Foods

I need some advice, soon, please! I'm attending a Portuguese wedding reception on Saturday. I've been told that there are usually a few courses during dinner and of course lots of desserts. I know i'm allowed to have a high cal day every now and then but i had one last weekend, and i dont feel like doin it again so soon.

so, can anyone give me some advice on what to eat and what to stay away from regarding Portuguese food. My scale thx you in advance

 

I don't know much about portugese food but I too am going to a wedding this weekend and haven't been on track to well the last week already. To avoid being rude, try a little of everything but leave plenty on your plate. If stuff has sauces or is fried, eat as little of those as possible. The desserts, well, those will be harder to avoid but use the same concept. Portion control is the magic word. Just pace yourself and drink plenty of water while there and you'll be fine. Maybe squeeze in some dancing while at the reception to work off some of the calories! Have a fun time- it's meant to be a celebration!

you're right, it is about portions. and i dont want to appear rude.....your advice seems perfectly logical. little bits of everything. i was also planning to have a healthy snack before i get there (i'll be heading to the reception on my return froma trip out of town---3 hours or so, plenty of time to fill up on good stuff so there's no room for temptations!

Will you be dancing at the reception?  If so, that will help burn a few of the extra calories.  I agree with sampling (a bite) of a variety of options  and having a snack before hand.  Drink plenty of water prior to and during eating.  Stay away from bread or breaded items.  Avoid regular dressing and see if there is balsamic vinegar available.  2-3 bites of cake is perfectly okay!

Have one cheat day just dont go overboard and enjoy it!! Go right back on your diet the next day.  I cheated at a baby shower and didnt count and i didnt gain a ton of weight, it was just one day!!


Clarice

This is what I do:

Just before you go, have a bowl of soup.  It's low in calories and fills you up which helps control the temptation.

If anything is served buffet style, stay away from the area of the buffet table.  Hold a napkin in your hand as if you've just had something, but don't take any canapes that may be passed. 

Drink only water, sparkling or quiet, maybe with a wedge of lime.  If it's a sit down dinner, eat only 1/3 of each thing, except if there is a salad - go ahead and eat that but with little or no dressing. 

Don't eat any bread or butter. 

Practice several lines, like "It looks so delicious, but I'm so full.  Maybe later?"  or "I'd love to have that, but my tummy will make me pay." Think up something that you feel comfortable with.  Don't offer too much explanation for saying no.  If you circulate and converse, nobody will notice that you're not eating.  Doing this means you can afford a little dessert or wedding cake.

 

ya dont end up like me curled up in a hotel room crying cause i ate wayyy to much, drank to much and feel too sick, not a great way to spend any night much less a wedding. find out what the menu is.... when i doubt say you are allergic to the most awful thing and make a joke out of it. but i was in portugal for 2 week this year and the food was great and healthy. typical meal was salad potatos and fish or meat grilled. so hopefully it will be like this.

thx everybody, really great advice, and i can apply all of your suggestions throughout the night! i'm sure there will be dancing, and if i havent forgotten my moves, i should be able to shed a pound or two....

i will avoid all rolls and that sweet, creamy butter like the plague!.....

i'll try to ignore the buffet table, unless there is shrimp involved. cant stay away from shrimp, i just cant!....

if its fish then i'm cool with that and those little potatoes are yummy....

i guess i can stick to water.....but can i have one coke or something cause i hardly have it. pleaassse???

oh last thing they have a traditional pastry that is this egg thing in a pastry shell, they are totally out of this world high in cals but you gotta try it. good luck

thx bobo1. i may as well try it. i'll probably go to another Portuguese wedding again. its a once in a lifetime thing!

I agree with eating something before you go. That way you don't get too hungry and eat the first thing you see which you know will most likely be high calorie. I try and mingle in healthy foods with foods everyone else is eating. Some veggies and a couple little appetizers so, you don't look like a food snob. lol

I think wine is lower cal. then beer or hard booze.  eat the cake but not the icing!

good luck. dance like crazy at the reception if you mess up badly!