By: Sandi Henderson, From SandisBandedLiving Blog

It is close to Halloween, and Candy is always a temptation

So it's just past the middle of October and Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanza and New Year's parties are fast approaching.  As the weather turns cooler it seems to me like we "live" to go from house to house eating and drinking.  UH OH you say?  You would be right.  If you are like me, you're thinking:  "I've had weight loss surgery, how am I ever going to survive this time of year without gaining weight?" No, the correct answer is not that you will just stay home, unless you REALLY, REALLY do not think you can enjoy yourself in a group of people who seem to be focused on eating and drinking.  As a matter of fact, before surgery I often stayed home because I was embarrassed to eat and drink in a group.  I frequently limited myself to family celebrations that I could not avoid so people would not have to watch the fat lady eat.  I want to enjoy myself now, especially since I have so much more energy and choose to participate in life these days.

Thanksgiving Dinner is symbolic of our having a lot of food choices

• I kept a full glass of water or ice tea in front of me or in my hand at all times.  Either looks festive (or alcoholic) with a lemon/lime/cherry/pineapple slice or some other adornment - you can put your water or tea in a wine glass if need be to put off the well wishers
• At cocktail parties or open houses I avoided the food table and visited with people instead - I tried to have a high protein "snack" before I arrived so I was not hungry and could visit and get involved rather than focus on eating
• At meals I used a small salad plate and put on it only what I planned to eat
• I did not eat with my fingers - no matter what was on my plate - shrimp, chicken skewers, strawberry, I always used at least a fork, if not a knife and fork
• I politely refused the desserts and refills offered
• In restaurants I found myself ordering shrimp cocktail or crab since they are both low calorie/high protein and can be eaten quite slowly
• I did not allow myself to sit at a table for longer than ½ hour - at a friend's house I would help serve and clean up, or go for a walk.  In a restaurant I would excuse myself to the restroom - anything to get up from the table to not tempt myself - at a dinner party I could also switch seats so I could talk one and one with someone other than those immediately adjacent to me
• I kept my eye on the prize- MY HEALTH!

The Holidays offer so many opportunities to successfully use your tool

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