If it is difficult for you to stay social while dieting, you are not alone. Many people find it challenging to go out with their friends while they are trying to eat right and lose weight. Watching your friends eat a large order of nachos or drink fruity margaritas can tempt you to cheat on your diet. Luckily, you do not have to give up your social life to stay on track. Here are some great tips for staying social while dieting.
Eat Something Before You Go Out
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is going out to a bar or restaurant on an empty stomach. If you leave hungry, you are more likely to order something greasy and fatty. Make sure to eat a healthy but satisfying meal before you go out. For example, you can eat a grilled chicken breast with a side of vegetables.
Do More Talking
If you are doing more talking and socializing at a party or bar, you will be doing less eating. Make an effort to get to know people and join their conversations. Once you get really involved in a conversation, you will probably be thinking less about food and more about the people you are talking to.
Keep Moving
When you are out socializing, try to keep moving. Walk around, dance and mingle with others instead of standing in one spot. If you just stand around in one spot, you will likely get bored and reach for a snack. If you start to crave something, just start moving around; you will eventually forget about the craving.
Drink Wisely
Remember that liquid calories can add up. If you are not careful, you could end up consuming hundreds of calories just from drinks. It is okay to consume a few drinks as long as you choose them wisely. For example, if you want to drink a mixed cocktail, try drinking club soda with vodka.
Pick Healthy Snacks
Just because you are on a diet does not mean you can’t have any snacks. You just have to choose the right snacks. For example, instead of dipping your carrots in ranch dip, put a little salsa on them. Shrimp is another healthy snack to reach for at parties. If you absolutely have to have a high-calorie snack, at least share it with a friend. This way, you can satisfy your craving without consuming too many calories.
Prepare to Be Firm
If your friends are the types who pressure you to indulge at a party, you have to stay firm. If they try to compel you to eat that piece of chocolate cake or slice of pizza, just say no. Tell them that you are trying to lose weight and that you can’t eat those kinds of goods. You can also tell your friends that you are not hungry or you don’t like the foods that are served.
It is not always going to be easy to stay social while dieting, but it can be done. You just have to remain strong and try not to give into temptation.
Natalie Parsons is a professional blogger that provides information for health, fitness and finding affordable gym memberships that works for you. She writes for Fitness 19, a leader in affordable fitness center memberships.
