How to not derail my diet when staying as a house guest with family

[Rory786]

Hi everyone,

I have been trying to lose weight for 1 year now and only now have things began to click and I am making better choices.

I will be staying with family for 3 nights in London and I don't want to eat calorific meals OR be seen as THAT type of guest!

I was thinking of packing fruit, crackers and packet soup. Has anyone been in this situation?

For three nights you won't ruin anything tbh.

You say you are making better choices so continue to do so there. Ask for smaller portions. If offered things like biscuits have just one or decline and say you are saving yourself for dinner later.

If you really want to take something why not splash out on a big fruit basket as a present for your host and then you know that there should be fruit available for a snack.

Thank you whoatemynuts the fruit basket is a great idea!

Have you stayed with them before, and do you know what sort of food you are likely to be offered? For instance if you know they are the types to have puddings available, especially for a guest, then warn them in advance that you won't eat them (perhaps with a polite excuse that it is doctor's orders or something). Make it clear you have no problem with them having such stuff themselves but not to get anything especially for your visit.

yes, fruit basket great idea, agree.

just make a lot of fuss how delicious the food they offer is, and enjoy it, without going bananas and over-eating, just eating less. otherwise you will be that neurotic, house guest!

if you are truly on an new healthy way of eating, a few days holiday dealing with choices differently will make little difference.

Eat less the day before you go, less the day after.

Enjoy yourself

I admire and appreciate your determination - but three days won’t ruin anything. Eat and enjoy the meals and then just avoid snacks if you can. As PP suggested, smaller portions if possible and there’s nothing rude or wrong with saying no to a biscuit if you don’t want one - it won’t make you ‘that guest’.

Thanks everyone, its only just now that the pounds are dropping and I have been a yo yo dieter for so long. I also have a weigh in when I get home so I want to lose weight if possible.
I will be going with my 3 little girls (all under the age of 6) so I will busy myself with feeding them and not me!

Eat slowly. Savour your food and enjoy the visit.

If you eat mindfully it’s hard to overeat so you shouldn’t wreck anything.