Christmas Parties SOS

Hi everyone

I recently joined this group as I have put on about 25 pounds since my lowest weight after losing a total of 115 with the gastric bypass.  Over the past couple of years, I have noticed that I go through a feeding frenzy beginning in Mid October with the Halloween candy and those evil little candy corns.  And of course, Thanksgiving is right there waiting in the wings as I gobble up the last of the candy.  Then Christma****s and I become the uncontrollable cookie monster.  And the Christmas parties, oh my the treats.  This year I am putting my chubby foot down and taking a stand of not letting the Holidays win this year!  Since I just started to get back on track, I don't want to wake up the sugar beast so soon as it is tough to get him back under control. 

Christmas Parties are starting this weekend and I need a plan to help me.  I was wondering what others have done to ward off the temptation of the all the holiday special treats in one place.  This year I am planning to take one of my 200 calorie protein shakes with me to drink on the way to the party since these really fill me up.  I am also planning to bring another protein drink to sip on during the party. I figure that 400 calories is a lot lower than the mindless grazing I would be doing....and if I start with the thought of just a bite won't hurt, I am screwed. 

I would love to hear everyone else's coping strategy for this time of the year!!!! 

On a side note, I love this group!  I am so happy I stumbled across this board.  You guys are awesome.

Lynnie

If it's an office dinner --go for the protein first. Small bites. Chew it a thousand times. Feel free to push the plate away without eating all of it. You do not have to clean your plate. Skip dessert and ask for coffee or hot tea. It amazes me how calming the ritual of stirring a cup of coffee can be. It gives me something to focus on.

If it's an open-house type party....EAT before you leave home. Enjoy the activities and sense of community but don't feel obligated to eat. The host/hostess is guaranteed to offer any number of delicacies. Practice saying "There are so many choices. I just can't decide." then change the subject.

If I can't avoid the food tables then I go for nuts and raw veggies. Put a few on the plate and then try and make an exit from that room. At the very least I try and position myself as far away from it as I can get. Find someone to talk to.  Sipping on a big glass of water (or diet soda if you need a splurge) can help keep you focused on something else.

I think the key is formulating a plan and sticking to it. Practice. Practice. Practice. If all else fails, put a rubberband around your wrist and everytime you find yourself about to give in to the "just one bite mentality" - SNAP it.

Good Luck.

- Iris

I always eat a protein bar before a party or dinner.  It is filling and keeps me from going off the track.  At a party I go for the cheese and nuts as raw veggies do not agree with me if I decide to munch on something.  I will treat myself to one tiny bit of a sweet if I feel the need but that is it.  At dinners, I always drink a glass of water while the meal is being served, then I will eat a salad first if offered, then the protein.  I rarely eat any of the veggies served as they are usually white or starchy.  I pass on the roll basket and I will take a bite of my husband's dessert and pass mine to someone else.   Another reason I eat the protein bar is that if I go somewhere hungry and I am taking and visiting with other people, I will tend to eat too much or take a bite that is too big and I will find myself in the bathroom throwing up (hard lesson that I have learned).  Have fun at your parties.

Thanks for the suggestions! I love hearing how others are making it through the Holidays at this is a problem area for me and with so many successful people, I just know it can be done.

Depends how long party is. 2-3 hours or a whole evening.

Lunch or just drop in:  eat proteins and veggies if they have that - if not drink some water, or coffee - chat for a 30 min, skip the rest.

2-3 hours - find the menu - if it is going to be food or just desserts. 

Even with sandwiches only - I eat the inside - leave the bread - eat cheese, nuts, then if I am still hungry - I eat my own snacks. (Nuts, protein bar or my own backed goods)

Whole evening party - I am going to a few next week- find the menu - and for house party - I can always bring my a dish to share.  I would eat proteins, some veggies.  And when it is time for dessert - I may have some coffee (I can drink coffee and go to bed) or decaf.. If there is dessert I can have a bite - I may ask my BF to get some and have a bite - or like my skinny GFs do - I only take a small piece - cut that off - or have as bite and trash the rest. Yes - my skinny GFs do that all the time - they don't feel like they are 'wasting' if they don't have a choice to get a smaller - one bite portion.  I also may eat my own cookies or cake. But if I bring some - I need to make sure that I have extra - because a lot of people are curious and want "just one bite" to try, and by the time they are done  there are not much left for me, unless I have extra. 

I bake my own protein cookies and muffins (I use protein powder, coconut or almond flour, flax meal and some chopped nuts, instead of flour.  I use stevia (or you can try splenda) as a sweetener. I just make that to taste and look right - but there are lot of recipes on line.