A few weeks after people download my guide to eating after a cardiac event, I ask them what they find hardest about eating now, so I can continue to write helpful content. One reader replied, “The saboteurs! Oh just have a little of this or that or whatever and it’s hard to ward off all the do-gooders!”
Food is often how we show love. Depending on your friends and family, as well as your comfort level with saying no, this may be a big problem for you, especially during the holidays. Eat what you want, I say, but also don’t eat what you don’t want!
Your reasons are your business alone, but it can help to have a response ready to go. I thought this would be helpful to write about during the holidays. Next thing I knew, I had a song, just for fun…
On the first day of Christmas my true love made for me…
…a shortbread cookie with tea.
On the second day of Christmas my true love made for me…
…two chocolate turtles
and a shortbread cookie with tea.
On the third day of Christmas my true love made for me…
…three frosted cupcakes,
two chocolate turtles,
and a shortbread cookie with tea.
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love made for me…
…four butter tarts,
three frosted cupcakes,
two chocolate turtles,
and a shortbread cookie with tea.
On the fifth day of Christmas I said to my true love…
…”I’ve had enough! 
I’ve had four butter tarts,
three frosted cupcakes,
two chocolate turtles,
and a shortbread cookie with tea.”
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
“One more won’t hurt.”
I said, “No thank you hon,
I appreciate
your kindness,
I’ll take them home,
and I’ll save them for the kids.”
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love said to me…
“I cooked all night,
just have a bite.”
I said, “I’m truly stuffed.
You are so kind
and thoughtful.
They look great,
but unfortunately I just ate.”
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
“I made them for you.
It’s a family tradition.
Don’t be a downer.”
I said, “I do love those,
but I am so full.
How do you do it?
You are amazing,
and I love your pretty Christmas tree.” 
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
“Let loose for one day.
You aren’t a-counting
calories at Christmas.
Join in the fun.”
I said, “My cholesterol is high.
It’s not your business,
but I don’t want
my blood pressure
to go any higher than this.”
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
“Forget cholesterol,
it’s Christmastime
just once a year.
And it’s healthy fat.
Butter is back.”
I said, “I have two stents!
I don’t even like those.
I was being nice.
Can you please respect,
that I can’t manage one more bite?”
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love said to me…
“You said you liked it.
Anyway it’s keto.
You hardly ate.
My mother’s recipe.
All day baking.
I made your favourite.
Don’t you love me?”
I said, “I’d rather not
eat and drink a lot.
It tastes sweet,
but then I just want to sleep.” 
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
And I said…
This is where you come in! Does this happen to you? What arguments do you hear? What responses do you like to use?
If I get enough fun suggestions I’ll write the twelfth verse AND make a video singing it. How’s that for an enticement? Or a threat?! Haha. Either way, chime in on Facebook if you have new ones to add.
What not to say? Don’t give away your power: “I’m not allowed to eat that” isn’t true. It is your choice, after all, and that just invites an argument.
And although I had some fun with it above, it’s probably best to avoid talking about your health concerns and dietary goals. You don’t owe anybody an explanation anyhow. “No thanks, I’m full” should suffice.
And happy holidays, no matter what you decide to eat.
p.s. My husband just chimed in with THE BEST idea. Post a video of you singing it and I’ll enter you into a draw for a signed copy of my cookbook. Haha! I would love to see that! Your odds would probably be pretty good.
(You can post it in the comment on the Facebook post or post on your Instagram if that’s more your style. Deadline Dec 19, 2019 at midnight. I’ll do the draw next Friday, assuming anyone enters. Hahaha.)