Sunday is my daughter's 7th birthday party. There will be about 15-20 guests. We have a family party with a great afternoon meal. My husband is Italian and we're in process of making a traditional lasagne, ravioli, meatballs and antipasti salad. I make a beautiful genoise with local strawberries and cream. This is one of the times each year when I cook like this. Generally I do not eat much before or during the party, but cleanup KILLS me. In the hope of helping myself out this year, I am making a great veggie platter with roasted veggies and a great green salad. I can take or leave the cake- because it is made with loads of cream, it needs to be eaten the same day and people seem to have seconds if there is some left. (I am making 2 cakes.) I am most vulnerable to the rav. and lasag. as I go for savory foods. I am thinking of a reward for good post party behavoir. I think it better be something big as this is tough for me. Any thoughts on strategies and/or rewards is most appreciated. P.S. My parents are coming and that presents stress galore with their split and my Dad's health problems.
quote:Originally posted by Sandy: I did quite well today- better than ever before at a party like this. I ate 2 meals as planned and had 1 slice of garlic bread with no other extras. (I must say that I ate quickly and did not really enjoy the food, but stayed on plan. No style points!)
Good for you Sandy! : )
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
I did quite well today- better than ever before at a party like this. I ate 2 meals as planned and had 1 slice of garlic bread with no other extras. (I must say that I ate quickly and did not really enjoy the food, but stayed on plan. No style points!)
I have walked and done more party prep. I ate my usual cereal and milk for breakfast at about 9.30. I felt an urge to eat/taste so much that I was making, but stayed on plan. Now I need to get to snack aronnd noon and then lunch and dinner. Both L and D will be 1/2 portion of main dish and loads of veggies and salad.
I have made a plan. I am about to go walk and will have a late breakfast (9.00) and then a snack (fruit) around noon. Lunch around 2 and dinner at normal time. I will have a small slice of the cake for afternoon snack around 4. When I work out the portions/servings, I find that I need to have no meatballs and only 1/2 serving of lasag at each meal. I will load up on salad and veggies. (I roasted them without oil so that I could enjoy. Others can add EVOO if they wish.) I plan to post frequently today and to write down all of my food as well as my plan to help stay in line.
quote:Originally posted by Sandy First, though, I need a specific plan about the day's eating. Need suggestions and my tendency will be to limit myself too much and then overeat late in the party or during clean up. (Dh agreed to do the clean up.)
Sandy It seems to me that if your meal will be 2 hours after you ordinarily eat, that you need to have a small snack at noon so you aren't starving. I would also suggest calculating out your calories for the day and the calorie content of the food you are serving so you can make as specific of a plan as possible. Try to make sure you don't skimp at lunch (2pm) so you don't overeat later.
Good luck and enjoy yourself!
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
Thanks for the input. I decided to freeze leftovers for meals later in the month. I plan a large amount of veggies and to limit the pasta dishes. My next problem is that the meal will be around 2pm and I generally eat lunch at 12 and dinner at 5-6 pm.
As far as a reward, I decided on a facial. I love them and will look forward to it after this weekend.
First, though, I need a specific plan about the day's eating. Need suggestions and my tendency will be to limit myself too much and then overeat late in the party or during clean up. (Dh agreed to do the clean up.)
I like the idea of buying up some gladware containers and portion out the leftovers. Your guests can take the leftovers home without having to bring back any dishes. Whatever is not taken is already portioned out and your dh can throw it all in the freezer while you take a well deserved break. If you can't get out of the house, you can lock yourself in the bathroom with a hot bubble bath, candles and a book...or maybe call up a girlfriend and go to the mall and visit a candle store or bath & body works. After pleasing everyone else you deserve to do a little something for yourself.
stephanie
"Succeed! Because you have the opportunity to do so." - KD
Posts: 724 | Location: nashville | Registered: March 11, 2004
Boy do I understand about post party clean up. When I do a party, I take a lesson from my grandma...send leftovers home with everyone! It gets things out of the kitchen and gives a prezzie to friends and family. Freezing immediately also works..and having help in the kitchen to clean-up..or better yet like someone else said...let dh do it...
Have your dh do the clean up if that is your danger time. He can either take the left overs and freeze them or just throw them out. That way you won't have temptation staring you in the face.
In terms of reward for getting through such a stressful time, how about a massage?
I'm very lucky this year that my dd didn't want a party. We're taking her to an amusement park instead and then just have a dinner with my parents. It will be a healthy menu w/just cake for temptation at dessert time.
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
