Easter at Mom and Dad's

Even after four years (and counting) on Weight Watchers, I still face a constant struggle to eat everything in sight. The fight has gotten much easier, but it certainly hasn't gone away.

This last weekend I traveled to South Carolina to celebrate Easter with my parents and my dad's extended family. Leaving the confines of my home is always a test for me - to resist the urge to hurt myself and my progress losing weight.

Growing up in a family of big eaters, I always seem to revert to the woodchipper-like eater I left behind almost a decade ago. This is especially true at big family events with food and goodies everywhere. Still, occasionally I manage to do well. My Mom helps wherever she can, making salads and vegetables. But with 20 people in the house it's up to me to control myself.

See exhibit A - dessert time. Tiramisu, dirt cake, apple pie, chocolate cheesecake and the best damn carrot cake I've ever eaten (baked by my Father, bottom left). A classic opportunity to send my consumption (and weight) through the roof. I had a little dirt cake and a slice of said carrot cake. Very commendable.

When in this situation I try to listen to my body as much as possible. Am I really hungry? Do I really want this food? Why am I eating? Many overeaters eat simply because the food is available. I'm guilty of this more than anyone else. This weekend, cheese slices, jelly beans, crackers and other snacks found their way into my mouth to feed a false sense of hunger.

All told, I was not terribly successful at maintaining self control. A quick check on the scale on Monday said I'd gained a few pounds.

What to do? The same thing I do every time I get a setback...collect myself, focus on my mission, and get back to shedding pounds.