We are smack in the midst of that time of year when we can find ourselves with food being foist upon us. Food and the people who revel in preparing and sharing it are everywhere—at our workplace, at parties, and even in our homes. Friends and family feel that showing up without peanut brittle or cellophane-wrapped bundles of sugar cookies would somehow break the holiday. While we may appreciate the effort and gestures, we might dread the energy and fast-talking required to demur. It's not as simple as saying, "Thanks, but no thanks." That response to a present of baked goods won't even register with some people. They become hysterically deaf to their vittles being passed over. It's a challenge to decline gifts of food, for sure.

How can we avoid the food and the hurt feelings simultaneously?

A member of my private support group on Patreon shared a personal experience with being in a position as the recipient of both good wishes and food that doesn't serve them well anymore. I really like this story. (I included it on a recent YouTube live stream.) It's a powerful testament to the impact of personal stories and is an excellent lesson on how to be gracious and stay the course as well:

Wanted to share a "yay me" moment with you all: yesterday was my 45th birthday, and I'm at my lowest weight in 15 years. Beloved friends (who don't know I'm on this journey) threw me a party, and baking is their love language. I left with three plates of homemade cake, cookies, and chocolates. For the first time in my life, I had no interest in eating them. Amazing. I thanked them for the gifts of food, loaded them in my car, and on my way home, I gave them to three homeless people I saw sleeping in the park. I handed them the treats wrapped in bows and said, "Merry Christmas"… they were delighted and smiled. And I smiled with tears in my eyes because, for once in my life, food no longer controlled me. Keto gave me freedom! This support group and Casey's daily video are guiding me and teaching me I'm not alone. With Gratitude, R.

BEYOND KETO (with Casey)

     I know, I know. I’ve written about exercise before. A couple of times. (here and here) But here I go again. While I’ve got the food thing down, sticking to resistance training has me feeling like Sisyphus. I make strides, build lean tissue, feel proud and strong, and then my personal boulder (laziness) skids down the hill, squishing me in the process. So, here I am, baring my embarrassment for all to read: I am at the bottom of the hill, but will trudge back onto my poor, ignored Total Gym. Again, again, and again. Keep a good thought out there for me. 🤞 💪 🏋️

In a few words, the writer addresses several topics: What do we say when others comment on our food choices? We needn't tell anyone when we opt to change our eating habits. How can we accept foods we've decided don't work for us? It can be done, and done with kindness and generosity. Why does a support system help? Because it does. It just does. We can seek one out online or at local meetups. We can create our own if no option exists in our orbit. Because if one of us has challenges sticking to the program, it is sure that there are many, many others.

Keep this testament in mind when you see an army of chocolate Santas marching towards you, pyramids of gold-foiled hazelnut candies begging to be dismantled and eaten, and eight versions of pumpkin pie laid out on the buffet. Remember that if our friend, 'R,' can resist confections made especially for them on their birthday (which is in December, thereby creating a host of other hurdles) after fifteen years of working on getting out from under the tyranny of food, you can also.

And, as always, remember, if I can do this, you can do this.

I promise.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor, researcher, or Ph.D., but instead, I’ve been fortunate to have had the time and resources to research the ketogenic diet, also known as LCHF (low carb/high fat). The information I share is based solely on my understanding of that research. We are all responsible for our own choices, including what we put in our mouths, and there’s no substitute for each of us checking things out ourselves. And I’m not a medical professional in any way. Go Keto With Casey is not a medical site. “Duh,” you might say. But best to make it clear to all. I welcome questions, comments, and even civil criticism. I’m still learning. So, if you have something to add, go for it. Links in this post and all others may direct you to affiliate links, where I will receive a small amount of the purchase price of any items you buy through those links. Thanks!