i wrote my mother an email...

[mas436]

... about how i would prefer to cut back on carbs and starches during my stay at home. i mentioned how i knew she already probably had meals planned, and that i have no problem coming up with creative alternatives, but that i just wanted to let her know.

i emphasized that i didn't want to stress her out, and that i had really gone overboard at thanksgiving, and wanted to have a healthy christmas.

do you we think i did the right thing? or do you think she'll roll her eyes and not listen to me?

[mobykat]

that sounds fair, congratulations for trying to keep with ur WOE during the xmas period

[mas436]

thanks... my mom has done south beach on and off (loving the results), so i know she's not ANTI low-carb. however, i get the distinct impression she's been OFF-THE-WAGON for a while, and that it might annoy her to see me "ON" it.

[Autuamnsprite]

It might also motivate her to climb back on. Much success!

[Sharon]

That sounds fine. Tell everyone what you're doing and stick to it.

[mas436]

i sure hope so! i'm dreading a morning of her making banana pancakes for the family, or potato latkes (for my jewish father) at the beginning of hanukkah... i'm telling her b/c i don't want to be the odd person out, and she would be so mad if i sat there and refused to eat potato latkes for dinner... i want to be able to have a protein option!

for our traditional xmas dinner (yes, christians and jews in our family), we have shrimp creole... and i'll just ask for it without rice.

i guess i'm just trying to anticipate. i hope she'll be nice about it.

[melantine]

I have been Lcing for over 2 years and have actually converted my parents. I have found that no matter where I eat I can find good choices ( maybe not the very best, but good) Good luck with sticking to it during the holidays, those are some of the hardest times. I hope your Mom will provide you with some healthy alternatives.

[elyseelyse]

Good idea - bringing this up early w/ family I think is always the way to go.

I have not said anything to my own mom (she lives in MI) regarding my low-carb eating, because althought she would be happy to get me/make me what I wanted she would lecture me every second I was in her presence about what awful food choices I have made over the last 15 plus years and how everyone thinks that I really need to do something about my weight. She would continually harp on how much more I need to loose . . . . .etc., etc., etc.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then she would watch like a hawk every single piece of food I put in my mouth and make comments!!! I could not be held responsible for my actions at that point! That being said, we celebrate hanukkah/christmas as well, so I know how overwhelming all the pressure can be to just have some of this and some of that. It looks like there will be some low-carb choices available when you visit so maybe just put a little of "everything" on your plate - and eat what you want - get busy talking and sociallizing and "forget" to finish the rest.

[idioglossic]

well she is forwarned... and you are armed with a plan... have a great time...

[mas436]

you won't believe it! my mother has been wonderfullllll! she has served plenty of low-carb options for me... made a splenda cheescake, served my shrimp creole without rice, added sugar-free honey to a poached pear recipe, let me strain my yogurt and eat it for breakfast while everyone ate other stuff, etc.

i can't believe it! she has been so supportive and hasn't complained or mumbled under her breath once! she's "off-the-wagon" right now, but is totally respecting my WOE.

what can i do to thank her?!?!

[trish6103]

Wow, that's great! I'm glad everything worked out for you.

Send her a Thank You card with a note inside telling her how much easier it was for you to get through the holiday with her help.