Later today I'm going to my friends graduation party, which will be tons of fun! But there will also be TONS of delicious home made mexican food and chocolate cakes... BOTH of my biggest weaknesses!

I have this nasty habit of being able to justify eating at the time and them regretting it later so I really want to address the issue now so I'm ready to be in control later. I just got down to 171 after being stuck at 173ish for weeks and I DO NOT want to reverse my progress!

My game plan so far is: 1) to have a healthy breakfast (cereal) and lunch (fruit and cottage cheese) so I'm not starving when I arrive at the party. 2) Go to the gym a little extra so I can spare a few more calories. 3) Taking a reasonalble portion my first serving so I don't feel jipped. 4) Share a dessert or get a small slice. 5) After I eat chew gum and not have seconds...

Any advice or helpful hints on how you successfully make it through events like this without having to do damage control for a week after???

sounds like you have a good strategy there. You can do it :-).

Good strategy! Other ideas:

Get a drink (like a diet soda or plain club soda with lemon or lime) and keep drinking through the party. It will keep your hands and mouth busy so it will be harder to eat.

Only eat what you put on a plate. Don't pick up food from a tray or a bowl and put it into your mouth. Having to transfer a food, like chips, onto a plate gives you an opportunity to see the amount you are eating and put a cap on it.

Don't carry an empty plate back to the table, risking seconds. When you're done with the plateful, put the plate in the sink and rinse it, or if they are disposables, throw it out. You're done.

Take small bites. Eat slowly. There is no rush.

Good luck!

Jay

Taking note.... I think you have a great plan.

I would add a bit more fiber/protein to help you stay fuller so you do not get the "IM STARVED" feeling even though you ate a healthy lunch and breakfast...but you sound like you have a VERY good plan! YOU CAN DO IT

Thanks everyone! I'm also wearing a fitted dress so I'm not going to want to stuff myself wearing it, that would not be flattering to have a bulging belly full of food!

I agree with Jay's comment about drinking. Fill up on water/diet soda, whatever you normally drink.

I would suggest eating a small something right before you go as well. Maybe a small salad or some fruit.

Remember the 50/25/25 rule. Fill your plate 50% with veggies, 25% with protein, and 25% with carbs.

And indulge in a little dessert if you want. Its not going to kill you Just don't go overboard and keep the portion small!

Sounds like you have an excellent plan. Good luck! You'll have to let us know how it goes!

I did well yesterday, enjoyed the food and didn't restrict myself too much but didn't over do it either. For the day I was around 2000 calories. Everything was soooooooo delicious and totally worth eating for one evening, but now that I had my splurge I'm back on track!

This morning I was 173 but I'm sure that's just food, salt, water, etc... I'll give myself a day or two to get back to normal and I'm hoping to be 170 in a weekish!

Thank you all again for your support!

Good for you! And I'm glad you enjoyed it! Stick to your plan now and those pounds will drop away!

Jay