So I have been cruising along doing well on my new plan and then bam! Last week my sweet little son tells me that for his birthday dinner he would like to go out for fish and chips. WHAT?!?!?!?!
So okay, I'm thinking it's fine. Just one day right? Well I have been obsessing about it ever since. For almost a week I have been freaking out about it.
His birthday is tomorrow and we have a reservation at our favorite fish and chips place. I LOVE FISH AND CHIPS!! I don't know what to do. I looked up the points total for it and it will fit into my daily plan but still. In the back of my head I know I can use those points much more effectively with healthy bulky foods that will keep me full all day. I hate to blow most of my daily calories in one meal.
Sigh.....
Plus, It's an all you can eat place and I am afraid that once I get there I will go totally overboard. Everything there is deep fried.
Wish me luck peeps....I'm going to need it!

Good luck! Drink lots of water before your meal arrives.

I agree, drink tons of water, eat only what you pre-planned, enlist family members for help if necessary (tell your husband you're only eating x and if he sees you going back for y to remind you not to) also see if you can fill up with a salad or a small snack before dinner.

Good luck!

Is there a different place you can go that isn't all you can eat? If you go there, can you have other things besides fish and chips?

Good luck! You've planned ahead so that is a good start.

Its just one meal! I would just go, enjoy it, and then work my butt off with exercise to counteract it! Ive had many many many cheat meals in the last few months and Im still doing great and still losing!

I make exceptions for special occasions. If its something you love then enjoy it. Even if you dont want to completely go all out for the one meal just use moderation! Moderation is my friend! =)

Good luck!

Ah, tough decision! I agree that if you can find a place that isn't all you can eat you'd be better off. Then you could divide your meal in half before you ate any of it and take it home.

But as it is, maybe you could preplan with your husband what you're planning to have like nineoceansaway suggested and then take it a step further and maybe as DH to load your plate for you.

That's the only way I could survive and old place where I'd developed bad habits. I can not, for instance, eat at a chinese buffet. Too many bad habits.

Good luck! I know it's going to be tough!!

Only YOU can control what goes on (or in!!!) best best best of luck to you!!!

Here you go.
It's only one day and only one meal. Try to eat something beforehand to take the edge off. How about not eating the batter and just the fish. Maybe even limit the number of chips or none at all. Definitely plan on working off those extra calories.

We are all different. It took me 30 years to learn that my "moderation" mode does not work. I think it is great if you can do it.

I also have to be careful of those special occasions. I once counted up all my normal "special" occasions, holidays, family birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It averaged to about 2 a month. I can easily blow a week with a special occasion so if I could easily lose half of my time. Then I probably also would not be able to stay on plan the remainder of the time because the cravings would be in full gear.

Since the points for this meal can be worked into your plan, I would eat something to help me fill up before going and then eat a small amount of the fish and chips. Try to focus on your son instead of the food.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

what she said ^^^^^

Good luck!

Good luck! And, happy birthday to your son. Hope you all enjoy the evening. Let us know how it turns out.

Gotta take your son to his favorite restaurant for his birthday and he won't have as much fun if you are stressed or not eating. I agree with what nineoceansaway. Decide exactly how much you are going to eat and stick to it. As for knowing you could be using your calories more wisely just keep telling yourself that you are doing for your son's enjoyment. Heck I bet you do a million things for him every day. This is just one more.

Stay strong.

I also think it helps to eat a big lettuce salad with a tiny bit of dressing before you go. Maybe you could get only one plate of food. No second helpings. You said it can fit in your points. Go and enjoy the festivities and good luck with the food.

PS - if it is a buffet - sit NOT facing the food.