How exactly do you tell someone that you can't really eat the food they prepared because it is too greasy?

Especially when this person is your mom???


Not all of her food is super greasy, just this one dish she often prepares... chicken tacos.

Honestly, I don't even like them because they are so greasy, but now that I'm trying to be hardcore about losing weight, I know that it is NOT something I want in my body at all.

I just don't know how to say anything to her because she'll take it as an insult of her cooking.

Ay ay ay. Help please? x a billion

How exactly does she prepare them to make them so greasy? Could you perhaps help her alter the way she makes them? Less oil, etc? Perhaps a "Mom I love your chicken tacos, but I can't eat them as much as I would like when I'm trying to lose weight, do you think we could work together to make them more diet friendly?"

Or, as a last ditch resort, maybe just make or bring a healthy side dish or salad of your own to bring. That way you can have a small portion of tacos and fill up on salad?

I definately wouldn't just come out and say they are too greasy. But, if you know ahead of time that she is going to be making them you may could just make other plans for dinner, go out with friends or something. I don't have this problem with my mother, but I do with my grandmother. Sometimes I just have to swear I am not hungry, I must be coming down with something If it does turn out to be a weekly thing or something you may just have to explain to your mother that a food like that will have to be a treat you indulge in every once and a while.

Does she fry the tortillas??
My roommate and I used to fry the tortillas until we started Weight Watchers...

you could just put a few tortillas for yourself aside..and then heat them up on the pan before you put your tacos together.

That's what I suggest to do, just find out which part of the meal is too fattening and come up with an alternate way to make it just for yourself...

for example if it is homemade pizza...you could make one portion of it with less cheese and more veggies..

something along those lines

otherwise I would just tell her that you are trying to eat healthier and need to make wiser choices

I would just come out and tell her that they aren't in your points, or calories or whatever. My BIL made homemade hot wings the other night and I was the only one to say no. They pushed and pushed until all the excuses weren't working and I finally told them, I've already plugged my dinner into my daily plate and I only have 30 cals left. They stopped when they knew I meant business.

Have you told her about your weight loss efforts?

If so (or you might now want to) you could simply say that they're really an "every once in a great while" treat for you.

Or! Ask her if you can help her prepare them. And then "help" her by mentioning if you think there's enough oil or something.

I second the offering to help her "make dinner" then you can see how they are prepared and where all of the extra oil comes from. Then give some constructive ways to maybe help reduce some of the excess oil.

This kind of amuses me because I just kind of yell at my mom -- "stop free pouring the damn olive oil!!!!" She's always been thin so she doesn't "get" the fact that yes, olive oil is a "good" fat but it's still high in calories.

I guess I don't worry too much about etiquette with my mom. =/

Also, I have largely taken over the cooking in our house.....

lol nineteen
i just found out we're having steak tonight...big weakness but i know whose preparing them and he should know that i like my steaks a certain way and i kind of hope someone gets a good cut and not alot of fat

I make chicken tacos for dinner sometimes because you can make them fairly healthy, I use those 50 calorie 'tortilla factory' brand tortillas (for soft tacos), some grilled chicken strips, and pico de gallo (which I buy at the store, but you could just chop up some tomatoes, onions and peppers), overall a pretty healthy meal, so maybe if she would be receptive you could have her alter the recipe with something similar to what I've been doing.... or at least cut the grease somehow from her recipe, I guess depending what she's making hers with thats causing the problem?

Maybe if you can't tell her the true reason you don't want to eat them or change the recipe without her being offended say you think some ingredient she uses is making you break out or you've been getting indigestion after eating the tacos...maybe say you had tacos for lunch that day, every time she wants to make them...I don't know if thats any better...sheesh, I'm no help!

For me if there is too much grease in my food it really upsets my stomach so maybe you could say that since you are trying to lose weight you would like to cut back on the greasier foods. Or even bring an alternative recipe to try, like maybe a way to make them healthier.

I think helping her cook is a good idea. I dont know if I would try to change the recipe because she might feel insulted that way. Maybe you could set aside some of the chicken - if thats the oily part. I know my friend puts A LOT of oil in the chicken to make tacos. I think you should let your mom know you are trying to watch your calories and set aside some of the chicken and make your own pan of it. I don't think she would mind that. However, I don't have that issue with my mom so I can't really say what would be offensive. I am very outspoken with my family and there are no hard feelings. Hope it works out for you.

My mom appericates the fact that I lost so much weight and has been super supportive. Once I tell her my diet restrictions she has no problem accomedating them (even if it is cook me something special or buying special products like fat free milk). I think the best tip with your mother is to be honest about the weight loss and that this doesn't fit with your new lifestyle. Make suggestions of improvements (like the plain tortias, or putting the meat in a salad for you with lettuces, tomatos, and onions with a salsa dressing) and offer to bring fat free or reduced fat sour cream, light cheese, ect.

Good luck and stay strong.

Thanks everyone for all of your answers and support!! When I told my mom today that I lost 2 lbs this past week, she told me "good job!" and that she also needs/wants to lose weight, so I'm going to try and use that notion as a little guide to say "hey, for our weight loss journey, let's make this a little healthier..."

Again, thank you everyone.

This forum makes me reeeeeeal happy.