do you eat less when you are with spouse, boyfriend, family

I want to know how many people eat differently when they are with their family or boyfriend, spouse, friends, coworkers .

Some people can be so judgemental esp coworkers, friends

My family is very judgemental about me eating fried foods or too much. Do any of you have that problem??



Tamara

Hi Tamara,

I did not eat differently in front of others than I did alone when I was losing my weight... I was pretty focused on the weight loss and while every once in a while, I'd venture into 'dangerous' waters and 'forbidden' foods, for the most part I didn't because I had my 'eye on the prize'... getting that weight off! 

I still don't think that I eat differently in front of others, but I have noticed that I 'indulge' more than I should and sometimes, my sweet daughter will comment about it. I normally acknowledge her concern/comment positively because #1 she's right, #2 when she's making comments she's concerned, #3 acknowledging that I either budgeted in the food or need to make better choices/budget it into my diet in the future not only help me, but help her learn how to manage her own diet. 

I think that it might be worth trying to sit down with your family members when you are not having a meal and put your thick skin on because they will 'unload'.... But when you do this, let them know that you have noticed that they are concerned and that you want to understand their concerns. Then, I would let them know you need their support and outline how they can best support you. It may well be that they 'think' that they 'are supporting you' when they are not. 

If you have not looked at 'The Beck Diet Solution' you might want to do so. While it's focus is on how to make our own best choices to attain and maintain our goals, it also addresses how to manage various forms of sabotage, including 'unhelpful, judgmental' support. 

Wishing you all the best,

Tamara,  I do eat differently when I'm with other people, but the difference is that I eat MORE! 

When I'm alone, I don't want to think about food, so I tend not to eat.  I won't go out to run and get myself food (at a restaurant, grocery, etc.), so I'm left with the choices that are here at home and the fact that I have to prepare it, which gets more difficult when you're eating veg like I am again now.  This is something I am working on though because I know it's part of what led to my obesity.

When the family is at home, they are eating so I eat too.  When I go out to eat with family or friends, I eat more because the food is prepared for me and is sooo delicious!  :) 

I did have to have a heart-to-heart with hubby early on about him not being my keeper when it comes to monitoring what and how much I eat.  I'm a grown adult!  But, we did talk about what reminders DO help me...like reminding me to drink, to slow down while eating, and sometimes even a reminder that there may be a healthier option (or now that something may not be veg).  He is realizing that it's the WAY he says it also that makes all the difference.  I'm not his child, I'm his wife!  ;)  

With our families, it's because they love us so much and want nothing but the best of success for us now that we've gone to such great lengths to get the weight off...they feel like they need to help us in this way...and we are truly lucky, even if it makes us grumpy sometimes!  haha  As for the co-workers, if they aren't close friends who truly love you, tell tem to BUG OFF!  ;)