Pre-emptive Strike

[Little Miss Perfect]

I'm going out for dinner tonight. And I have another couple of social engagements next week. Dinner and drinks are often social obligations given my line of work.

The problem: I am successful at keeping binges at bay as long as I stick to a very well regulated diet, but when I go out to dinner I often feel that I've "blown it" because most restaurant foods and drinks are higher in "good" day. You see where this is going - once I feel that the day is "ruined" all hell breaks loose - the bingeing starts.

I'm looking for some proactive tips so that these (unavoidable and should-be fun) social scenarios are less traumatic and more manageable. Does anyone else find situations like this trigger bingeing? And has anyone found coping strategies? I'm terrified of my cousin's upcoming wedding - buffets are a total downward spiral for me- and with a glass of champagne...

Thanks.

[Kailuu]

Hi Little Miss Perfect:
I can definitely relate to the concept of "well, I've blown it...anything goes."

It seems that at least part of the answer to your question might be found in the note that you wrote. You said that a well-regulated eating plan works for you. What if you plan what you are going to eat at the restaurants and at the wedding buffet (type of food or amount) before you go?

Bread and sugar are big triggers for me. Sometimes it works to take one or two pieces of bread from the basket and consciously tell my self that that is what I am having. Also, viewing coffee or tea as a treat (dessert) sometimes does the trick in that area.

At restaurants you can usually ask that items be prepared in a more healthy way (without sauces, etc). I've done this and haven't really met resistance.

Good luck!
Kailuu

:happy

[londonbabe]

Little Miss Perfect :happy

I am so with you on that one, I have jsut blown it big-time after my cousin's wedding because I thought "Oh well, I won;t worry and eat what I like - after all it's just once" BIG mistake, spent the next two days stuffig my face!!

So advice that I ussually follow is order only one course at a restaurant, don't have bread but get a side salad without dressing. Drink lots of water and eat slowly.

For buffets, I chose one or two things that I like and just have those. If I pick here and there I end up losing track of how much I've eaten, panic and then stuff my face.

I've gotten pretty used to eating this way and after several years of dreading these occasions am doing pretty well.

Although of course there is the odd slip grrr :mad

Good luck

[Allison LHF]

It helps to tell yourself ahead of time things like "you don't have to finish what's on your plate." I know some of us (myself included) were raised to believe in the 'clean-plate club' but restaurants today are serving portions that are like five times what they were before.
But it's good to see that you're thinking of this ahead of time, sounds more likely then that you'll be thinking AT the time too and make it through just fine. And if not...? Remember that one day does not ruin you for life or anything, tomorrow is always another day and a new start.

:bounce Allison :bounce