Maybe you should take some Atkins safe snack items with you that don't have to be refrigerated. That way if you foresee a huge carb-filled meal coming, you can at least eat something beforehand. Then you can just pass on the big-time no-no's by just saying you're not hungry? That way you won't be starving while sitting there watching them eat the pasta or whatever. Then go out and get something that's good for you afterwards?

Or else do what I did when we went to a friend's house for dinner. I just took what I could eat and left the rest. There's almost always veggies served with meals so those are usually safe. I even took some of the pasta and meat dish and then just picked the meat out. Even though I was pretty sure the sauce wasn't the best thing for me, I figured 2 or 3 pieces of meat couldn't possibly have that much sauce on them. Let them look at you funny, who cares??

I just told them I've got a sensitive stomach (which I DO -- sensitive to carbs that is!!).

Julie