I started journaling and using the hunger scale on Friday and I did pretty well when I was at work. I didn’t stress eat candy and I stayed within my Weight Watchers points.

Fast forward to Friday evening, when my husband announced that he had invited some friends over and ordered three pizzas. “Okay, I told myself. I can handle this. I have enough points left for one slice of pizza.” As a preventative measure since I was very hungry, I had a large serving of salad before they arrived. Unfortunately, my good intentions went out the window. Who eats only one slice of pizza?

I lost track of how many pieces of pizza I had, as well as how many glasses of wine. Then for dessert, our friends brought the Girl Scout Cookies that we had ordered from them. I love those Samoas, although they’re named something different now. So, I lost track of how many cookies I had too. I should probably mention that I didn’t journal any of this.

The next day, we went to the circus. And of course, my husband comes back to our seats with some goodies: popcorn and cotton candy. Fortunately, I managed to lightly sample both and didn’t overindulged. After the circus my in-laws, who came with us, invited us to go to lunch at an Asian buffet.

“Okay, I can handle this, I told myself again.” I loaded up on veggies first and then hit the sushi. I was doing pretty well until everyone started getting dessert. I had to try one of my mother-in-law’s cream puffs, as well as those little fried Chinese sesame balls with bean paste inside. Delicious!

That started the ball rolling for me and soon I was getting my own dessert. More cream puffs, more sesame balls.

Later that day, we invited more friends over spur of the moment and I capped off the day with more overeating.

I got on the scale this morning and I’m up to 133lbs, when I had been down to 130lbs. Not the right direction.

I think I see a pattern here. There has to be something I learn from this. Unplanned social situations.  Why was I in-control at the circus, but out-of-control in the other situations. Somehow I need to prepare for unplanned social situations. Let’s see what I can find on this topic…

Well, so far I’ve found information confirming that people have a tendency to eat more in social situations, but I haven’t found any concrete ways to avoid it.

At least I’m not alone:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/overeating-in-social-situations

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/12/051231180459.htm

http://www.mariaslastdiet.com/eating-overeating-social-influence-dieting.aspx

I’m guessing that ways to avoid overeating in a social situation include some type of visualization and behavior modification, but I’m wanting to find more specific strategies. Oh, here’s one…

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9412830

It’s a start, but I’m still wanting more specifics. I’m not sure that they’re are any so I’ll make my own and start with the above article’s advice:

1. Eat slowly
2. Take smaller portions 
3. Be aware of how much I’m eating 
4. Don’t eat more to be social

Breaking it down for myself looks like the following:

1. Eat slowly:  I’ll take a cue from the macrobiotic folks. Chew each mouthful until its liquified. A great read on the topic is: The Hip Chick’s Guide to Macrobiotics: A Philosophy for Achieving a Radiant Mind and a Fabulous Body
2. Take smaller portions: I’ll need to measure going forward. When a measuring cup isn’t available, use hand. The palm is a protein serving (chicken breast) and the fist is a carb serving (small potato)
3. Be aware of how much I’m eating: I’ll take a break mid-meal to excuse myself to the bathroom. I’ll bring my journal with me to record and evaluate.
4. Don’t eat more to be social: This is a tough one. Maybe I’ll carry some gum with me.

Well, that’s it for now. Thanks for reading.

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