How do you not cheat socially?

[farmwife]

If you were invited into someone's home and offered food that wasn't Atkins friendly, what do you do in that situation?

In my situation I was able to eat but in order not to offend this person I did eat a small amounts of non-Atkins foods.

I honestly didn't want the food but felt compelled to eat something to show my gratitude/appreciation for the meal.

What do you do in a situation like that? If it were my family I would just not eat it and tell them why but with someone I don't know very well it would have been incredibly rude to do so in this particular setting.

Any thoughts or ideas?

[TogaGirl]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

In this situation, you just have to think to yourself, would YOU be offended if you had a guest to your house who abstained from certain foods due to their diet or any other reason? Chances are I'm pretty sure the answer is no. I have never had a problem explaining to people why I eat this and not that and it really is never a big deal. In most cases an explanation is not even needed. Just be honest and in most cases there is almost always SOMETHING atkins friendly. This is so common today with food allergies and other dietary choices such as vegetarianism that most people don't bat an eye at such an issue. Just let them know how much you appreciate and enjoy the food you DO eat and the great time you have in their company. It will be much appreciated! Good luck!

[Brook]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

It's easy.

"We'd LOVE to come to dinner! Fair warning though: I have dietary restrictions for my health, and I don't want to be an imposition. May I bring a dish or two to share?"

You have to be proactive. It takes a little practice, but it's pretty darn easy.

[Sarina D]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

I do exactly what Brook has suggested above and it's always a positive for all involved.

I make sure I plan ahead and bring a couple of different dishes when we're invited out to share with all that would like to partake....it's never an issue and in fact is always a hit. They always understand and actually appreciate me doing this so it takes the burden off of them to try to figure out what they can serve that I'm able to eat.

All the best!
Sarina
-------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 174 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal journey - Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

[barrnone]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

just don't let it feel uncomfortable for you, I don't think it's rude...if you make it awkward, then it will be. I just say 'no thanks' and continue eating/talking as if it's no problem at all. Keep smiling, be proud of your dedication.

[Kimmala]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

I definitely think saying "I've a few dietary requirements re. my health - I'm so sorry...., however, I CAN eat ......" people seem to accept it. I've found that to say "I'm on Atkins" starts a whole debate and I sit there feeling guilty and trying to explain myself to (sometimes) a bunch of know-it-alls. Heatlh requirements / dietary needs is the best way to go and it's seemingly not questioned.

[PeteinVA]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

Yeh I find people don't mind- actually they wind up discussing "diet" with me and it turns out pretty well. In this "shovel it in" culture I think people are interested when someone shows restraint.

I personally have more of a challenge when I go to restaurants. I've been on Atkins almost two months and have only gone out three times. Last night I went out and had a nice TBone, no potatoe and asked for a salad with blue cheese on the side & oil/vinegar. I overate the dressing and salad I think. It's hard cause everyone else at the table was shoveling it in and boozin'. I had about 7 glasses of water hhha

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

If you were invited into someone's home and offered food that wasn't Atkins friendly, what do you do in that situation?

Simply not accept it - just as a brittle diabetic with a severe wheat allergy would. If the host has been clued in up front (and it is 100% up to you to do this), she only has herself to blame for wasting her own food and efforts.

In my situation I was able to eat but in order not to offend this person I did eat a small amounts of non-Atkins foods.

Turn the tables: inform the appropriate friends, family, and co-workers as to how you eat, and let them worry about not offending you by not offering you what you eschew. Never make anything simple complicated.

I honestly didn't want the food but felt compelled to eat something to show my gratitude/appreciation for the meal.

I think you will find that this eat-whatever-for-others mentality will get old real fast. Whatever program you are on, you will likely encounter someone else in your household not eating the way you do, you will notice people eating junk at the movies when you're not, and people buying different things than you do at the supermarket. None of this should even enter into your Choice Equation. Letting others lead you is a first class ticket to stagnancy in any area of life. Atkins is a crash course in Quit Caring. It will behoove you to enroll now.

[farmwife]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

WOW!

Thanks for all the responses, yes I'll have to work on being more upfront about my eating choices. I did offer to bring something but that was refused, I guess I should have just insisted!

Thanks so much for all your imput!!

The only one I'm cheating is ME!

[imagood1]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

If people tell me not to bring a dish I do it anyway -- enough for me only if they don't want my dish on the table....I always say I am on a diabetic diet because of doctor's orders - that usually stops it - and it's the honest truth.

[msanjelpie]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

Telling someone who just got a perm that they look like a poodle is being offensive. Shoving someone out of the way on the way to the fridge is being rude... Saying with a smile 'no thanks' to an offer of ANYTHING isn't being offensive or rude. No explanations necessary...

Eat what you CAN, enjoy yourself, talk to people, mention how nice everything looks, and get on with your diet... It's totally in your control.

[chauber]

Re: How do you not cheat socially?

If you were invited into someone's home and offered food that wasn't Atkins friendly, what do you do in that situation?

In my situation I was able to eat but in order not to offend this person I did eat a small amounts of non-Atkins foods.

I honestly didn't want the food but felt compelled to eat something to show my gratitude/appreciation for the meal.

What do you do in a situation like that? If it were my family I would just not eat it and tell them why but with someone I don't know very well it would have been incredibly rude to do so in this particular setting.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Most of my friends know what I eat and that I eat on a special no refined foods diet...usually I bring my own food and share with everyone.

My friend's favorites are cream cheese/cheddar cheese stuffed jalapenos or sausage/cream cheese stuffed mushrooms.

Tell them up front, and ask if they mind if you bring something to share.