6 Ways To Lose Weight Without Losing Your Social Life (Part 2)

September 5, 2018 Ashley 0 Comments

So, we now know three decent ways to circumvent peer pressure popping our diets (and jeans).

(A pre-req for having besties shouldn’t be blubber)

But what if that’s not enough?

Fear not, for three more stay-skinny-while-socializing tips remain:

4. Don’t make it all about you

Listen carefully on this one. When anyone asks why you aren’t eating (even the vexing friends who won’t let off), they don’t really care. It’s not at the forefront of their thought barrage. They won’t be weighed down by it in five minutes. They won’t lose sleep over it. People just care about themselves. And, often, when friends seem desperate to get you to eat, there’s a selfish reason for it. Wanna guess what it is? They don’t wanna be the only fatty enjoying second helpings or peanut butter crusted chocolate lava cake alone. So there’s no need to pull out a PowerPoint presentation in Paul’s backyard about your plant based diet and how it’s made you so amazing. Instead, wave it off an enjoy what you came there for: the conversation. Usually, if you don’t make a big deal or act miserable about abstaining, no one else will care either.

5. Spin it

This is an exquisite piggyback off the “no one cares; everyone has a selfish motive” point. If someone’s still bugging you about your munching habits (and lying hasn’t shut them up), try spinning that shiz. Remember that their motive for poking at you has everything to do with them (not you), consider what that specific reason might be, and then hone in on it with a question like, “Sally, are you afraid to eat the cheesecake alone? Because you shouldn’t be! You’re a strong independent (black/Asian/Latino/white/whatever-the-land-from-Avatar-was-called) woman and I believe in you! You can do it!” Sally will back off, stat. I promise.

(Or, if you have *real* friends, you can just say this too)

6. Sip something

Here’s an interesting fact that tracks with number 4. As mentioned above, when someone comments about you not eating, it’s not because they care if you eat. But, if they aren’t pressuring you because vice thrives on company, there’s another reason why that’s got nada to do with you. They’re just playing the same game we all played since toddlerhood. (Cue the song, “One’ve these things is not like the others…”) They’re simply noticing that, while everyone else is eating or drinking, you’re empty handed and mouthed. So, if you don’t wanna waste food, just hold a cup of something. Whether it’s water or wine (or both, if you’re Jesus or David Copperfield), bystanders won’t likely whine about your lack of snacking if they see you’re orally engaged. (Or the context of you holding something suggests so.) Indeed, the simple act of standing around with a beverage makes it look like you’re partaking. And that means nosy partygoers leave you (and your diet) be.

So, there you are.

May the fitness force be with you as you head into battle against the nom squad.