Managing Social Events

kaede02

Hi -

I'm an exchange student and am currently being bombarded with start of uni parties, etc - all of which have a heavy emphasis on drinking. I don't want to stop going to these events but at the same time, I don't particularly want to keep drinking as it tends to ruin my exercise routine! However you also tend to stand out a lot as the only person not drinking anything at a uni party - especially in Europe.

Similarly when going out for drinks, dinner or whatever with a friend, the food is always bad and alcohol is always involved. So far I've managed to only have one or two drinks each time but I'd prefer, if possible, to be able to avoid it entirely. And when I've said I don't want dessert with dinner, someone always jumps in and offers to share or to pay for it!

Any suggestions for managing this? I don't want to give up my social life but I also don't want to throw my eating and exercise regime off every time I go out!

Thanks

cardbucfan

How exciting to be an exchange student! I'm so envious of the opportunities you are going to have.

When I was in college (way, way, back!) my student loan got delayed one semester and I was POOR. Truly, the only way I survived was by selling my plasma. Anyway, it was too uncool to go to parties and not drink so I would do one of two things. I'd either get one cup of whatever the drink was and just hold it all night long or I'd get a glass of water with a lime in it and drink that all night. Nobody has to know that there is no alcohol in there or that you aren't drinking and after awhile, they'll be tipsy enough not to notice. People get uncomfortable if they THINK you're not drinking so this will just fool them into thinking you are. As far as the dessert goes, you can either save a few calories for a couple of bites or just say "I'm so full, I wouldn't be able to enjoy it but thanks so much for offering" and change the subject. I"d also suggest getting in a big workout (if you can fit it in) before you go out.

All that said, it's admirable to want to stay on track while you are away, but don't give up on everything because you'll regret that later on. I read an interview yesterday with Bobby Flay on how he stays so fit even though we see him eating all the time and he said he trains all the time as if he's about to run a marathon (he apparently is a marathoner) and he only eats things that taste really good. If the food's not good, don't eat anymore of it!

Have fun and good luck!!

kyylieeeeee

I studied in France last year...and fell into the exact trap you're hoping to avoid. And I gained 10 pounds. It was worth it to have fun, but I really could have made better choices...

Something I do now when I go out is start the night out with a drink (because everyone usually gets first drinks together), but as everyone finishes at their own pace, I head back to the bar alone and grab a water/seltzer with a lime and if anyone drunkenly yells "what are you drinking?!" I just lie and say gin and tonic. The drunker your friends get, the easier this lie is to perpetuate throughout the night.

And with eating-- just tell them the truth and say you're full! Also, as the semester continues on, there will be less opportunity for partying and going out to eat, because hopefully everyone will be concentrating on their studies...so hopefully then the temptations will be less!

Have an awesome time!