Banish all Diets.

Eating is a social activity. Dieting is not!

Remember when you were little and the family gathered for a picnic?
You played with your siblings and your cousins chasing each other, and daring each other.
You listened to a community orchestra.
You ate predictable  foods that your family enjoyed, an al fresco menu you came to look forward to.  You expected certain foods at certain events: hot dogs at the Fourth of July, fried chicken at the birthday bash.

Food is the anchor of family gatherings.
You don't show up at one of these events and declare yourself on a diet. 
You are expected to be your old self, full of fun and mischief and enjoying everybody's contribution.

So, how do you show up at these events when you are consciously trying to eat better?

You bring updated recipes that use real food, no preservatives, fresh and delicious ingredients.
Your fried chicken becomes lemon-marinated chicken grilled to perfection.
Your potato salad is dressed with lots of diced green onions,olives  and olive oil instead of mayonnaise.

And your dessert? Fresh fruit and home made ice-cream the kids helped you assemble.

And your diet?  You tell everyone that you fill up on greens, eat a moderate diet of carbs and protein, and your ice cream is just for family picnics.