Posts: 17
4/9/12 2:17 P

I agree. I think eventually they will start to realize that it will actually be odd for me to have a drink in the future. Instead of now, where they think it's odd if I don't. That's what I'm hoping for.

Thanks!

Posts: 17
4/9/12 2:16 P

I agree. I think eventually they will start to realize that it will actually be odd for me to have a drink in the future. Instead of now, where they think it's odd if I don't. That's what I'm hoping for.

Thanks!

Posts: 17
4/9/12 2:13 P

Thanks so much! It's nice to hear someone else has had to come up with some tricks. : )

I didn't think of going so far as to put water in a beer can, but it's not a bad idea. I honestly don't think anyone would notice. I would feel dumb if they discovered it, though. This may work if it's a late night and I just don't feel up to dealing w/ people. If they've had too much, they won't catch on to what I'm doing. (Ha ha)

I did the trick of having a drink with me already. I think I'll keep doing that and just refill with water when it's empty in the future. I could even bring some Crystal Light packets with me for refills.

I like the bar trick, and good idea on eating slow. I'm not one to waste food, but I see what you mean about leaving food on the plate so they think you're eating it.

It's too bad we have to go to these measures. I don't mean this offensively, but it's no wonder there are so many overweight people (my friends and family included.) We just eat and eat without thinking about it. I just wish it was socially acceptable to make healthy choices. People are weird about it.

Anyway, THANKS A BUNCH!

SparkPoints: (33,110)
Fitness Minutes: (16,525)
Posts: 2,210
4/9/12 2:09 P

Been there! It’s not easy and is definitely frustrating in the beginning. Although I don’t say I don’t drink, it has been about a year since I had a beer . I maybe have a couple a year. Crave them on a hot summer day! I can’t pinpoint one reason for not indulging as much, but the longer I have not, I find that the positives outweigh the need for it. Don’t have a problem with people drinking, it’s just not something I want anymore.

In the beginning I was overwhelmed by how many people had a “problem” with me not drinking at gatherings. Pushing and pushing. I was irritated and uncomfortable. It was as if they felt like it was some criticism of them. Now everyone just knows I rarely and accepts it.
They realize I am just as crazy without it. LOL

I am with LFF, keep water or soda with you. I was known as the one who came to parties with her diet coke. Now that I quit (would kill for one now) I will be bringing H2O with me. I also tend to arrive earlier to gatherings so that I have time with people before they become really intoxicated. There always seems to be a couple of friends who overindulge and try to push it on you. Perhaps try and get a group together centered around an activity. Go biking, wally ball, climbing wall, volleyball… When I used to go to clubs we would go salsa or swing dancing and I danced with anyone who asked. It was a blast and with all the dancing I would crave water.

I am going to come up against the food issue when I visit my father. They are meat , potatoes, fried, gravy people. Have been preparing them for it when we chat on the phone by mentioning my new eating habits. Plan on stocking up for the drive down and will take them shopping. Everything revolves around food. I think I’ll survive;)

It will get easier. Think it takes time for your loved ones to adjust and for you to adjust to it.

Posts: 860
4/9/12 12:28 A

Ugh! Food and Alcohol Pushers are the WORST!
Now, its one thing if you choose to drink (I sort of suck at NOT doing it- but at least its my choice and I plan how I'm going to handle it and still generally stay under the TOP of my calorie range), but when people PUSH it on you, especially multiple times...
Here's my strategy:
-- Always have A FULL BEVERAGE. Whether its water with lemon, a Diet Coke, Club Soda with olives (my favorite bar trick), or a beer can you fill up with water (my sister uses this trick all the time). Basically, if you REFILL your own glass (before its empty and preferably without anyone hovering over you), the Pushers won't notice you aren't drinking too. It works. To reduce the amount I drink (even when I want to), I have a rule. 1 full glass of water for every alcoholic beverage. You can claim dehydration if you need to (and stash that first beer can somewhere to refill with water after your "real" water).

Food is harder. Start late ("ugh, I ate too much for lunch, and it still needs to settle-- I'll have some in a little while"), and eat slowww (again, no empty plate, which obviously is hard when you're dealing with food that is or seems delicious)

Hope those suggestions help. Good luck!

Body Fat %: 25.5

29 27.25 25.5 23.75

22

Posts: 17
4/8/12 9:11 P

I have recently started the program and I'm loving it so far. However, my friends and family are not very healthy. For example, just last Friday I helped some friends move and they had the typical beer and pizza (large quantities of both.) I would normally drink all night with them and have about 3 pieces of pizza and some bread sticks. I decided to have one piece of veggie pizza and no beer all night. Believe me, it was a LONG night. Many "friends" looked at me strange when I said I wasn't drinking, and they continued to offer me various drinks throughout the night. I swear I turned them down five or more times.

I don't want to drink. I feel healthier without it. I don't miss it. I just want people to leave me alone and let me enjoy social gatherings without pestering me about my choices. Any suggestions? Also, it's the same with food. Easter potluck was today, and there was pressure there to eat a lot as well.

Thanks for your help! I know I need to toughen up, but any advice would be appreciated!