Heading off disaster when relatives visit!

[tiggerlover]

My mom and niece are coming to Italy in 5 short days and although I am extremely excited they are coming I am very worried about all of the eating we will be doing. We will be travelling a lot, so that means restaurant meals and I know in my mind I just need to make sensible choices, but I have a feeling it will be easy to make bad choices. Italy is the land of food and it is wonderful from their pizza's, pasta's, pastries and geletoto everything under the sun. I need some tips to keep me focused.....HELP!

 

[Lynn CC]

Well, you can only do your best. The choices will be there on the menu for you and if you blow it, just try harder at the next meal. That's what I do instead of worrying about it, I just try my best. The sweets are hard for me to resist.
DS, DH and I are supposed to be in Italy this week, but the group trip got cancelled because of the war

Enjoy your family

 

[anniet]

I would try to order first so I don't change my mind while everyone else is ordering. It will be tough, but just make the best possible choices you can make. If you are faced with a treat that you know is rarely available to you, and you really want it then splurge, but try to share it, or not finish it.

I sympathise with you, I know it's not easy.

Good luck!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I love anniet's suggestion of ordering first. That is a great idea!!! Also, maybe try to avoid discusisng before hand what everyone will order, that could get you to start "looking" for other options. Also, I don't know if this is something acceptable in Italy, but ask for a doggy bag and split it right away.

Good luck, I know that you can keep on track, and enjoy your visit. Should be wonderful.

 

[tiggerlover]

anniet, that is a great idea!

Vija, doggie bags are not very acceptable here in Italy, we only do that in one or two places that are used to us american's!

I will have to work hard at this, especially since we are going to some really great places (Venice, Florence and Pisa to name a few).

 

[tiggerlover]

Lynn, I didn't mean to leave you out.....
I had wanted to say how sorry I was that your trip was cancelled. I sure hope that you are able to reschedule it when things calm down a bit.

 

[TigH]

Just sending lots of GOOD LUCK pixie dust!

What about splitting an order with someone? Or just ordering an appetizer for your meal?

I'm really not a good one to give advice for this, because I love to plan my vacations around eating. (and taking family sightseeing is kind of a vacation!)

As long as you try to stay away from fried/cheesey things, you should be ok. And heck, olive oil is so good for you....so you wouldn't be doing too bad to order something sauteed in olive oil, really...

Don't reach for the bread out of habit, make sure the bread basket is no where near you! And have a BITE of someone's dessert if you have to have any!

When all is said and done, the meal will be over and you'll have to deal with your conscious (sp). If you are going to eat things that aren't on your plan, you have to PROMISE to not feel guilty or remorseful or beat yourself up!!!!!!!!!!! That's the deal, ok?

Good luck! Enjoy your company and enjoy the meals. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You can just jump right back into your plan when they leave!!!!

 

[tiggerlover]

Originally posted by TigH
Just sending lots of GOOD LUCK pixie dust!

Good luck! Enjoy your company and enjoy the meals. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You can just jump right back into your plan when they leave!!!!

Yes Mam! {Tiggerlover is saluting TigH and thanking her for the great advice!}

 

[kamgen]

You can do it!!!!!!!!! It is not easy, especially when everyone around you is grabbing at that good stuff...especially bread! But Tigh is right, don't have it anywhere near you.
Just remember not to deprive yourself...eat smaller portions....half size...maybe split things.....and drink LOTS of water.....Choose lighter pastas, no cream sauces, and lots of veggies! I love angel hair pasta with marinara sauce and lots of garlic! Enjoy your visit with your family........
You can do it!!!!!!!
Kamy (PM BUDDY!)

 

[nativetxn]

I don't follow WW. Just wanted to wish you luck with this. Looks like you have received some terrific advice, already.

Perhaps you could carry some legal foods with you? Not for eating at a restaurant but just to help you out.

Try to enjoy yourself, make the best choices you can and make the most of your time with your family.

You will do just fine, though, I don't doubt that for a minute.

Katholyn

 

[tlgoblue]

I know how it is when family comes calling. Italy can be tempting for those of us who obviously have a certain attachment to food, but, since you live there, surely there are places you'll want to visit with your family that don't serve food. Make a point to do lots of walking, sightseeing, etc., so if you do get a bit off track, it won't be so harmful. Enjoy your time with your family, and if necessary, bring them on board and introduce them to healthy alternatives. There really is nothing better than a home cooked Italian Meal!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy