Friday, May 16, 2008

When lasagna attacks

Things are still going well here. I'm staying on track and haven't had any falls from the wagon since Monday. My self-esteem is on its way back up.

I got a call from my mom today. My uncle is in town and my folks are having a family dinner at their place tomorrow night. She's making lasagna, and let me tell you- her lasagna is freaking awesome. Of course, the following day I'm running in a 5K race, so there's no way I can eat lasagna the night before. Carbo-loading is a very important thing to do, but only if you're running in a long-distance race. For a 5K, you're supposed to eat light the day before. It would weigh me down to the point that I'd feel sluggish and tired during the race. Also, Angie and I agreed that we'd give ourselves a little treat on Sunday after the 5K is over (I'm thinking a huuuuge salad and a cupcake at The Mixx).

So, my mom expects me to attend the gathering and watch everyone else eat lasagna while I munch on whatever I choose to bring for myself.

Dammit.

I'm irritated. I know it's not her responsibility to serve healthy meals every time there's a family gathering. I understand that. Even so, she doesn't seem to grasp why it's so difficult for me to resist awesome food when it's nearby. Or, if she does, she doesn't seem to care. Plus, making that lasagna is a ton of work for her. It would be much easier to throw some chicken on the grill, but she shot that idea down faster than it could come out of my mouth.

Honestly, I don't want to attend the party at all now. People will be wondering why I'm not eating the same food as everyone else, which is embarrassing for me. Of course, if I don't go, people will be ticked off. I'm also concerned that I'll say "screw it" and eat the lasagna anyway. No, I won't do that. I don't care how good it smells.

To my readers- what would you do if you were in my place?

5 comments:

abby suzanne said...

How about making a salad to go with your mom's lasagna (and bringing low cal dressing) and then having 1/2 serving lasagna and 1.5 servings salad? That is probably what I would do.
or...
You could tell people you went vegetarian and bring your own mini veggie lasagna, but that doesnt really solve the problem that your mom's lasagna is awesome and it will be hard to resist.

Anonymous said...

Eat half a piece of lasagna and a huge salad. If it was my mom's I'd offer to bring the salad and make the garlic bread-- so I could make sure the dressing was low-fat and make whole-grain garlic bread with EVOO and fresh garlic.

MaryFran said...

You can do it, with style and grace. However, that is sometimes the hardest part of this journey, having those around to not understand how they can so negatively affect our efforts.

Anonymous said...

Hi Morgan! I have been there several times. Couple of tips: Sometimes I eat before I go - have a grilled chicken breast and a salad - that way you aren't hungry when you go. Then offer to bring dessert and take a bunch of fresh berries and maybe a fat free whipped topping. Have a helping of that and enjoy the conversation. I try to avoid foods I know I could easily binge on - but if you can - then have a small piece of the lasgna and a salad. Remember- if people are judging you - they just don't get it. Great job on staying on track this week!!

MB said...

Social events are the hardest for me too.

You shouldn't feel embarrassed at all if people ask why you are not eating the lasagna. You should proudly tell them you are RUNNING a race the next day and can't be loaded down by that kind of food. Maybe you should wrap a small piece to take home and treat yourself with that after the race.

Good luck!