Bad Weekend cooking for others

[Mickkey]

I'm doing absolutely terrible! I lost track of my efforts trying to kick caffine because of bigger issues.... food. First, my husband who travels, came home for the week-end. It was just a constant strain telling him "I'm STAYING on this diet." Then my son came home from college and talked me into baking him two loaves of my pumpkin bread to take to one of his club functions, then my husband and younger son wanted some too. I ended up baking 3 loaves of pumpkin and 1 banana-nut bread. Of course I didn't eat any. I blew it all week-end with those stupid breads I couldn't quit picking on...a little bite here and a little bite there. Then they wanted fried potatoes with the roast and also my home made biscuits. I lost it on the biscuits. I could've put my foot down harder, but it was too easy to go along with this sabotage. How do you resist the temptations cooking for your families? I'm losing my motivation rapidly .... help

[Scooterjam]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Hmm....unfortunately, I'm not a whole lot of help here. This is where my 'issues' popped up. I am the baker in the family, my family loves cookies. So, sad part is, in October/November I entered a Gingerbread House contest. Did really well, won 2nd place, but was so proud, I didn't eat one Jelly Bean, or icing, or M&M at all. Then they had me make cookies. I thought, well, a couple cookies at Christmas wouldn't hurt. 1 = 2 = 12 = this = that = those = these = 14 pounds in 6 weeks. Yuck!!! I've lost all that and them some, but I still worry about how to 'deal' with that situation myself. My wife says, don't bake them, we really don't need it (of course as the children have pointed out (ages 25 23 17 - don't listen to mom......we need it!! haha) Kinda of makes you feel happy and sad at the same time.

I don't know....does anybody else have some suggestions....because I too would like to know how you deal with this......

[sofarsogood]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

I kind of talked a bit about this in the Monday Roll Call post because I have the same problem. One thing that makes it easier is that my husband is doing induction with me this time (a miracle in itself).

I have three kids (2 smaller and 1 teenager) and I do NOT bake anymore, I just don't. I can't stand the temptation of my own baking. The only thing I do is let the kids make their own cake mix creations, which I can resist because I don't really like mixes and also I'm not the one doing the baking.

Do you have a bread machine? Maybe you could get your husband or kids to make their own bread in one of these.

[speedyturtle]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

I drink hot tea when there is something in the house that the kids are eating and I am having a hard time resisting. I would do that if I was cooking something like potatoes for them too. Got to have something that I can eat or drink around at those times. Planning ahead for it helps a lot. Like I always have S/F jello around so when they come over and everyone is eating a bowl of icecream I have something too thats cold and a treat.
Drink lots of water today and jump back on track All is not lost just a little bump in the road. . *in my Tony Little voice* "You can do it"

[Jace]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Unfortunately I think it's all just a matter of will power and how bad you want to lose weight. I'm in the same boat where I'm the only one in the family who can cook and I'm always getting talked into making some huge cake or whatever type of French pastry my family wants.

I also end up baking while at University as a small side job as I get a lot of work from people in my department to bake for their events...I've found that there are no real tricks...the only solution is to just plain out resist and avoid...muster up all the will power in your body and say "no" to either tasting the food or if that's not an option your success lies in becoming assertive and just saying "NO!" to actually putting yourself in the position where you know you're going to cheat.

It's hard and you're not alone, I almost crumbled to the coconut creme pate brisee I was making a couple weeks ago and the cherries jubilee one of my roommates wanted on Saturday, but it can be done!

Remember, you're on Atkins to change your life...you're allowed to be a little selfish and tell them to either make it themselves or they won't get any.

Best of luck!

~Far la bella figura!

[Scooterjam]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Thanks Jace....I pretty much figured there was no 'secret formula' to this. Thanks for the info man.

[julirama723]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

I agree with Jace. How badly do you want it, and how much do you love and respect yourself? It all comes down to being a little bit selfish, but sometimes you've got to stop being the mom or the provider and say "NO" because it's not healthy or proactive to what you're trying to do.

Your kid is in college, let him make his own bread, or better yet, tell him to go buy something from a local bakery. Tell your family if they want biscuits, they have to make them or buy them somewhere. Love comes in many forms, and one of them is caring about health and well-being. Explain to your loved ones that you will not be baking anything for a long long time (if ever, or at least until you feel strong and ready) and that they'll have to get used to it.

I still bake occasionally--usually french bread, focaccia, and I made TONS of cookies and chocolates at Christmas. I only bake when I feel like I can do it, and I feel strong, and I will NEVER take orders from someone else. If I don't want to do it, then I don't do it. My boyfriend is a big boy, he can handle it. And he understands that I'm on this journey to become healthy and fit so I can spend more time with him.

Once your family realizes that, a batch of biscuits seems so unimportant.

[Scooterjam]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Well said. Strong love / Tough Love. You got it right. I need to remember that.

Thank You!

[huggija]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

I agree. There's no real secret. When I'm in 'the zone' (currently I'm working my way back to it), I'm just not tempted. I try to think to myself...what's more important? A cookie or my self esteem? It's HARD...if we could bottle up motivation, we'd all be billionaires. Hang in there. YOU CAN DO IT!

[Mickkey]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Thank you all for your wonderful advice! I will re-read each and every one carefully and take that advice with me as armor. You're all wonderful. Thank you.

[julirama723]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Mickkey, you can do it! Also, maybe you should sit down with your family and explain why it's hard to bake and why you feel like you shouldn't have to do it...it's always good to communicate the "whys" of a decision like this.

Stay strong.

[Mickkey]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Julie, you're so right. I need to let them know there is no negotiations on this.
I think part of it is, I let myself BE talked into it. I could've been more assertive, but chose not to. I know that deep down. It was just too easy. What I really need is an alternative to picking at that temptation. I need a substitute, a back-up plan to keep me on track. I just remembered we can have broth, and that is very filling for me. I will keep that on hand Always. Speedyturtle said SF jello. Anyone have any suggestions for something else to grab when tempted? Julie thanks for being so thoughtful.

[julirama723]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Something that was always really satisfying for me was pepperoni slices topped with melted mozzarella and oregano. Anything high-fat will do. Also, if I'm cooking and don't want to be tempted, I chew gum. Some people avoid gum because of the sugar alcohols, but I figure 1g of sugar alcohol is better than falling prey to whatever I'm preparing.

[Mickkey]

Re: Bad Weekend cooking for others

Julie.... one word....yum! Thanks for the ideas.