4th of July

[Eno]

The July 4th holiday , when I have my extended family over, is always a huge carbfest. Beer, potato salads, beer, macaroni/pasta salads, beer, baked beans, beer, desserts, and finally, beer. All this and grilled meats too.

When I first decided to start Atkins, I was going to wait until July 5th because I always pig out on July 4. Then I figured I'd start on June 1st to get a head start, pig out on July 4, then resume the diet.

But now that I've lost over 15 pounds, and hopefully a couple of more by next week, I really don't want to go into a major stall over the holiday. I figure I can still eat the grilled meats, deviled eggs, veggie salads, and maybe cole slaw (if there's no sugar in it), and drink plenty of water. But the hardest part is staying away from the good microbrewed beers (no 'lite' stuff in my family) that everyone brings.

How do you avoid the traps and pitfalls a holiday such as this (other than visiting another country ) ?

[not2late]

I bring something that I know I can 100% eat. Coleslaw can be made low carb. There is also a low carb faux potato salad recipe in the recipe sections---just use the search feature. Plus there are many delicious recipes for low carb veggie salads.

My favorite low carb salad is a celery slaw---thinly sliced celery, some thinly sliced onion, mix together with mayonnaise and alittle mustard.

When I get to the party, I eat the foods I know are safe for my Atkins. And I don't concentrate on the food. I enjoy the company of my friends and family. I also try to be active---it's hard to have pie and cake shoved in your face if you are busy playing volleyball or frisbee. Plus the exercise you do there counts towards your daily exercise.

[Rhonda 2]

Hi Eno- I know the feeling well. Notolate's right- make sure you provide plenty of what you can eat. And just to make sure you are not feeling left out- have a vodka or two in nocal collins or whatever. For me is scotch- don't think thats too many grams- but its a holiday. Good luck

Rhonda

[GaynorA]

Hey there Eno. Good to meet you. I think everyone has given you really good advice so far. We don't celebrate 4 July over here. I think it's your choice really. Only you know your will power. But I think the suggestions about planning to have low carb stuff available are really good. Whatever you decide to do ---- enjoy it. Lotsa luv to you.

[sallyseachange]

Just wanted to say "Good for you" for changing your original cheat for a day plan! That's really terrific. Congrats on your success so far. You're in the absolute right frame of mind to carry on and not be swayed by the beer or other carby foods. And Megs gave you some really wonderful advice.

If you feel yourself wavering, think immediately how great you'll feel the day after the 4th, when you know you didn't go off plan. Think of how wonderful you'll feel when you reach goal. And think how absolutely horrid you'll feel mere seconds after giving in to temptation.

It's just one day... and it'll be over before you know it. The alcohol rung is just around the corner, so very soon you'll be able to have a beer or two with a clean conscience.

You can do it, I know!