6 Ways To Lose Weight Without Losing Your Social Life (Part 1)

September 5, 2018 Ashley 0 Comments

Social lives can be brutal on your diet.

(“I’m not faking a smile while eating rabbit food. YOU’RE faking a smile while eating rabbit food.”)

I mean, really. Whether it’s winter, when everyone’s huddled in for a dinner party and developing a cover of insulating blubber or summer when fatty barbecues are ubiquitous – every season’s social dining itinerary is designed to waste your waistline. It’s quite cruel. Sure, you could stay home and supper solo forever. But that alone’s enough to make you wanna eat your feelings all evening. So, is healthy ingestion with friends possible? Can we fit folk have our kale and eat it too? We sure can. And here’s how. Whether you’re headed to Maggiano’s or a backyard barbecue, just keep these five suggestion weapons at hand for anyone or anything trying to smite your diet:

1. Eat before

Not a ton. Just have an appetizer at home. You won’t ruin your appetite. But, if you don’t arrive to dinner ravenous, you’re less likely to order the whole menu when you get there. Likewise, down at least half a liter of water half an hour before you get there. If there’s any chance you’re just dehydrated, your gobble goblin will take over the second you see that spaghetti platter and you’ll take your new fitness routine out back and commit dietary homicide, Old Yeller style.

2. Lie

Have the kinda friends who won’t get off your back about your healthy snack habits? Then you’ve got two options. The first is to get better friends who don’t belong in a Summer’s Eve bulb, post use. But, while you’re waiting to gain a new, supportive crew, just lie to your soon to be replaced pack of fat enablers. Actually, half the time, you might find you’re not even lying; when you say, “I’m not hungry”, it’s actually true. A brie lathered cracker sounds lovely to your tongue. But you’re not actually hungry for it. But if they’re still bugging you, a simple “I think I overdid lunch; I’m less hungry than I thought I’d be” goes a lot farther than, “I’m practicing gastric restraint.”

(But you’re welcome to try the phrase, “Thanks, but I don’t eat for recreation” as well.)

3. Bring something to share

…plot twist: you eat it all yourself. Okay, maybe not all of it, but enough to justify paying $15 for a platter of snacks I could’ve gotten for free from my garden. Sure, this may not work when you’re headed to a dining establishment. (Kinda defeats the whole purpose.) But, if you’re barbecue bound (and happen to be a vegan like I am), this is an invaluable trick that makes you look like a gracious and thoughtful guest. And you don’t have to deal with inquiries about why you’re avoiding food.

But that’s not all. Check the last three mind games you can play to avert dietary destruction while socializing…