Tips for attending a function??

[SlimForever]

Im currently doing my old program, l started on Monday and l have a function tomorrow night. It is being held at a reception. I would like some suggestions on approaching this situation.

Should l maybe pack my own dinner and have it in the car? That sounds funny right? But l want to stick to Cohens and prove to myself that l CAN do this! Or maybe have a protein portion (l have an idea of what it will look like) and salad but as l cant weigh it, it may set me back.

Im not sure what to do....

I look forward to reading your suggestions.

SF

[Annabelle Joy]

SF, I take it this is a sit down dinner. I used to either make my chicken nuggets (recipe here: ) and carry them in a plastic bag in my handbag, then eat them off my lap, or phone ahead and order a meal of Cohen food weighed to my specifications. The latter option works with the better restaurants, the former anywhere else. If I took my food with me, I simply told the wait staff that I wasn't eating. It's amazing, but absolutely no one notices what you are eating when they are busy stuffing their faces. Some of the forum members (Connie for one) have taken their meal and eaten in the car. Many take your other option and do the best they can with the meal that is served to them.

AJ

[SlimForever]

hi AJ,

Thank you for your suggestions, you are very helpful. I am going to mentally prepare myself, by reminding myself why lm doing this, how important self care is and how much l want to achieve my goal. I am making sure that l drink lots of water before and during the night, l do this anyway but maybe a little extra. Take my fruit and crakers. And, guesstimate a portion of protein and salad, all the other courses can be passed over to my company

I was really stressed about this then realised that isnt going to achieve much. Feeling calm and confident that l can say NO and having a plan feels much better.

SF

[Annabelle Joy]

SF, I forgot to mention it, but you have hit on the most important thing you can do -- mentally prepare yourself. Imagine every situation you are likely to face (including forgetting your fruit and crackers), and what you will do in each situation. Also, when your main course arrives, separate off the food you are not going to eat and immediately give it to someone else. You could also just say 'no thanks' if a waiter tries to put other food in front of you.

AJ

[Shanara]

*bump*

some more suggestions

[Wldchk]

I am going out for tea in two weeks and think I will eat beforehand as I dont trust someone else to weigh my food exactly just yet. I will just explain that I ate before coming as I was hungry. Most will know my situation.

[jlou]

Great plan Wldchk. Plus if you eat before you won't be hungry so less likely to be tempted. Sit on a diet softdrink or two instead. I find white lies are helpful if you don't feel like sharing your business- food allergies/elimination diet, diabetes etc but I am now at the stage I just say "I'm on a very strict diet" and because it is obviously working, no-one comments

[Gremlin]

Heya Wldchk, good plan. Although depending who you are going with / how comfortable you are, you might be able to cook a meal beforehand and bring it with you??

I've taken my pre-cooked meals to restaurants for birthday dinners and things and just asked the waitress to microwave it for 3mins and bring it out with the rest of the mains. Then I order a diet coke and don't feel at all left out or awkward.

If anyone asks, I just say it's a medical diet or 'sensitivites' or something. People don't usually pry much further.

I usually call the restaurant a day ahead to confirm it's okay, and I've never been knocked back! They're usually more than willing to help out, and I find it handy because then I don't have to trust anyone else's weighing!

The last place even washed my tupperware container and brought it back with the cheque which was really nice, and didn't charge me a plate fee (some will charge $1 or so, for using the dishes...no biggy).

[Coosasie]

I was out with a friend last week and she insisted we had lunch together, something I wasn't planning on, so didn't have any prepared food and couldn't ring ahead. I was really amazed at how anxious the situation made me. I really didn't want to deviate (which is so not like me). In the end I had chicken and cauliflower - there was a lot more on my plate, but I just left it there (I think I actually left more then I ate). I had no idea of what the weights of the food were, so it's very doubtful I ate the right amounts, but at least it was the right foods. The biggest thing for me was to realise that sometimes situations will throw you, but you do the best you can and you move on. Tomorrow is a whole new day.

[Future Yummy Mummy]

You did well but I would be concerned about a "friend" who pushed you into that awkward situation. Be careful she'd not trying to sabotage you.