Dear Ms. Residue....

Questions often come up for individuals living low residue. This can be especially true during the holiday season, which can cause a buildup of a lot of residue...(did I really write that?) as one confronts short, cold days filled with baked treats and numerous events organized around said treats. I've addressed some of these questions here:

Dear Ms. Residue,
My annual office party is coming up in a few weeks. There may be a few pre-wrapped items for me to enjoy, but the rest of the food will be homecooked. I don't want to be rude, but I am concerned about eating something that could make me sick. What should I do?

Clueless in Cleveland

Dear Clueless,
This issue is faced by many dieters. Unfortunately, the traditional diet tricks simply will not do. Filling up on veggies is a low residue no-no. Taking "just a taste" of the most delectable items is tempting, but without alternatives to round out the "taste" you might consume 3-4x as much as you need. What should you do?

Do take a page from a traditional dieter and schedule one of your meals shortly before the party. You can't control the food or the environment, but you can control your hunger. Do take a plate and fill it with 1-3 small bites of some items. Carrying the plate around will give you some protection against annoying food pushers who have nothing better to do than to worry about what you are (or are not) eating. Finally, bring your own snacks. Yup, there is no shame in bringing a little low residue bar and finding a quiet corner to chow down.

Dear Ms. Residue,
I overdid it in the activity department in anticipation of the big holiday meal and now I am too tired to exercise even though I need it. What should I do?

Stuffed in Seattle

Dear Stuffed,
Activity is the best way to keep your digestive system moving, but too much can be self-defeating. Athletes know that overtraining can have negative effects on their body in the long-term and often use a light recovery day in between heavy days to help their body rest. A recovery day is an important short-term fix for too much activity, but it only addresses one part of the problem. It'll also be important to give your digestive system a rest the next day as it works through the food. Focus on eating small bites every 1-2 hours to keep things moving and drink plenty of fluids. Don't worry about consuming too few calories -- 6-8 mini meals (e.g., bread, 1 tbsp. peanut butter) of about 125 calories will get you through a low activity without shocking your metabolism too much. And, unlike a clear liquid diet, your body will recover more quickly.

Dear Ms. Residue,
I have a family meal coming up and I know I'll get asked that dreaded question, "so are you like on a diet or something. How come you eat so funny?" Some of my family and friends get it, but some don't. I never know what to say! What should I do?

Conflicted in Connecticut

Dear Conflicted,
There is no right answer, but there are certainly some fun responses to these types of questions. This issue comes up all throughout the year and can be intensely troublesome. Deciding what and how much to disclose about your health and nutritional needs is challenging -- especially if it is a moving target! The best response is almost always an honest one. "I have dietary restrictions that prevent me from eating certain foods, particularly those that are high in fiber" is a good place to start. Of course, the curious among of us will not stop there and will want to know every last thing you can eat. There is also the prospect of encountering the food skeptic -- those who look in disdain or disgust upon others who adhere to strict diets. And, who can forget "Me Too Mimi" -- the person who experiences random IBS symptoms every two years and thinks they can feel your pain.

You owe these individuals no more of an explanation, but it may be prudent to provide additional details to stop the line of questioning. Depending on the situation, a few key words or a mind-numbing lecture can have just the right effect on the interrogator. For the individuals I trust, simply saying "scar tissue from previous abdominal surgeries prevents me from digesting certain foods" will do the trick. For other individuals or in a public setting, citing "medical or personal reasons" can also have the same effect.

Don't be afraid to practice or try out some responses with your friends. The proper quick or "comeback" can be just the thing for turning an awkward situation into a meaningless one.

Ms. Residue