bitter about the holidays

i Hate the holidays... well i like the gift part but the food part is terrible. Around the office food everywhere (no good options either) around the house food from friends and family( for some reason they don't understand the part don't send me or give me food), around other peoples house food. For thanksgiving I went to my boyfriends family (I usually just go to my familys but couldn't because of distance) no vegetables, no salad, the turkey was fried, everything was buttered to death, laced with lard, drowned in mayo, and death by chocolate then on top of it the ****tails and alcohol. I didn't eat or drink a thing. I actually am coming to be bitter about the holidays since it is subconsciously about food and binging.

There is no sense in being bitter. Those folks are not responsible for your health. Unfortunately, they are not doing much for their own health either. You need to take something for yourself that fits in to your program. That way you can enjoy yourself and know there will be something there for you. You can socialize and be among the revelry. You made the choice and this is just one of the responsibilities that goes along with it. Seek some balance in the situation. Certainly between not eating a thing and being bitter and --> carb loaded, fat packed, protein deficient garbage their has to a responsible choice. You can certainly make the best choices and have the incredibly rewarding satisfaction of knowing that you did what was right for you. You will be the winner. We wish you well. Ralph Lewis 3/8/04 at goal!

It is unfortunate that so many family rituals and cultural traditions seem to be linked with food, but try to keep your focus on the opportunity to see friends and family. On the other hand, if the only thing about these people that used to be attractive WAS their food, then I'd advise limiting your exposure to "stopping by" instead of staying all night. There are a lot of alcoholics who find, when they are recovering, that some of their 'friends' were just 'drinking buddies', ie, just someone to drink with. Might not be the case here, but something to think about. Also, I advise bringing something you can eat if you're unsure what will be served. In the same way that if you had a small child with you, you would keep juice boxes and Cheerio's on-hand when travelling, it boils down to the fact that the person responsible for taking care of you is you. If you bring something you can eat you will be able to just relax about nonviable food choices presented and enjoy the fellowship. Whatever the occassion, when I go to gatherings at other peoples' homes, I bring a ****tail shrimp ring. That satisfies my obligation to bring a contribution (I don't cook) and also ensures that there will be quality protein there for me. If I get something to drink, at a restaurant or someone's house, I'll usually just ge****er because I never get enough. If I *want* an alcoholic drink, I'll put a shot of vodka in my water, add some lemon wedges and a packet of splenda, and make my own psuedo-lemonade. Good luck - I think next time you'll have a better experience. Jen

Bring a veggie or fruit tray to these occassions that way you'll have something pretty, and nutritious to nibble on. I have to tell you that I have reached goal --even beyond goal and there is truth to the saying that nothing tastes as good as thin feels! Try to enjoy the holidays they are a special part of the year. Louise

From one Beth to another. Please dont feel bitter about the holidays. Instead remember what you use to weigh LAST Christmas and holiday season!!!! Try to turn the bitterness to greatfulness. "There are many worse off than us" type of thinking. Hold your head up high instead of feeling down and think...they are eating unhealthy be proud that you are choosing the healthier lifestyle! I know it sucks with all that yummy fattening stuff... Take small tastes so you dont feel so deprived if it gets that bad. Dont torture yourself you know. I am having a cookie exchange this saturday (little tradition we have) and holy cow!!! I mean how can you resist cookies! But I know I will have to be SUPER careful. But I refuse to feel bad and will taste what I will and just not overdue it. Its all in moderation. (I know dont you hate hearing that? I know I do I have heard it all my life) BUT now we have a tool that reminds us of that moderation. Hang in there. Remember the gift you have been given and all the weight you have lost and how many out there are feeling horrible because they GAINED for christmas instead of loosing (ME LAST YEAR!) Lets count our blessings! ((((hugs)))) Elizabeth M

I sweetly reminded my husband that since I DON'T want all that candy in my stocking he's gonna hafta fill it with cheese and small meats and stuff. I told him that he could even binge for me and buy me Cheese In A Can. I also bought some stuff for myself... JERKY! I loved jerky before and it seems that I've come to depend on it now. It has lots of protein so 'I gotta have it'! But I do agree, either bring something to share that you can eat or pack a snack for yourself.... just some cheese cubes, or something that you can stick in a zip bag and stuff in your purse or something. I don't do alcohol so I just usually ask for water. Things work fine for me and if there's something I gotta taste that's what I do TASTE. Don't limit yourself so much that you feel like a victim, take charge, take control, and take a taste. Celebrate and savor each and every crumb of the taste and then well before you know it you'll be satisified without getting sick or carb loading and you can still have a great time. For others the holidays might be about the food but for you make it a time to see the people beyond the plate, if you will! Learn to enjoy the 'flavor' of their personality! You never know, you might just see things that you missed before! Take care and most of all be happy this season! L&H Gayle