Hi there, all...

I've got a dilemma. I'm just beginning this program, am on Day 2 of the FF phase, and this coming Friday, have a company Christmas dinner to attend. The problem is that this is the buffet menu:

Sliced Barbecue Brisket of Beef
Hickory Grilled bone-in Chicken
BBQ Pork Spare Ribs
Polish Sausage Medallions
Pork Burnt Ends
Hickory Pit Beans
Garlic Whipped Potatoes
Cheesy Corn Bake
Creamy Cole Slaw
Fresh Baked Rolls and Butter
Dessert Cart with Assorted Desserts
Coffee, Tea, Decaf.

There will also be a cash bar with alcoholic cocktails and soft drinks.

Eek! I don't want to blow it so soon after starting! I've already concluded that the chicken should be okay to eat, and if I save up my starches (I'm in the purple book, btw), I can have a roll. But otherwise? What's a girl to do?

Any words of wisdom from those of you who have been there-done that?

Many thanks in advance!

Hi Squirrel (is that what we should call you?) I'm on purple too.

I would save the starches for a roll and/or potatoes. Have any of the meats and just have some bbq sauce on the side (it's a condiment). BBQ is actually pretty easy if you have a game plan.

One of my favorite things to do lately that has really saved me is bringing a bowl of salad or some carrots and celery sticks with me. Put it in your purse or a little bag, and you can have the Wishbone Salad Spritzer for salad dressing (10 sprays = 10 calories and the Red Wine Vinegar one is really really good). I spray the salad, put the lid back on and shake it up.

Nobody really notices that you brought your own, and it's very easy to bring.

As far as alchohol, you can save your fruits for wine, but 3oz = 1 fruit, so you will only get 1 to 1 1/2 glasses of wine for your fruit allowance.

You could volunteer to be the designated driver and have club soda and lime (what I did this weekend, and what I'll be doing next weekend). It's so much easier to control your portions and make good decisions when you're not drinking.

Thanks, Cassi! And I'm actually Megan...I'll go add that to my profile, heh.

I'd thought about bringing a salad but didn't know how weird that would be. I think I'll do it!

Megan - I had three parties this weekend. The first was a child birthday party. I brought chicken breast and a salad and everyone just commented that I was so much better not giving in to the junk food.

Good luck!

Megan - I have a "tip card" from LAWL that lists some picnic/BBQ choices: Of course, it says to stay focused and aware of your food choices (DUH!)

BBQ chicken breast - 1 piece = 1 protein
coleslaw (1/2 cup) = 1 starch and 1 fat (I thought that was interesting)
hot dog, beef, with bun = 1/2P, 2 Starch, 2 fat
watermelon - 2 sm triangle slices = 1 fruit

Ooh, good to know about the cole slaw. If I absolutely can't resist it, at least I'll know how to count it. I think it'll help a lot to have my game plan before I even go in.