Birthday Dilemma.....

OK...here's my dilemma.... Tomorrow's my 31st birthday and my BF and friends want to take me out for dinner and then to a local bar to play pool/darts. Well, I'm currently on day 5 of the Time Out Plan and doing very well - down 8 pounds...I DON'T want to mess this up, but I also don't want to stay home on my birthday.   SOOOOOO...I'm thinking if I go out to dinner tomorrow and have a small side salad and maybe soup that wouldn't be to bad right??  And as long as I don't drink alcohol at the bar, maybe just some diet coke...then it can't be that bad right?? I don't know, I'm just afraid if I start eating that I won't stop and thence over stretch my pouch again and there goes all the hard work I've put in. Any suggestions are welcome!!     Thanks,     Kerry

Kerry, I think a birthday is a good reason to modify the plan for one day.  I would definitely eat a nice salad with some protein and just have a non alcoholic drink or maybe one glass of dry wine.  You can enjoy the company of your friends and still stick to your eating plan.  Just make sure you stay within a reasonable calorie range for the day and I don't think it will be a problem.  I have been doing a modified version of the time out, having a salad every day and I am still losing very well.  Good luck and Happy Birthday! Angela

Hey Kerry! Happy Birthday tooo youuu! Cool. Hmmm...let's see. That is a toughy. I am trying to treat this program as seriously as I would if it can from my doctor so that is a hard question for me to answer.  Just be careful that you handle your pouch with care and don't get wasted on one glass of wine!  Good luck sweetie and happy birthday to you.

I think it makes perfect sense to do the side salad with cheese or a little chicken in lieu of your protein shake for that meal. I don't know about the soda though, if they have unsweetened iced tea you can add splenda that would avoid the carbonation.  There is conflicting ideas about the use of carbonated beverages but why take a chance on making things worse if you have a suitable alternative like iced tea. I hope you have a wonderful time!!

Happy BD!!    Ahhhhh . . . 31 . . . I vaguely remember!  I think your bd is absolutely a justification for modifying your Time Out.  The operative word, of course, is "modifying," as opposed to "totally ditching"!  I'd concentrate on some really good protein and good carbs.  (We all know the drill about how "salads & soup" can sometimes be carb-laden.)  But whatever you decide on, just eat "mindfully" and try very hard to limit your portions. 

I'd try to avoid alcohol.  Not because it's so awful, but because even a little bit w/ reduce your inhibitions and may make you want to eat more.  Diet Coke isn't great, but all things considered, it's pretty harmless compared to other choices.  If you like tea, as one of the previous posters suggested, that would be good.  (I don't like tea, I know--weird, and since restaurants don't serve Crystal Light, I'd just have the Diet Coke and forget about it!) Have a great time and just try really hard to keep in mind your progress so far!  

Thanks all for you comments and BD wishes!!!  I've started out well this morning, had my protein shake and started in on my water.  I asked them to please take me to one of my favorites restaurants with a GREAT grd chicken salad  and an unbelievable balsamic vinagrette!!   I asked a friend of mine to split it with me....she agreed because she loves it to.  She knows what I am try to do and has stood by me on it.  This way, I won't over do it! Is Diet Coke really that bad???  Gosh, I've been drinking it all the time prior to this time out plan, my Dr had never told me anything bad about it...maybe that's why Ive been regaining so much.   Tears fall as I think I'm gonna have to say good by to my trusted buddy....  Well, I will talk to you all tomorrow!!!  Have a WONDERFUL DAY!!!!