We are having cake at work for a birthday, I must be strong and say no and have my apple instead!

eat the apple either just before or during the cake eating! It is a wonderful feeling to pass something up. You know, they will be making cake every day the rest of your life, you are not missing anything you can't have later when it's time and you're in control!

Just remember the JC brownie you can always eat . . . much better than any cake!

You are so right!... It's "empowering" to pass on something right now... you are proving to yourself, YOU are in control... NOT the food!

One thing I have now learned: Don't LOOK at the cake! Do not make eye contact with any food you are trying to avoid! A quick glance is ok but do not dwell. That helps me out alot -- those visual triggers can break you down!
My hubby is on a program too and he goes crazy when the ooey gooey food and pizza commercials come on! I always tell him, "Look away!" Guys are even more affected by visual cues.

omg... that's too funny... Look Away, Look Away!... and the part about eye contact... perfect!... "Step away from the table"... walk backward out of the room and then run, run, run... he he he... of course, I have always maintained that food "talks" to me... it whispers "sweet" words to me when I walk by... it's very annoying!... and it's always the donuts that talk the loudest!

( and yes, we know that guys are more visually oriented than we are....hence, Hooters Girls that they can't have anyway)

I don't know about you guys, but for me, knowing that I have a JC dessert waiting for me at the end of the day as my reward for a good day makes it easier for me to pass up stuff.
I wait for the kids to be in bed, sit down in front of the TV with no distractions and really enjoy it. Never eat your dessert in a rush!

Oh, I agree... I save the dessert for after dinner and I make a BIG production of getting it ready and sitting down to eat it in little bitty bites, lol... tonight is the brownie... haven't had it yet... but, Im looking forward to the experience

Well, we just did the birthday and guess what? I didn't have a piece, not even a bite. I had my apple. I was looking at it (for only a second of course) and I thought to myself, you know what, I dont even want a piece of that oreo cake. One piece is not worth me getting off schedule and ruining something that I've been working really hard on for the past week. I am proud of myself I must say!

((((((((((EBK)))))))))... <that's a hug> YOU GO GIRL!... YOU were in control today!... doesn't that feel great?

That is SO GREAT! Yeah!
I try to save my cakes and things too for in the evening, but, today I caved and ate my brownie right after lunch. It called to me and I lost control! Sigh!, oh well, there's always the jello cups for later.

It does feel great!! And thanks for all the words of wisdom and support!

YEA!!!! I bet all those other people gorging themselfs on the cake were looking at you envious of your self control! and you still get to eat lemon cake, chocolate, cake, brownies, cheese cake.............

EBK...way to go...all I can say is I hope I am that disciplined when I'm at a family wedding this month...all that food...and the squares....mmmmmm squares...and cake! I am so bring my desert to the wedding

I sat and watched 30 kids and about 15 adults eat pizza. Now that was hard but I ate my yogurt and got thru it.
It is amazing how you can get thru it if you think about it ahead of time, make a plan and decide that you are not going to eat it. It is all in the mind.
Congrats on not eating that cake.

That's exactly right... it's like my consultant asked me... what is your plan for father's day... how are you going to handle the day?... with everyone coming to my house and me preparing the food... but, IF I have a plan and know in advance what Im going to do, it makes it easier... oh, btw, my daughter just called and cheerfully said she's bringing the chocolate chip cookies... great but, I have chocolate chip cookies to eat tomorrow too and fresh fruit!

I am having hubby grill steaks with bake potatoes, salad and corn for him and the children. I even purchased ice cream for them and I HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF EATING ONE BITE!!

yep, I've got the list... "they" are grilling burgers, corn cob, potato salad, chips...cobbler/ice cream... "none for me" thanks!... I wish I had a turkey burger to eat... but, it's chicken fetticcini tomorrow night, but, that's OK...it's one of my favs!