Works Christmas Meal - HELP!

[Waterwaterwater]

Hi,

Tonight I have to go with my boyfriend to his work Christmas meal, which I'm dreading for several reasons. It is a 4 course, sit down, meal (no idea if it will be Atkins friendly) followed by a disco and free bar. I decided to drive so I won't be tempted to drink alcohol, slimline tonic and more tap water for me. But I'm worried that the seats may be close to each other and I will invade someone elses space or worse the seats will have arms and they won't be big enough. I would just die if I couldn't fit in! When I was on holiday to France this summer with my family in a restaurant the arms of the seat dug into the top part of my legs by an inch or so. I sat there in agony thoughout the whole meal and after the meal I had indentations and marks on my legs!

I have no idea what food it will be other than it is 4 courses. I don't know if there will be a choice or if it is a fixed menu.

What do I do if the meal is all high carb, hope that I've got the will power not to eat anything?

Should I eat before I go so I'm not hungry and just pick at the parts that look low carb?

What do others do in this situation?

[Laurenfra]

Dont go hungry eat befor you go. Maybe some peperoni in your purse. Drink lots of water and focus on having great conversation

[sadie147]

Is there any way you can call the venue and ask what will be on the menu? You can tell them you have special dietary needs and they will most likely accomodate you. If you were diabetic or had a severe food allergy you would need to do this.

I can't imagine though that a christmas meal would be entirely high carb? I'm sure there will be a meat and a veggie and if it's 4 courses a salad as well.

I always eat before I go to any party or function, not alot, but just enough to make sure i'm not starving and let my guard down. Alot of times I will bring a small snack in a ziplock my purse, usually a couple of flax minimuffins or cheese cubes or nuts (if you can have them) just in case.

I've yet to be stuck however at a completely high carb meal, There has always been something I have been able to eat.

Good luck and have fun at the party!

[Waterwaterwater]

Thanks for your quick reply! I will eat before I go and I will put a piece of cheese in my bag just in case.

[angelstar]

How did you get on?

[Waterwaterwater]

Hi Angelstar,

It didn't go too well. The meal was at Charlton Football Club. The starter was potato and leak soup, which i ate, followed by Christmas dinner which would have been alright if I hadn't eaten the potatoes and stuffing. Then came the Christmas pudding. I hate Christmas pudding and never eat it normally, but I ate it. I could have refused it (other people did) but I said yes please and ate it all! The only things I didn't eat were the mince pies and chocolates which were on the table.

We went out last night as well and there was a buffet style meal and I was very good. I think I can make good choices if it's laid out but if something is offered or put on my plate I can't resist. I just have this compelling feeling that I've got to eat it.

Anyway I'm back on the straight and narrow again now. I only buy safe food, so there isn't anything to tempt me. Only one more meal out (Italian!) before Christmas so hopefully I will keep on track.

I see that you are doing well with the weight loss. How are you finding eating out?

[angelstar]

Its hard when its put in front of you and everyone else is eating it.

When I did Atkins first time around, I didnt eat out at all. I stayed in alot. This time around, I make sure that I go to places that are Atkins friendly. Have you been to a Harvester before? They do unlimited salad and ribs and chicken wings, perfect for Atkins! Obviously you couldnt help where you were going for your BF's night out. I would have found that really hard to do. I get frustrated when people around me can eat the things I cant. I probably would have done what you did to be honest, I am weak in those situations. If its not in front of me, I dont think about it. If it is AND other people are around me eating it, then I break down and eat it. Its not due to going unprepared, its about will power. I'm not saying this is the right way to go about it as the sudden intake of carbs and sugar on ur body might give you tummy aches and u may fall off the wagon all together. Although I'm sure u wont!