Here's the thing - if you had a more "conventional" medical condition - like diabetes or Celiac disease - that required special dietary consideration, would you hesitate? Obesity is a medical condition that gravely affects our health if we don't attend to it, yet we are so hesitant to advocate for ourselves because of it.

You wouldn't have to make her rethink her menu - it's very easy to set aside a portion of meat to be cooked without sauces or glazes, or you can offer to bring your own meat if that's easier for her. Since you don't know what's on the menu, you can't say for sure that a work-around won't be easy - or that she won't be willing to help you out! There's never any harm in ASKING, and you might be pleasantly surprised

Sylviesgirl - there is not enough protein in any of the packets to replace your lean protein. Honesty is the best policy imo. I recommend you contact your hostess ahead of time and let her know you've begun a lifestyle change (or a medically supervised weight loss program) due to health issues, and because it is so restrictive in the beginning you will bring your own food so as not to put added pressure/work on her. This is your future, and these kinds of events will come up a few times a year. Learning to deal with them is part of the program, as uncomfortable as it is, especially the first couple of times. You'll do great!

As everyone has mentioned...PLANNING has been key for me. I'm a newby too and doing IP Alternatives. After 3 weeks and having weight loss, reminding myself of the weight loss success that I have had so far keeps me from wanting the booze/chips, I don't want to start over again.

HA...I too got those looks on Mother's Day....and here at work. They keep pushing it on me and after 3 weeks, they have finally stopped.

NOW...they will tell me how healthy they are eating - haha - big difference and a much needed one for me

We're planning a trip to Houston this weekend to see friends (DW and I are both on IP). I called ahead and said we'd love to take everyone to lunch (our control on where to go and what we eat) and said for the evening meal that we have some limitations and laid them out. I mentioned which veggies we could have and the plan is to grill burgers so I think we're covered. As far as breakfast goes we'll either have a drink mix or our usual go-to Quest Bar.

On a different note, I have a "friend" that keeps commenting on my "fad" diet. I explained to him a "fad" diet is eating only watermelon or only goat cheese or standing on your head while you're eating. IP is as much a "fad" diet as Nutri-System, Jenny Craig, MediFast or others. Since he's currently twice the weight I am and doesn't use the word diet at any time I pretty much just ignore him.

I'm going to try to use my friends and family to my advantage. Instead of the usual "eat more, eat more" attitude that's all too common at BBQs and other get-togethers, I've asked a few different people to help me stay good by not suggesting that I eat more than I should/would.

Lisa, when I read about your LaCroix Coconut Water I got very excited. It would be nice to add a treat like that on occasion. I used to really enjoy soda, so I have avoided any sweet or fruity kinds of drinks. I am intrigued by the Coconut Water, though. I know you are very careful about what triggers cravings in you, so are you saying that these don't cause you cravings? I would only have one for a special occasion or vacay or something. I saw them in the store today -- no sweetener, either? That's kind of amazing. I'm kind of excited.

Please don't confuse this with coconut water, which is a real thing.
This is a flavored sparkling water: 0/0/0 and no phosphoric acid (which some sparklers can have & IP users shouldn't have)
It is flavored just like a Mendota springs lime, except this one is coconut flavor.
You are RIGHT about things causing me cravings. If something does that, I'm not having it. Nowadays when I order Quest bars, I order ONE chocolate chip cookie dough bar. I like 'em and want to have one occasionally but a box of them just calls to me from the pantry...just not worth the over-focus on food!
I don't buy boxes of the restricted crunchies, either. Sometimes my head starts working overtime on what is in the pantry. Just not worth it! Food is no longer allowed to take up that much room in my head.

No, no I know you are referring to the specific La Croix product. I saw they also have peach and lemon and plain. I SO appreciate hearing about this from you, because I know you are thorough and methodical. We are going away for my husband's birthday this weekend. It would be nice to have something special to drink in the evenings when my son is in bed and we are relaxing. (It will be just the 3 of us, so no worries about not staying OP. . . they're used to me! LOL)

I am so enjoying not being entranced by food anymore. Nothing -- not one taste or flavor -- is worth the loss of control like that ever again.

You are always so inspirational! I placed my first order from Nashua this weekend, and I have noticed that my mind has been racing with thoughts of all the yummy non-restricted treats that will be here soon (like cereal- seriously, I can't wait for more cereal. Weird). The problem with that is that, at present, I have mostly restricted options right now for "snacks". I separate them into different servings to help, but the idea of other options has been dancing in my head. It's not that I crave any particular food that i have. I think it's more about the variety. Thankfully, I have all of you to help keep me on track when my mind starts wandering off course. Your post actually helped me to walk away from eating 1/2 of a second restricted. Thanks.

Greeniris, such Aha! words: "...these kinds of events will come up a few times a year. Learning to deal with them is part of the program..." Thanks to everyone's suggestions, I've laid out a plan for OP meals to eat while away from home, and alternative, non-alcoholic drinks to sip on when out socializing. Thanks to all for the words of wisdom and your tips, tricks, & suggestions!

Love this Daily Tip from Beck Diet Solution

This Memorial Day weekend, if you’re at events and think, “It’s not fair I can’t eat normally like everyone else,” remind yourself that you are eating 100% normally for someone (of your age and gender) with your weight loss/weight maintenance goals.

I plan on making shish kabobs with jumbo shrimp and all kinds of IP friendly veggies with garlic seasoning and olive oil....everyone will want what I am having!

Can you take a couple of precooked chicken breasts or a can/packet of tuna?

For those worried about drinking, I take club soda and fresh limes, looks just like a real drink. Have it, or your Mio or other flavored waters in a pretty glass - even a wine glass.

Excellent quote...and so true!

We are heading camping tomorrow morning with a bunch of family and friends. There is a menu for the meals so I know what I can eat and what I need to bring. I have travelled several times already and pretty much have figured out what works for me. Since it will be cool where we are going, I have a selection of decaf teas for something warm and flavorful to sip on for this trip. I always take a few restricted snacks so I can indulge as I do not usually use a restricted everyday otherwise.