I feel like healthy living ruins my social life..

I take things to the extreme and working for a good body is what i have been focusing on for awhile.... I have depression, but i feel like my goals are just making it all worse.... I am a young, and i used to be spontaneous and fun.... but now i feel like the opposite. And food seems to be a huge cause! I feel soooooooo bad if i eat something that is not extremely healthy... And i stay home a lot, while most people my age are out partying... I really need some advice of how to balance my social life and my health out!!!
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Replies

  • 30ismyyear
    30ismyyear Posts: 145 Member
    Perhaps you need to talk to more of a professional? With depression it is helpful anyway and it really seems likes it a deep-routed problem.

    But, you could just do active social things? Join a sport league, go to fitness classes, join a running group.
  • vanguardfitness
    vanguardfitness Posts: 720 Member
    Partying is over rated. Even when I was 18 I could never find enjoyment in going out every weekend and drinking ("partying"). You're not missing much (except a hangover), so I wouldn't consider living a healthier lifestyle to be "ruining".
  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    edit to post on your feed since we're friends.
  • tuckerrj
    tuckerrj Posts: 1,453 Member
    You may have to "migrate" towards new friends. Now I have friends that I run with, ride bikes with, play golf with, go to the gym with, etc., instead of sitting around drinking and gettin' stupid. It's redefining "social life".
  • taylorwaylor
    taylorwaylor Posts: 417 Member
    Partying is over rated. Even when I was 18 I could never find enjoyment in going out every weekend and drinking ("partying"). You're not missing much (except a hangover), so I wouldn't consider living a healthier lifestyle to be "ruining".

    Ahh okay ha. And I already did go through a party phase and I pretty much did quit because it got boring... But i'm shy and alcohol makes me fun... So i feel like this is the only way to socialize. Plus i feel weird saying i dont want to drink... People make a big deal out of it :/
  • sleepytexan
    sleepytexan Posts: 3,138 Member
    I take things to the extreme and working for a good body is what i have been focusing on for awhile.... I have depression, but i feel like my goals are just making it all worse.... I am a young, and i used to be spontaneous and fun.... but now i feel like the opposite. And food seems to be a huge cause! I feel soooooooo bad if i eat something that is not extremely healthy... And i stay home a lot, while most people my age are out partying... I really need some advice of how to balance my social life and my health out!!!

    Take up social dancing - you can go out for salsa or west coast swing in most cities any night of the week. There are milongas everywhere for tango. Dancing is so fun, sexy, and a great workout. Serious dancers don't drink -- they dance.
  • taylorwaylor
    taylorwaylor Posts: 417 Member
    You may have to "migrate" towards new friends. Now I have friends that I run with, ride bikes with, play golf with, go to the gym with, etc., instead of sitting around drinking and gettin' stupid. It's redefining "social life".

    I agree!! I moved and am surrounded by new people.... Where i used to live, i was in the party group... And even here those are the people i seem to get to know easier... And my dad drinks soooo much, im just afraid i'll end up like him if i start drinking again.
  • fiberartist219
    fiberartist219 Posts: 1,865 Member
    Never feel ashamed for taking care of yourself. If you are feeling this way, it won't hurt to talk to a counselor about it.

    Also, you might be surprised at how many friends want to be healthier too. When I invite friends to go to a Zumba class with me, or to come over for a healthy dinner, or just to workout in general, they usually accept the offer.

    Also, your working out and eating healthy can be spontaneous if you want. I know a lot of us here get caught up in calorie counting, but I personally don't do it anymore. I did it for a couple months, and it was really enlightening to learn about my food, but I can't plan out every bite of food and I can't workout on a regular schedule. That doesn't mean I can't take care of myself though. I go out to eat all the time, but I just choose some soup and salad instead of something heavy. I'm also not afraid to ask my friends to go for a walk with me when we chat.
  • joleenl
    joleenl Posts: 739 Member
    Go out and party but don't drink. That's what I do. Learn to have fun with out food and alcohol.
  • You could always join a club or sport especially at school. Or take dance classes. There is always something to do that doesn't involve partying. Or if you want to party, go party. Go enjoy life, just be safe and happy. :]
  • SoViLicious
    SoViLicious Posts: 2,633 Member
    The only thing that ruins your social life is having children.
  • sassafrascas
    sassafrascas Posts: 191 Member
    You may have to "migrate" towards new friends. Now I have friends that I run with, ride bikes with, play golf with, go to the gym with, etc., instead of sitting around drinking and gettin' stupid. It's redefining "social life".

    ^ this! Amen i need some friends around the same fitness level to do those things with!
  • sassafrascas
    sassafrascas Posts: 191 Member
    Go out and party but don't drink. That's what I do. Learn to have fun with out food and alcohol.

    Love this too why does fun have to involve food or alcohol? that what I am working on too.
  • HappyHungryHealthy
    HappyHungryHealthy Posts: 121 Member
    I take things to the extreme and working for a good body is what i have been focusing on for awhile.... I have depression, but i feel like my goals are just making it all worse.... I am a young, and i used to be spontaneous and fun.... but now i feel like the opposite. And food seems to be a huge cause! I feel soooooooo bad if i eat something that is not extremely healthy... And i stay home a lot, while most people my age are out partying... I really need some advice of how to balance my social life and my health out!!!

