Eating at other people's homes

[des]

I don't know if you guys have encountered this much, but I find it to be quite a problem when we're invited to other people's homes for a meal. I end up having to basically teach the host how to cook at least one thing so I can actually eat while sitting at the table. (And even that is rarely an option). And generally if I just take a piece of plain meat or something, I get all the comments about how I have to eat more than that!

It's so frustrating that I usually just turn down invitations these days. Has anyone here encountered this and found a solution? It's not like you can bring your own food because that's just rude.

[Promise]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

YES! i know exactly how you feel... kinda sad, but my little brother loves to cook and is always inviting us over for dinner, but most of the time its some type of Pasta or Mexican! WHICH I WOULD LOVE TO GOBBLE UP! but I WILL NOT DO IT!!! i just had to stop going over there for dinner... OR i just eat before i go and let my family have the feast! OR i bring my own goodies from home! make something LEGAL and take it with you as a Contribution to dinner and have some of that with that piece of meat!

[b0llywud]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

Its a nightmare! especially being indian! the staples are usually rice /potatoes/lentils/peas/daal. The rest is made up of treats which are high sugar/carb! So far i've managed to avoid eating a whole meal at family gatherings but its getting harder. Lots of occasions coming up.

[scaleskl]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

I also bring snacks from home to help me survive the dinner. I also inform the person of my dietary needs and ask whats on the menu or tell them some of the items I can eat.

[VGrace]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

Most of my friends/family know I am low carbing,but still never make me anything that I can actually eat. I don't expect anyone too,but it would be nice. Now I eat before I go anywhere. It doesn't bother me anymore,I am not going to let them bring me down.

[des]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

Ya, when it comes to close family it's not as big a deal. They know I have struggles with diet, and have no problem either working with me or letting me bring my own food. (Plus, my mom is on Atkins, so that's helpful!). But it's much harder with extended family and people we've only just met. Sitting at a table surrounded by people you hardly know, and with an empty plate in front of you just doesn't make for a nice evening. We skipped Thanksgiving this year (It's today in Canada) because it was being held at my sister's in-laws. Not a situation where I could ask for a special diet or bring food that she didn't cook. It just wouldn't go over well. Not that I care about missing the food itself, but it would have been nice to see the family as we don't see them very often. I've also got an all day seminar coming up this weekeind where food is served for us. I think I will be going off Atkins for the day just to get through. Of course I will still be as careful and smart about it as possible. But I seriously doubt it will be "clean".

[deek deek]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

I just had this happen to me ..I'm in Canada and we just had our Thanksgiving, my family had all the carbs and starches u could think of, mashed potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, dumplings and lots of buns and sweets...on my plate was turkey and greens and cut raw veggies although nobody really commented it was hard looking at my sisters piled plate beside me but i went from looking at her plate to her and hey that made me feel good in itself because she has always been smaller than me but NOT NOW ....so although the holidays and the parties will begin u will feel alot better when ur not dependent on the food and there to show off ur new healthy body!!

[adreliluc]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

Yes this happens all the time. In fact it just happend this Saturday. We went to my Aunts house for a family dinner and she KNOWS me and my hubby are on Atkins... so she had chips and dip for appetizers and lasagna for dinner. Oh and salad. We just hung out and didn't eat then went to Chili's afterward. Everyone of course made comments about us not eating but there is no way I'd blow my diet.

A friend of mine who is vegaterian always brings over her own 'meat' (veggie burgers or another dish) when ever they come over for a party/dinner. I don't think twice about it and I'm always more than happy to make it for her. So I might start following her lead when I go places and just bring a dish.

It does grow tiresome though but still it's sooo worth it.

[Tack Candy]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

Actually I tell people not to fuss. Just give me more veggies instead of starch. (and eat the meat, of course) Unless they are only serving pasta it isn't too hard.

[Jaded]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

The other night I ate at my boyfriends brother & wife's house. Luckily my boyfriend was the one cooking, so he made some chicken on the side for me, on top of their feast of gumbo, rice, mushroom pastry puffs, andue(spelling?) sausage mashed potatoes, and corn bread. Followed by the most delicious selection of brownies and cheesecake. All I ate was the chicken, as there was nothing else that was legal, but I have to admit it was a good self-esteem bolster to be able to resist all the temptations.

[hrgillespie]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

For me I just tell them straight out .......... I say something to the effect of ....... I would love to come to dinner but I eat a restricted Diet can you share with me what your planning? The we just go from there ........ so far no one has reacted badly to me asking and if it doesn't work for me I ask if I can bring a dish along or a salad. I've often found that most people don't even notice I'm not eating what they are. Poeple are often so absorbed in their own food or the conversation that they just don't notice. If I do encounter someone who asks why I just tell them. I've decided to take control of my life and my diet is a major part of that. Maybe Ive been very lucky but everyone is always very supportive of that for me.


Heidi

[dreamof145]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

I do the same as Heidi. I always know beforehand whats being served regardless if its at someone's house or out to dinner somewhere. My friends and family know my WOE, so if they are having something I don't eat...I just bring my own food so we can still get together. It really hasn't been a problem for me. If you are honest and clear the air beforehand - then you can go anywhere with anyone and have great time.

[Grant]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

I usually decline, then turn it around and ask them over to my house instead. That way I'm in control.

[IrishSarahHB]

Re: Eating at other people's homes

I know exactly what you mean .. My boyfriends brother invited us over for dinner and his wife made spagetti .. WOuldnt you know ... Of course ... so i just ate the salad .. but it sucked .. cause everyone was like .. oh have a little .... then she was kinda offended i think cause i didnt eat her spagetti .. i just said i wasnt that hungry .. it was either that of explain that i was on a diet and have the whoe table conversation be about MY diet .. no thanks ..

It was cute though cause Brian knew i was hungry cause i said so in the car on the way over .. so after dinner we were all playing cards and he grabbed me a string cheese from the fridge so id have a least a little something .. i thought that was sweet ..