Quote:
Originally Posted by Spoole
I'm pretty new at IP as well ... and forums all together. I'm into week 4 and getting worried about Christmas coming up ... does anyone have any ideas of how to get through it without cheating?
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Welcome Spoole and congrats on your losses so far!
This has been a challenging season for me but I've found that planning is key to staying OP through it. Here's a few thoughts (and it's early and I haven't had enough coffee):
1. For parties, if you can offer to bring something and then make sure it's something you can eat. I always offer to bring a veggie tray and then add a dip I can eat (look for the mockamole recipe, it's really good) along with one other people will like. For family gatherings it can be pretty easy to ask that your veggies be prepped without sauce, etc. or bring your own that you can pop in the microwave. You can usually find plain protein - I've eaten a lot of turkey and fish this year.
2. If it's a restaurant or catered affair, call ahead and ask if they can prepare your food the way you want. I've found no resistance to this as long as you ask in advance. I've used the excuse "the doctor has me on a gluten and dairy free diet" and then just let people assume I have allergies (which is sort of true, certain foods make me break out in fat!).
3. You can always eat ahead of time and keep spare packets with you for emergencies (which I do all the time anyway).
4. When the temptations arise, drink a cup of decaf tea or water - it really does help.
5. Most of all, remember that the season should be about the people, not the food. Make the Christmas season all about connecting with the people and sharing and not the food.
I'm sure others will chime in with more advice, that was just off the top of my head. You can do this - the more you stay on plan the easier it gets, keep using that determination muscle!
Starting IP!!
