Road Block: The Birthday Party

This past weekend, I went to my hometown for a family friend’s surprise birthday party.  

Everything was going well until…dinner.  Lasagna (meat or veggie), salad and buns were on offer.  It all looked so good–and I was so hungry.  What was I to do? I did not want to appear rude and turn my nose up to a generously provided meal?   

I ate it.

I declined the bread, and I did have more salad than lasagna, but I had the lasagna anyway.

At this point, I figured the day was kind of shot so when birthday cake came around…yes, I indulged. I don’t feel great about it, but I did not feel that there was any way around it.  Can you blame me?

Any advice? 
How do you explain to a 74 year old that the lasagna she made does not quite fit into your diet/lifestyle?

Thanks to Jessica Driver on Flickr for the great cake pic!