set off all my cravings and undo all my good work.

Help please !

I think you have the right mindset. If you see that the foods are causing cravings, do a few days of Phase 1 again.

It's tough when there aren't options, but what I love about SB is that it is made to work with our lives.

Good luck!

I would personally, dealing with the same transition issues you have, do one of two things:

Skip out altogether
or
request a salad specifically for you.

Maybe if you post the menu we can help? I have the same issues with P2 though so I hear you! Glad you are forward thinking :)

I think your ideas are very sensible. I struggle with the eatting out as well as my husband reviews restaurants and I get to go with him. I would stick with your current plan, but be mindful of the courses when you eat them. If there are things your can not eat on the plate (i.e. potatoes, rice, etc....) try to not eat those items. And remember portion control. I know with tasting menus that the serving sizes of each plate often time appears to be small, but once you've eaten every plate I often find myself beyond full. So try to eat only half of each serving. And remember, you can have a small glass of wine each day on phase 2, so if you can handle it, feel free.
Good luck!!!

Tough one, but not insurmountable. You've got a great approach, but here's another suggestion -- which you have probably already thought of: Have your dinner before you go. You'll find it much easier to pass up all those temptations on the tasting menu, or at least to leave a substantial portion behind after just a mouthful. And bonus: You're totally in control!

Best of luck in this challenge. Rae

I agree that you should eat something beforehand so you will be less tempted to go off plan. At the restaurant you can pass on the bread, potatoes or pasta, and scrape any sauces off your meat or fish. A spoonful or two of dessert should be enough to satisfy you, and eat it slowly to savor it. And enjoy a nice glass of wine with your meal, it's even recommended on Phase 2. :)
I hope this helps, and good luck!

Yes a pre-meal will help. It'll stop you from indulging!