We just got back from a week visit with family and friends and everyday we were in situations where it would have been rude and obvious to not eat
what was served. I did the best I could but I really dread getting on the scales to see what the damage is.

Nancy, I agree that it's very hard when eating around family and friends. But those situations will always come up, so you need to develop a plan for it. My family understands that I eat this way, so they're OK with it. For others, I just tell them my Dr. recommended this WOE for my high cholesterol. Maybe you could come up with something similar. I also stash stuff in my purse, like string cheese, nuts, my own salad dressing or my almond butter. I also always make sure I know what is going to be served ahead of time so I can make good choices. Use this experience to form a plan of attack for the next time this happens, as it most certainly will. (I don't think it's rude to eat healthy if your health depends on it. It can be rude of others to force food on you when you don't want it. Just my opinion.)

Thanks, Anne. I am working on the social etiquitte of eating out. My motto, "Where there's a will there's a way." I appreciate your suggestions.

The bottom line is it's my body and I need to take responsibility for it. If I choose to eat off plan then I have made my choice, and I accept the results.

Best wishes with your choices, Nancy. I hope the scale is more forgiving then you think it will be.

ETA-I thought about this while making dinner, and it could also be helpful to post concerns before taking a trip and come up with ideas ahead of time.

Not as bad as I feared.. maybe a pound.

I do fine if we order out but if someone has worked really hard to
prepare a special meal and there are just a few of us at the table
I eat and compliment it because I know the prep and planning
was a gift to me in a way. I just try to make up for it in some other
way.

I've never thought of it quite that way. That is very sweet!