[momma of 2]

ok so i go to class on friday and i am worried about thanksgiving and the temptations and what i can eat etc. also if i am asked to go out to eat what are some good easy choices for me to make

[Hvnlymzic]

The best advice is Don't Stress. You'll find things to eat. There are always better options.

Thanksgiving - white meat turkey breast, veggies (fresh or cooked, it not prepared with creames, etc)... Turkey is an excellent choice...very low fat if you stick with white meat. I always took raw, fresh veggies with me to family parties and snacked on them throughout the day as people went back for more food. Make a dip to take too if you'd like...16oz container of low fat cottage cheese blended with a hidden vally ranch dip mix packet. It's mostly protein and can make those veggies go down easier. Take an apple with you and slice it, top with cinnamon and sugar and microwave for a minute or so for a yummy dessert.

As far as going out is concerned. Try to choose a restraunt with a varried menu. Going to a bbq place or a soul food place or something specific, it can be harder to find a good option. Almost everywhere will have a chicken breast on the menu. Order it plain and with a side steamed veggies. There are threads with specific menu options at different places around here somewhere.

ALso...drink lots of water. Especially on holidays. I always found if I kept my mouth busy I wasn't tempted to eat more. Drinking water (HNS's too) and chewing sugar free gum always helped me. I bought boxes of sugar free gum at Costco and always had at least two different flavors with me at all times.

Ask questions at your class. They're used to dealing with holidays and eating out and other temptations. They can be really helpful. Then come back here for more clarification. Some of us have been through many many holidays OP and we'll do it again...and we'll be more than happy to help

[Razorbackbritt]

My center gave me an out to eat guide with all the restaurants in our area and what to order. Maybe you could ask if your center has that too? Its super helpful for me.

I eat out 2-3 times a week and still lose. You can do it!

Also, when eating out, remember that its OK to be picky and ask for things done your way. 98% of the time, they will accomodate you. Like I always order my veggies no butter no salt. Last night, the place we were at made their broccoli ahead of time with those things...but the chef came out and said, if you don't mind waiting a few extra minutes we can make your own special for you. It was great!

So just realize that most places use lots of butter and salt...so drink extra when you eat out and ask for no butter!

For salads, try oil and vinegar...or limes or lemons. A lot of times now, I get a salad, ask for limes and squeeze the limes on my salad for dressing then cover it with pepper. Its really yummy!

Bring your melba with you...and (as long as its ok with the other people) ask for either no bread or bring the bread with the meal. My husband likes a roll with his dinner, but he asks for only one roll on his plate, instead of the whole basket, so I am not tempted.

And if you can stand another pill, the fat and carb blocker is nice when you eat out to not ruin everything if you have to eat a little extra fat.

[Nicmom24]

Usually you can get some sort of grilled fish, lean meat or chicken with steamed veggies. Or some sort of salad with grilled chicken although you have to often ask for them to leave off carrots, croutons, cheese etc. Some restaurant meal salads have more calories than a burger so be careful. For fast food you can get a side salad and a grilled chick. sandwich and ditch the bun.

If I know what restaurant I'll be going to I find it helpful to check out the menu online so I can review my options ahead of time.

[hatethesweatpants]

I always save my steak or salmon for going out. I usually order the 6oz filet (cut off a chunk and hand it to my hubby) or a nice piece of salmon. For sides, I do steamed veggies or salad and a tiny bit of rice (like 1/4c). Brown rice and sweet potatoes are on the gluten free menu, and they told me I could substitute only when I go out - and it's really like less than a handful. It actually feels like a treat after days on end of chicken salad!

[momma of 2]

thanks everyone for your advice. i was kind of having a pity party yesterday because the thought of not eating what i wanted was making me sad. i definately have an emotional attatchment to food. after seeing my weight loss this week and thinking about all the years i ate what i wanted and gained the weight then it is worth it. thanks again

[ImOverIt]

Way to go momma of 2!! I have pity parties sometimes (like yesterday when I was at the mall and smelled the yummy food and knew there was a treat around every corner) but I quickly realized that the reason I was at the mall was to "shop" for when I'm thinner and can fit into normal size clothing. I was excited then and over myself, lol. Congrats on a good week and feeling better today after WI and as you go into the weekend!! Also, our center put out a menu with recipes for Thanksgiving...maybe yours will have one too!? Good luck - have a wonderful weekend everyone!!