Anyone else?

Have anxiety about social situations that involve eating out or bbqs or things like that? We planned this week's cheat meal with friends and MIL just called to invite us over for a BBQ the next day. Now any non-neurotic person would not think twice and enjoy both social situations but I can't help but be nervous that I am going to have 2 ays where I am not in complete control of my meals. (I Know this is super sad and needs to be taken care of..hence the therapist I see lol)

Does anyone else get this way?

Re: Anyone else?

I get it. I have issues when I'm not in control of my eating schedule or what I'm eating. Its definitely gets worse in the summer as we are eating out more, eating at BBQs with friends, away more, etc..

What I do is make sure my DH knows I'm uncomfortable and he helps me. He also says things like, "well just eat the chicken then, skip the potato salad and cheeseburger if it makes you feel better" and thats exactly what I do. If you know you have anxiety and will feel guilty after eating something, personally I say don't eat it. But then again, you do get one cheat meal. But that doesn't mean you have to go overboard.

Good luck

Re: Anyone else?

Thanks...we JUST had that conversation. DH said "They are making burgers and hot dogs AND grilled chicken...we can bring a salad and you can eat the chicken...that's similar to dinner right?" It was so sweet. My issue is all of the snacks. I don't crave the desserts or even the dinners so much its all of the appetizers...maybe we can go late so I miss htose?lol

Re: Anyone else?

I some times stress over food at a party or BBQ. I am VERY picky about how my food is prepared and many times at parties my choices are limited. To make matters worse I recently gave up wheat do to a food sensitivity and now I often have to go into a long explaination over why I do not want a certain wheat containing product.
Try to enjoy- Can you count one day as a cheat meal for this week and one day as your cheat meal for next week?

Re: Anyone else?

I stress about this too. I just make sure I get a good workout in on days where I know I'll be eating a lot.

Re: Anyone else?

I hear ya! I always stress about this...especially with BBQ season starting now. I make sure I get in a high intensity workout that day and also drink alot of water. I've had two cheat days in a row, and while I see a gain for a few days after, a week later it goes away.

It's very hard emotionally for me because I do worry about not being in control. My issue is dessert. I have to try everything...I can't just take one thing and walk away. I have such a sweet tooth.

Re: Anyone else?

I'm so glad am not alone in this. I really hvae to start letting go a bit. My Dr. asked me today "So what?!" when I said I was feeling a bit nervous that my weight hadn't gone down this week. And she might be right. So what? I was able to say that I am relatively happy with the way I look and feel...shouldn't that be enough? I need to realize that two days of "out of control eating" (which really wouldnt be out of control) isn't going to kill me or make my clothes not fit anymore, right?

I really am so thankful for the support I get here. I feel like so many of you really understand where I am coming from and you make me feel like I am not alone and things will be ok...so thank you!

Re: Anyone else?

I definitely feel your pain!!! Our world seems to revolve around eating. Those who do not have to be careful, like some family members of mine, do not understand. I hate eating out situations, and I have a Family Reunion coming up!!!! I have to stay on target, to get my blood pressure down. I'll probably take food I can have, but it won't be fun, not to share in the picnic!!! Mary

Re: Anyone else?

I have cancelled plans with friends because I was so anxious about eating out. It's a problem and I should probably talk to someone about it. So you are definitely not alone.

Re: Anyone else?

Re: Anyone else?

I usually eat before parties to avoid over indulging

Re: Anyone else?

I know that feeling well... I used to not be able to go to an all-you-can-eat restaurant without getting super nervous... I didn't like that feelling of not being able to control my diet completely & also the fear that I might lose control around all that food. But now I kinda just don't care anymore.

Re: Anyone else?

I totally know how you feel. I do great during the week, but then it is these weekend parties where I do my damage. I've had one or two every weekend for the past 6 weeks! I am actually looking forward to June and July where we have less planned and I can have several weeks where I don't cheat.

And to specifically answer your question, I do get nervous, especially if it is an invite that comes last minute and I haven't planned for it.

Re: Anyone else?

I get anxiety in social situations as it is. Now adding that diet factor makes it that much worse for me. I'm also worried that I'll overindulge and completely get off track.

We went to a wedding reception a couple of weeks ago at an italian restaurant and they had 8 courses. I really tried to not eat alot but then I get the comments from people about not liking the food. I tried to take a bite or 2 of each course so it wouldn't look like I wasn't eating, but I wasn't eating too much.

And this time of year when we have so many BBQs it's really stressing me.

Re: Anyone else?

I do not stress about it too much, but my DH does. This is one reason we rarely go out to eat. I only get concerned when we are on vacation and eating out every meal.

Re: Anyone else?

i dont stress so much for the weight reason, but i do take extra care when eating away from home to plan because i eat primarily a vegan diet. i'll actually bring little baggies of spinach or nuts so i know i'll have something to eat and if its someone i don't know, i'll try to talk with them beforehand about the food being served and just tell them i have food allergies instead of going into the vegan diet. i've even been known to bring my own food to BBQs and parties because i want to make sure i can accomodate my diet.