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Eating with people
You can go. You do not have to finish Mrs. So-and-so’s pie.
The sentence
“No salt, please. Grilled, not fried. Sauce on the side. Unsweet tea or water.” Say it once, clearly, at Superior, Copeland’s, or the church kitchen. Most people will help you if you do not make a speech.
Potluck and Sunday dinner
Take a piece of grilled meat and a roll if you need to be polite. Leave the ham, the beans, the banana pudding, and the salty casserole. You are allowed to say you already ate, or that your doctor got picky. You do not owe anyone a lecture on phosphorus.
Youree Drive
Fried chains, crawfish boils, muffulettas, and Cane’s are red lights. Grilled chicken or fish, rice, a salad with oil and vinegar — that is the town version of this diet. Details live on Around town.
The Fair in October
Walk it. Drink water. Do not make the Fair your meal plan. One polite bite is a conversation with your dietitian, not a free pass.
Try this
- Practice the sentence out loud once. It feels less awkward at the table.
- Read the Around town page before the next family meal.