Worrying about next week's food intake

So, I'm a little depressed/worried.

Starting today and ending next Thursday I am very, VERY busy (every day except Sunday, actually). This weekend is my birthday (Monday to be exact) and I have friends coming up. Entertaining them will certainly include going out to eat more than a few times. Tues, Wed and Thurs (next week) I have work parties. Which means limited to no choice on what I can eat for dinner.

Plus, since I'm going to be so busy, I will not be able to make it to the gym until next Friday (with the exception of maybe Sunday).

I'm currently on the home stretch for weight loss (10 pounds to go) and this week I weighed in the same as last week. So, I'm very worried that I will gain weight next week. I can deal with maintaining, but I HATE not being in control of what I eat. It's amazing that before I started losing weight, going out to eat was one of my very favorite things to do. Now, it's like I've developed a fear of restaurants.

Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated (even if you have to yell at me for being ridiculous! )

Well -  I don't think you can beat yourself up to much for things that are hard to control   Just make a commitment / promise to yourself.  When you have a choice - you'll make the healthier one.

 

If you have to choose between pasta with Alfredo, or pasta with a tomato sauce - you'll chose tomato.   Fries or salad - salad.  Beer or Wine - glass of red wine.  or water would be better.    Even at buffets you can eat healthy.

 It also takes a lot of calories to equal a pound of weight . . .  it may be the sodium that will mess with your weight a little bit temporarily.

  

Here is my plan when I eat out:

1. Look at menu
2. Pick what you "want" to eat
3. Make it a better choice (ie sub veggies for fries, dressing on the side, hold the cheese, don't eat the bread or chips, or just ask for a to-go box when ordering)
4. Whether you gain or maintain, you now know you would have gained more if you just ordered what you wanted

I feel your pain. I'm exactly the same. Used to love eating out, now I'm a bit afraid to. There's always the try to pick healthy choices on the menu, but they aren't always cheap, and some places don't have many healthy choices. You could always try eating something small (like a salad, or some veggies) before you go, and then only ordering an entre size, rather than a main. It really depends on the places  you go. Good luck, and happy birthday!

First off, Happy Birthday... 

It will be okay I promise.  Here is a small crazy little plan that I have for times like this.  I keep carrots with me or 100 calorie snacks or an apple or banana.  The reason for this is if I know I'm going to be going out to eat I just take down a quick healthy snack.  Once you've had a little snack go ahead and order what you would like.  The fact that you won't be starving will help control the portion that you finish and then nobody will be upset to get a to-go box to carry the rest with you.  At this point in the game it's going to be all about portion control when you go out.  Don't be afraid to eat just remember, most restaurants are pretty good for you they just bring out a portion twice the size of what we need.

You've done awesome to only have 10lbs to go, don't get discouraged have fun and enjoy your week, don't get down on yourself for enjoying a special time of year with your friends...