I thought I was through the food-choice chaos of the holidays, but I forgot the football party last night. (Which in addition to being boring and depressing, was also the scene of a lot of mini-reuben-sandwich eating...)

So then I'm through the party, and I'm thinking, "whew, back to normal..."

But I have dinner out for a friend's birthday on Friday, and I've been invited to someone's house for Sunday dinner because "we didn't get to see you over the holidays..."

I know it's my problem what I put in my mouth, but good grief--will it never end???

Thanks for letting me vent.

And while I'm moaning and complaining... ignore the ticker at the bottom--I need to get rid of that thing, I just can't seem to update it right and now I've forgotten where I started...

Nope, it sure never ends. Just as we get over the holidays, there is Valentine's and then I know those darned Girl Scouts are lurking sometime in February or March, then we have Easter. A slight lull and then you are in Season for mother's day, father's day, graduations, and summer BBQ season. Fall brings Halloween, thanksgiving and Christmas. And let's not forget birthdays, anniversarys and other assorted celebrations during the year. It's a cultural thing where celebrations are food based and I guess my best advice is to plan ahead what you are going to eat and what you aren't.

But you are indeed right. It is up to each of us what we put in our mouths. Someday the food wins, but as long as we win more times than the food does, you'll be okay. One bite of a treat won't kill you, but if you cannot stop after one (as for somethings I cannot do) I don't even start.

It never ends. My parents just ended their holiday visit, and we can get back to something like routine, which makes it easier. That isn't to say easy, but easier.

Linda's advice to plan is right on. But I'd take it a step farther, and visualize yourself turning down something when you know that would be the better choice, or taking more fruits and veggies from that tray.

And I really believe that it isn't the special occasions that trip us up, because those only come once in a while, it is the every day things. If eating at friends happens often for us, then we need to be more prepared than if it happens less often. Holidays are just days, not months.

Hope things are calming down for you. Some times are definitely tougher than others.

Anne

Luvmypup,

I have kind of felt that way too but this weekend I decided to become a pain in the butt when it came to food and keep my commitment to eat healthy and lose weight.

Every Friday morning I meet friends for coffee and by the time I get myself together, my son off to school I usually end up skipping breakfast on those days and eating when I get to the coffee house which is loaded with egg panini bread (which I indulged in last Friday), pastries, etc. This Friday I will eat before hand and stick to a nonfat, sugarfree soy latte.

We went to two dinners: one at a friend's and another at a relative's house and I politely asked what was being served and if they would mind if I brought a healthy lowfat side dish or two to share with everyone. They were thrilled. I ate my side dishes and whatever else was served that fit my needs. I even brought berries for dessert (while they all ate brownies). It felt good and noone seemed to care. I usually have a hard time when the food is front of me esp. at social outings but since I planned like Anne said, it made it easier to stick to goal.

I also got rid of everything tempting and I mean EVERYTHING in the house. I buy treats for son and husband that I don't like.

Hope you're doing better

Charlene