It’s Bungalow Colony season, and with that come so many food challenges.

Let me help you navigate some of them, but first, let’s talk about all those comments.

The term yenta was, for sure, invented in a bungalow colony. I mean, where else do we get to see everything everyone else is wearing, doing, and, don’t forget, eating?

The yentas really come out to comment when they notice a dieter among them. That’s when everyone feels the need (and the right) to comment.

“You lost so much weight.”

“What diet are you on?”

“Are you on Ozempic?”

“How come you’re not eating?”

“You have such good self-control.”

“You’re too skinny. Stop losing weight.”

Sound familiar?

Let’s establish some important facts.

These same people didn’t say a word when you were gaining weight or “fressing” (which is good but goes to show how it’s conditional).

You don’t have to respond!

But how can you not?

You’re a nice person. You’re not a rude person.

You want your bungalow colony friends to like you.

Here are two great tricks I have for you that are fail-proof:

When offered something you know you shouldn’t have, instead of saying “no, thank you,” try saying “I’m good.”

“No, thank you,” puts the offerer on the defensive and into “convincing you” mode.

“I’m good” is unarguable. Who’s going to convince you that no, you’re not good?!

It’s a conversation ender, a positive versus negative, and it works every time.

When someone tries to engage you in a discussion about why you eat, how you eat, how much you lose, etc., smile and say sweetly, “This isn’t my favorite topic to discuss. Let’s talk about something else.”

The American cultural advantage:

My parents are Russian, and I grew up in Israel. In those two cultures, you better explain everything, or else…

However, in America, you get to give a one-line, vague answer, and no one is allowed to question you.

Lines like:

“I can’t make it.”

“That won’t work for me.”

“Sorry, it won’t work out.”

They are all considered totally normal, and it’s rude to push further and ask why.

So take advantage of your American culture, and American culture uses those one-liners. No further explanation is needed. 

So, now that you’ve gotten past the comments and Yenta stuff, let’s talk about the actual challenges that you may face.

Scenario:

Circle Time: Everyone is sitting around, shmoozing, and eating. 

The Challenge:

You don’t want to be the odd one out.

Tips:

• Brush and floss your mouth before you go back out. 
• Come out with a large cup of ice water or a sugar-free drink and sip it through a straw.
• Bring out your own approved snack or treat (bring extra to share).
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy.

Scenario:

Starving after the pool/outdoor workout: You just finished your laps or that intense daily walk up all those hills, and you are STARVED!!!

The issue:

You don’t want to sabotage the efforts you just put in.

Tips:

• Drink lots of water before, during, and after.
• Plan your meals and snacks accordingly so that they are timed close to the workout.
• Don’t overdo it! Make sure you’re not overworking out to the point of overeating.

Scenario :

Social eating.

The challenge:

You are constantly around food. Going out to eat, and all those food trucks.

Tips:

• Don’t tell yourself “no.” Tell yourself “soon.” For example, I wait until the end of summer to have my Le Chocolate waffles. This way, I know I’m having it, just not yet.
• Always carry around a big bottle of water. Make it your “purse.” It will keep your hands and mouth busy and serve as a reminder of how on track you are.
• Go for substitutions. Nowadays, there’s almost always something healthier available.
  • Spaghetti squash pasta with cheese instead of Penne.
  • Sugar-free, fat-free ice cream instead of the Razzle.
  • Sugar-free, fat-free iced coffee instead of the frappe.

Perspective-wise, no one ever regrets what they did NOT eat! Although it’s hard at that moment, you will be glad you resisted later.

Scenario:

Constant hosting.

The Challenge:

Everyone you ever knew suddenly wants to come for a shabbos because you have a summer home.

You want to be nice and say yes, but it always throws you off. You end up making so much extra food that’s obviously not dietetic, being so busy, and not having time to even relax.

Tips :

• Learn to use American culture (see the beginning of this article) and say, “I’m sorry, it won’t work out.” You don’t have to host anyone who asks, and you don’t need to explain why.
• Make plenty of healthy dishes. Everyone will appreciate it, and you will have something to eat.
• Make things that tempt you less. Note that I didn’t say “don’t tempt you at all,” I said “LESS.”

For example, Kokosh Cake and I have a toxic relationship. So I would buy sponge cake for Shabbos, but not Kokosh. Still tempting, but wayyyy less!

Give yourself little time-outs on Friday and Shabbos Day. If you spend the whole day preparing, hosting, and having conversations, you will get burned out.

Have some alone time on both days to get some headspace and some me time.

I wish you a wonderful and healthy summer, no matter where you are!