Hi everyone,

The upcoming week for me is going to be filled with food.  I’m attending two seders (traditional holiday meals for Passover) as well as an Easter dinner next weekend.  Three mega-meals in one week!  Eep!

Though I’ve got my strategy planned out for the most part, I’m looking for any other tips you guys can give.  I know we have some amazingly creative, helpful, successful people on this forum: here’s your chance to shine!  What are your best tips for getting through huge family dinners without overindulging? 

I’m looking forward to what you have to say!

Cheers,
Julie

First off, Happy Passover!
Does your family read the whole Haggadah for every Seder? Or do you just skip to the four questions? Man that whole Haggadah thing can be tough, remeber fill up on the cement(Charoset or morter) and Matzoh. Those seders can get mighty long. There is also Bubby(Yiddish word for Grandmother) resistance training, Bubbys are renowned for there iron grip. As she pinches your cheaks and your face begins to go numb,slowly try to get away. All kidding aside, Passover meals can be marathon so pace yourself, eat a little each corse.
Happy Easter and if your French Joyeuse Paques!
This one is easy, just tell them your Jewish and you can’t eat ham, if they serve turkey because they know your Jewish, same thing as above, just pace yourself.

It was a year ago that I was just starting my journey, and you gave me some advice about Easter: Smile and say no thank you! It worked for me then, it would probably work for you now too!
Thanks, by the way. 

Wear tight pants. And drink 2 cups of water 20 minutes before the food is served. Also, make sure you set down the fork and talk to your neighbor frequently, and savor every bite.

You’re going to do great. Have fun.

Bree

Limit the portions of what you eat. If someone says oh you have to to try this, one small bite just to taste won’t hurt, but don’t get a half a plate of everything. Talk lots, drink lots of water, and chew slow.

I have a protein shake or some other thing to nibble on about one hour before the meal… if I am famished before a big meal, I WILL overindulge. This is sort of like grocery shopping… just like when you don’t want to go through the store on an empty stomach, you don’t want to be famished when sitting at the dinner table.

I used to make the mistake of saving myself for the big meal, and skip meals prior to that. I think I was doing more harm than good with that approach!!

Of course, some of the other suggestions are good ones… drink water, don’t stick another bite of food in your mouth until you finish your previous bite, etc.

Ultimately, you’ll notice that your eating habits will improve as you continue to adopt the new lifestyle, so you won’t need to dread the big meals as managing them will become second nature.

Great tips, guys!  Many thanks!

I’ve been eating extra-healthy today, and did an extra workout yesterday.  I’ll let you know how things go in the aftermath.

Cheers!
Julie

In my family we always go buffet style, and first in line is always salad (even if I have to bring it myself!) Fill at least half your plate with yummy salad (watch the dressing) and then oh look...only a tiny bit a room left for just a taste of the bad stuff.