I am TERRIFIED of this weekend. It is my little girl's second birthday party and I have to make all sorts of yummy snack foods for everyone to eat. Not to mention, I am making her cake.

Besides eating something healthy before I cook anything....do you all have any tips on how to stay OP amidst all of the yummy goodness?!

Melissa, I feel for you. I have a 2 year old myself and have been through the same thing.

First, don't be terrified. Use it as a learning tool. Unfortunately, there is no magic to staying OP during a party. All it comes down to is you making the decision to stay OP in the midst of all the goodies. If I have learned anything during my journey, it is how losing the weight isn't just a physical thing. It's just as much a mental thing. You have to decide for yourself how important it is to stay OP during the party. If you decide to indulge in the goodies, you need to accept responsiblity for it and the results and feelings that come from it. Whatever you decide to do, just remember it's your choice.

If it helps you mentally to stay OP, maybe set up a reward for yourself. For instance, if you stay OP during the party, treat yourself to a manicure or a new top, or whatever.

Good luck!

Or just hope you are so busy running around and making sure everything is taken care of that you will not have time to dive headfirst into the cake

Seriously though, if you can avoid being around it, the temptation will be less. They have birthday parties at least once a month at my job, and always with cake and cookies and whatnot. I have just told them I cannot be around it (it is awkward anyway just sitting there while everyone else eats). If you absolutely, positivley, have to have something sweet, eat an apple or some other fruit you like. Or make yourself a 1 person brownie with the hot coco mix.

Oh gosh, I know how you feel! I recently went to a big birthday party and didn't eat one thing there. I ate before we went and I carried around a glass of Crystal Light and an empty plate (I know -- sad) but I felt a lot more comfortable and survived the party!!

When it comes to birthdays for my husband, son and daughter, I allow myself some cake. They are 5 and 2.5 and having cake is a big deal so I give myself the ok and then get right back on program.

Sorry if none of this helps. The fact that you are planning on how to deal with the situation ahead of time says a lot about your commitment. You'll do just fine. JenB72 said it just right: "If you decide to indulge in the goodies, you need to accept responsibility for it and the results and feelings that come from it. Whatever you decide to do, just remember it's your choice."

Have fun at the party! It will all be ok

Thanks for the support ladies! I am working on the menu and my mouth is watering. I am going to plan to eat lunch RIGHT before and bring plenty of water with me. I am actually not a HUGE cake fan, so I should be able to resist that. It is the chips and queso that will be daunting. Hopefully, with all of the activity, I will be too busy to grab any! LoL

Or... is there a substitute version of what you're making that you can have? For example, if I want nachos or whatever, I try some melba toast and some melted cheese on top with a couple of slices of tomato...

Just a thought...

Brush your teeth, and pop in a piece of gum while you are baking! This works for me Sucking a piece of sugar free candy while serving...etc..keep your mouth busy!

Melissa, how did the party go?

The party went well overall. I drank lots more water and had an extra HNS. I limited myself to 5 chips with queso and that was it. I was so busy, I barely had time to grab anything!

Great job! Congrats!

So happy for you! Way to go!!

And I lost 1.5 lbs even with the party! SOOOO excited!

Yay! Congratulations! You did it!