5 Ways to Stay on Track for Weight Loss When You’re an Out-of-Town Guest

You may have your food habits locked down at home, but chances are they go right out the window when you’re a guest in someone else's house. After all, they’re putting you up and feeding you, so it seems super-rude to push food around your plate like a little kid. Still, there are steps you can take so you stay comfortable with what you’re eating, say Krista Yoder Latortue, M.P.H., R.D., executive director of FamilyFood LLC. Try her tips to eat healthfully and be a gracious house guest.

MORE: The Best (and Worst!) Holiday-Themed Drinks

Accommodate Your Own Dietary Restrictions
It’s a good thing to let your hosts know about food allergies, but it can be hard to explain gluten-free or vegetarian eating to your old-school granny. “You have to adapt based on who you’re staying with,” says Yoder Latortue. “The best thing is to bring your own stuff if possible, or purchase things when you arrive. Accommodate yourself instead of making them accommodate you.”

Assess the Spread Before digging In
It can be easy to grab the first things you glimpse at a buffet, but pause to get the lay of the land first. “See what’s available, then divide into three categories: the foods that you want that aren’t healthy; the foods that are healthy; and the foods you don’t care about,” says Yoder Latortue. Fill your plate with the healthy dishes, but be sure to leave a little space for the richer foods. “Don’t deny yourself completely. Then you wind up binging. Have the indulgences, but in small amounts.”

MORE: 4 Exercises for Looking HOT in Your Holiday Party Dress

Bring Healthy Dishes When Possible
If possible, and polite in the circumstances, offer to bring a dish that you know you’ll be happy to dig into. “If it’s a potluck, bring something healthy,” says Yoder Latortue. “Then at the very least, you know you have your dish.” Here are some ideas!

Accept That the Holidays are a Time to Indulge
You know that aunt whose favorite ingredient is butter? One fat-laden meal at her place won’t kill you or your otherwise healthy diet. “Keep in mind that it can’t be the rule for all holiday parties and events,” says Yoder Latortue. “Try to be healthy at most of them.”

Remember That Food Equals Love to Many People
“Keep it in the back of your mind,” says Yoder Latortue. “The person who’s hosting you is really trying to show their love to you through food.” Your family members aren’t trying to sabotage your diet—even your brother who loves to mock your vegetarianism. If you remember that your mom might actually like toiling away in the kitchen for you, it makes it much easier to stomach what she’s serving—in a portion size that you feel comfortable with, of course.

MORE: The Super-Easy Gift You Need to Give to Everyone You Know

1. Prev:8 Weight-Loss Hacks for People Who Don’t Cook
2. Next:The Best Way to Tell If Youre ACTUALLY Hungry