Conference rocks::weight_control

    re .0:
    
    >		     ...those good times can 
    >	GROW on you if you know what I mean!!
    	----
                                        
    Ann, I don't think that there's a person reading this file who
    *doesn't* know what you mean! :-)
    
    
    Handling a party at Christmas is no different than handling a party
    at Halloween, or handling a birthday party, or handling a party
    at any time of year.
    
    I've put the following suggestions elsewhere in this conference;
    since I can't recall the note number, I'll repeat them again:
    
    	If possible, find out in advance what is going to be served
    	at the party.  This will enable you to plan your intake for
    	the rest of the day accordingly.
    
    	Don't go to the party on an empty stomach -- have a little
    	something to eat before you go.  (One of my favorite things
    	for this purpose is reduced calorie pudding.)
    
    	Don't drink too much alcohol on an empty stomach, as it
    	increases the appetite.
                                                              
    Those reading this conference who are Weight Watchers members may
    also find it helpful to read the "Cheers" Personal Choice booklet.
    This booklet lists the exchange information and/or optional calorie
    count for many items commonly served at parties.
    
    
    Paul
                                                                  
    

    Yes to "Cheers" personal choice booklet, although I use it to shock
    myself into avoiding most of the stuff in it (due to the high price
    you must pay in Optional Calories).
    
    I have lost weight this past year through 3 birthday parties, 4
    weddings, 1 graduation party, Thanksgiving with the Family, and
    bi-weekly card parties.  The following suggestions have worked for
    me:
    
    1.  Sit as far away from the food as you possibly can.
    
    2.  If the food is a buffet dinner or luncheon, take small portions
    and pass by those obvious no-no's (rich sauces, deep fried anything)
    and load up on salad and veggies.
    
    3.  If the food is just munchies and finger-food, DO NOT take a
    plate, even if they are provided.  Just take one of something each
    time you get up.  You'll find that it's much more work to get to
    the food, and you'll eat less.
    
    4.  If it's a large party and the host/hostess won't be offended
    if you don't eat anything, eat YOUR foods before you go to the party
    and skip the party snacks altogether.
    
    5.  Re drinking:  Don't.  Stick to mineral water with a slice of
    lime.  I don't know about you, but alcohol makes me throw caution
    to the winds and the party becomes a pig-out.
    
    I know this is a long-winded reply, but I'd hate to see you (and
    me) gain ANY of that weight back after we've worked so hard to lose
    it.
    
    Lynn
    (The Soon-To-Be-Thynn)

Thynn Lynn,

You were certainly not long winded!!  Good suggestions, as are those that
Paul mentioned (and always mentions :-)).

I second all the suggestions!  (taken from one who stood next to the dessert
table for most of her last party, but didn't have any wine so they cancel
out :-))

Jill who can't think of anything good to rhyme with it now (Except of course
Bill :-))

    WAIT a minute Jill.... I was between YOU and that dessert table,
    and I made SURE you didn't eat MUCH from that table...
    
    yes dear... your welcome :-)
    
    Giggle!

    Speaking of the desert table, here's a tip that comes from my wife
    (who is also a lifetime WW member):
    
    We've been invited to a couple of parties next weekend -- for one
    of these parties, we've been asked to bring a desert.   When I talked
    with my wife about what to bring, she said, "I'll make a pistachio
    cake, as opposed to making brownies or cookies.  With brownies or
    cookies, it's all to easy to grab a couple, but with a cake, you
    can't very well slice a piece off before you bring it to a party.".
    
    
    Paul

    
    
    I was wondering on Birthday's to you still have cake?
    Do you allow yourselve to have your cake that day or
    do you have other things instead of cake.
    
    What do you make for people that can't have sugar?
    
    Ann
    
    

    re .6:
    
    Ann, since you're already aware that I mark my birthday today, I
    have a strange feeling that it's my response you're waiting for
    to this one... :-)
    
    FWIW, my wife had a cupcake with a candle in it waiting for me at
    the breakfast table this morning.  Yes, I ate it and enjoyed it.
    
    Can one allow themselves to have a piece of cake on their birthday, or
    have a little sopmething extra on a special occasion? As long as you
    plan for it and adjust your food allotment for the day/week accordingly,
    absolutely.  This is a big reason why I like the WW plan; you're
    allowed a bit of leeway and a certain amount of optional calories
    so you don't have to go without that treat on special occasions.
    
                                                               
    py

Sure, there's no reason why you can't have a piece of cake on your birthday.
(or any other day as long as you plan for it.)

My problem would be what to do with the rest of the cake, if it's just the
two of us at home.

I don't remember the last time I had a piece of cake for my birthday, other
than maybe the WW chocolate cake, which I think is great!  I'd rather spend
my optional calories another way, but that's my personal decision.

I'd rather not talk about the pieces of cake I've had for Bill's birthday (I
certainly didn't buy them :-)).

Happy Birthday, Paul!  I bet you're really happy, too :-)

Jill

<Sure, there's no reason why you can't have a piece of cake on your birthday.
<(or any other day as long as you plan for it.)

  Perhaps I don't fully appreciate WW or the psychological problems many of
us have with food.  It would seem to me that people without weight problems
eat cake, ice cream, pizza, etc OCCASIONALLY.  So can I.  If I splurge and
take in 6000 calories today, so what, provided tomorrow I am back to sane
nutrition.  I don't have a problem unless I routinely overeat.  For
instance, we just came through the holidays with the inherent feasting.  If I
ate routinely once a week like I did Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years
Eve I'd never lose any weight.  I don't eat like that (anymore) and I refuse to
feel guilty about the infrequent times I do overdo it.  My weight loss is
painfully slow, but it's steady.  My goal here is to modify my EATING HABITS,
not deprive myself by having to be concerned with everything I put in my mouth.
Personally, I find the weighing of everything I eat, the fanatical concern with
exchanges, and the guilt trip that goes along with these rituals can't help but
reinforce the feeling of deprivation and sacrifice. 

   I eat ALL I want of those things I should (veggies, grains, etc).  I eat
SOME of what I shouldn't (sweets, pizza, prime rib, etc.).  The higher amount
of veggies are for my physical health, the lesser quantity of fats are for my
psychological health.  I don't believe I should have to PLAN for high calorie
foods eaten on occasion, however I have an obligation to myself to make sure
those OCCASIONS are infrequent.  My hat is off to those with the discipline to
sustain a long term dieting regimen with all that calorie counting. 

   Can I have a piece of Birthday cake and ice cream?  You bet!!  But someone
else must help me with the rest of the cake (here Rover, here Fido).  I'd hate
to see that leftover cake go to waist.:-):-):-)

						Al