How do you handle pot lucks?
Asked by anonymous on Mar 06, 2008
in Emotional & Behavioral Issues
How do you guys handle potlucks? I have a potluck dinner once a week at my religious meetings. I try to reserve 700 calories for the dinner but I end up getting way too hungry and just eat beforehand. I often bring a veggie platter or my own side dish, but this weekend I'll have 3 meetings on the same day and I won't have anytime to cook or pick up prepared food. What should I do?
Answer
Handle all potlucks in the same way. Don't go to the party famished and don't overdo the alcohol. Both behaviors open the door to indiscriminate eating. Look over the entire buffet before joining the line. Choose several items in reasonable portions to make up a balanced meal. Skip food that is breaded and fried or covered in sauce, cream, butter, or cheese. Go up to the table only once, and if you've saved room for dessert, choose the one that you love the best. Take a small portion and eat a few bites, and then send your plate away. And think about how great it feels to be fed but not stuffed, and how great you'll feel at your healthy new weight.
