Diet Talk - Weight Loss And Parties

DIET TALK is a series of 56 topics addressing the psychological and social aspects of successful, long-term weight management. DIET TALK is based on my NPR series. This lecture addresses weight loss and parties.

Transcript

Weight Loss and Parties While many of us make appropriate food choices during the day and feel good about our choices during routine times,

It is not uncommon to feel uncomfortable at social functions.

As a guest,

We tend to feel pressured to eat and drink whatever is offered in order to not appear rude.

We are torn between a desire to please,

The strong temptation to overindulge with tasty foods and the need to monitor choices in order to lose weight.

What can we do to handle parties in an appropriate manner?

The first thing to do is remember that consumption of food and drink is not necessarily the best way to express caring for and acceptance of the host or hostess.

Gratitude can be expressed through means other than food intake.

Praise the host on topics other than culinary expertise.

Second,

Be sure to plan ahead.

Whenever possible,

Find out the menu ahead of time.

This will allow you the opportunity to arrange your eating schedule for the day.

By doing this,

You can use the food served at the party as part of your normal daily intake and leave feeling satisfied and comfortable.

Third,

Prepare effective responses for insistent hosts such as,

This looks delicious but I am full,

Or I am saving room for the next course.

Fourth,

Have a small salad or fruit before subjecting yourself to those long hors d'oeuvres laden cocktail hours.

Don't be too hungry when you arrive.

Fifth,

Use a buffet style meal as an opportunity to moderate your intake by making your own choices,

Not as a chance to overindulge.

Sixth,

Be conservative in your consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Stick with dry wines,

Light beers,

Or non-alcoholic selections.

Seventh,

You should be at the party because of the people,

Not the food.

And last,

Remember the motto,

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

And force food and drinks on your guests.

Reviews

Thank you for the great advice!