Navigating Social Events & Dieting
Do you need help navigating social situations while dieting? This diet plan has shown promising weight loss and health improvement results, but how do you navigate social situations?? Sharing a meal with loved ones can be fun and sociable! However, navigating social events can be challenging for maintaining healthy habits and losing weight. Here are some tips on how to manage this.
When dining out, whether it’s at a restaurant with friends, a dinner party with colleagues, or a wedding, it can be challenging to decide on what to eat. Your friends might order drinks for the entire table, the food choices can be restricted, or the food might be so delicious that it’s difficult to resist overeating! Additionally, meals in restaurants can be larger and higher in calories compared to meals served at home, which may lead to unintended overeating.
How often do you eat out?
You probably wouldn’t want to miss a wedding, graduation, or the chance to welcome a new baby into the family. No matter your health or fitness goals, there are ways to stay on track while also being a part of special events that only come around once in a lifetime. Don’t skip events that you’d regret not being a part of in the future.
The good news is that having a meal out every now and then likely won’t have much impact on our long-term health. However, considering that the average American eats out two to three times per week, it’s important to think about how dining out affects our health and weight loss goals.
To balance eating out, consider having a lighter lunch the day after or going for a long walk following a meal out. While it’s possible to make healthier food choices when dining out, opting to eat out less frequently and preparing food at home is usually the healthiest option for our well-being, weight, and budget.
Tips for eating out
To make choices that support your goals, you’ll have to evaluate each social opportunity that comes your way on a case-by-case basis. Learn how to plan ahead can make it easier to make healthier decisions when having a meal away from home here:
Look up the menu ahead of time
Take a look at the menu before you go out to eat and decide what you want to order in advance. It can be tough to pick a healthy meal in a noisy, crowded restaurant when you’re feeling rushed and distracted by other people. Checking out the menu ahead of time can help you make a better choice.
Offer to bring something to share
When attending a social event at a friend’s house, consider bringing a dish from home. This gesture is often appreciated by the host, and it provides a healthy option for everyone to enjoy.
Pay attention to your body
Ensure that you are mindful of your hunger and fullness levels during the meal. Once you feel satisfied instead of hungry, make an effort to stop eating. Also, feel free to request to take any remaining food home to enjoy at a later time.
Don’t arrive too hungry. Have a snack beforehand.
Make sure not to arrive at the restaurant or social event too hungry. It’s important to avoid overeating when feeling very hungry, so be proactive and have a snack at least 1-2 hours before the event if necessary.
Opt for a lighter drink option
Opt for water, sparkling water or herbal tea for a lighter drink option when you’re out. Keep in mind that many places now offer non-alcoholic beverages if you want something a bit different.
Portion your plate
Remember to fill your plate mindfully – half with vegetables or salad, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with carbohydrates. Let’s signal to our brain that the meal is over by excusing ourselves and discarding our plate and utensils after eating.
Focus on socializing, not food
“Upon your arrival at the event, dive into engaging conversations, warm greetings, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. Instead of fixating on the food, direct your energy towards meeting new and interesting individuals who could spark thrilling connections.”
When it is time to eat, choose and act judiciously
It’s important to make healthy choices when it’s time for a meal or when you’re feeling hungry. Here are some tips for creating a balanced and nutritious plate.
First, consider choosing a dish that includes a protein source such as chicken, salmon, or beef. Pair this with vegetables or a salad on the side. Dishes based on protein are often lighter than those based on carbohydrates such as pizza, pasta, or nachos. Opt for a tomato or vegetable-based dish over a cream or cheese-based dish, as the former is typically lower in fat, higher in fiber, and contains more vegetables. Lastly, try to choose grilled, steamed, or fresh foods over fried or crumbed options, as the former are usually lower in fat and calories. These choices can help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet.8. Ask for the sauce, dressing, or butter on the side
Doing so allows more control over how much can be added to the dish.
Get smart with desserts
Sweet tooth? Choose a fruit-based dessert, Slim180 Snack or share a dessert with a friend.
Don’t give in to peer pressure
Just a reminder that in the future, you may encounter situations where you feel pressured or tempted to do something you don’t want to. Remember, you always have a choice and are entitled to do everything in your power to feel how you want. Triggers, temptations, pressure, and expectations may arise, but keeping in mind that you can make the best decision for yourself in any given situation will guide you well.
Be kind to yourself, and remember to enjoy the moment. Sometimes you want to eat your favorite food for pleasure and not worry about how healthy it is. That’s okay! If you are eating healthily most of the time, it’s okay to enjoy your favorite meal every now and then. Enjoy it mindfully, with no guilt, and get back into the swing of things at your next meal.