    If I didn't know better I would say I posted this myself lol. You seem an awful lot like me. I suffered anorexia for most of my life so I understand where your coming from, as gaining weight has taken over my life to the point where I don't go out and I too am young. I know how difficult it is, but you can't let food take over your life like I have, go out and have fun if you want, as long as you eat healthy during the week then doing what you want at the weekend shouldn't have a lasting effect. I'm learning to eat healthy but from Friday, to Monday I eat healthy and drink what I like and haven't gained weight yet, I find having a few bad days I tend to lose weight easier, but I guess everyone is different.
  • Hi Taylorwaylor. Don't get to disheartened, as I weight 104kg (228.8lbs) and I have had depression for 12 years now and am only just realizing that I want to live. I found this site great as instead of writing down everything, and then working it out, the computer does it and keeps records as well. Anyway back to the social life. Don't let anything stop you going out. You need to enjoy yourself. I am eating normally and have still managed to lose a little so changes must come in small steps but you need to take them no one else can for you. So tell yourself you are going to do it and get yourself out there even if you have to give yourself a huge push you will love yourself for doing it.:love:
  • atamrowski
    atamrowski Posts: 417 Member
    The only thing that ruins your social life is having children.

    Your social life becomes reading books, coloring Dora pages, and building Legos. On a Saturday night. Watching Spongebob and ready to go to bed by 9pm. That's how we roll over here.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Go party if you want to party. I don't smoke, drink, or use drugs and i still have a great time with my friends while losing weight. Here's the big tip: stop worrying about eating "healthy" and just eat. Hit your calorie goals on most days and don't worry about anything else. Going over on a day or two won't kill you, especially if you have a long way to go
  • RandiLandCHANGED
    RandiLandCHANGED Posts: 630 Member
    I still went out, I just got teased for not drinking. I haven't drank in years and don't plan to start. However, this means I have nothing to blame my awful dance skills on. One of the best parts is that you can remember how stupid people were and they have no clue :)
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Partying is over rated. Even when I was 18 I could never find enjoyment in going out every weekend and drinking ("partying"). You're not missing much (except a hangover), so I wouldn't consider living a healthier lifestyle to be "ruining".

    Ahh okay ha. And I already did go through a party phase and I pretty much did quit because it got boring... But i'm shy and alcohol makes me fun... So i feel like this is the only way to socialize. Plus i feel weird saying i dont want to drink... People make a big deal out of it :/

    I can totally relate to that. I am shy. I can't get on the dance floor without a couple of drinks. Although I didn't get into fitness and that until I was older. By that time I was already pretty much done the bar scene.
    I also get the not wanting to get in the habit of drinking too much
    I agree with finding a group that have similar ideas as you. My running/triathlon group has done a lot for my social life. They are a great, fun group. We have a beer night after swimming or after a run (like today's half marathon ). We even organize a running house crawl. However, you are as likely to find as many people drinking as not. There is no pressure. No one bats an eye at a water bottle over a beer bottle.
    But like Davpaul said, you can still have a night out. It's about balance. It can be hard to find but it's possible. We still have a meal out once a week. I even have a couple of drinks now and then.

    ETA - I did not realize your age.
  • tsh0ck
    tsh0ck Posts: 1,970 Member
    I take things to the extreme and working for a good body is what i have been focusing on for awhile.... I have depression, but i feel like my goals are just making it all worse.... I am a young, and i used to be spontaneous and fun.... but now i feel like the opposite. And food seems to be a huge cause! I feel soooooooo bad if i eat something that is not extremely healthy... And i stay home a lot, while most people my age are out partying... I really need some advice of how to balance my social life and my health out!!!

    the problem, I think, is that you are classifying foods as healthy or not. the only truly unhealthy food is one eaten in excess.
  • KBSwinger
    KBSwinger Posts: 160 Member
    Its all a matter of perception really. When i was heavier i enjoyed it all going out and all that. now that I have changed lifestyle i rather not do those things because in honestly it doesn't feel good after a while.
  • bellaa_x0
    bellaa_x0 Posts: 1,062 Member
    Partying is over rated. Even when I was 18 I could never find enjoyment in going out every weekend and drinking ("partying"). You're not missing much (except a hangover), so I wouldn't consider living a healthier lifestyle to be "ruining".

    Ahh okay ha. And I already did go through a party phase and I pretty much did quit because it got boring... But i'm shy and alcohol makes me fun... So i feel like this is the only way to socialize. Plus i feel weird saying i dont want to drink... People make a big deal out of it :/

    as long as you do it in moderation, it isn't a big deal. i allow myself to drink usually on saturday evenings - sometimes i don't even do that just because the opportunity doesn't arise. even if you DO drink, there are low calories options. you can always have a wine spritzer or a vodka seltzer, which are both low cal drinks of choice for me. don't let the opinion of others ruin your time out.. i can relate i have gone through depression/anxiety, you just need to think positive and try to focus on yourself!
  • I have a kid and my social life is awesome. I think more than anything the post is about feeling out of place because she's focused on something more than her friends are.
  • taylorwaylor
    taylorwaylor Posts: 417 Member
    I have a kid and my social life is awesome. I think more than anything the post is about feeling out of place because she's focused on something more than her friends are.


    Pretty much... I guess the party crowd is just my "safe place"... I guess i just need to move out of my comfort zone.
  • taylorwaylor
    taylorwaylor Posts: 417 Member
    Thank you, everyone!!
  • lenoresaari
    lenoresaari Posts: 500 Member
    Define Healthy Living! Like others said-
    connect with people who are on the same page as you. The drinking
    is boring. If you were to become like your father you can always seek help.
  • NanaWubbie
    NanaWubbie Posts: 248 Member
    Is partying what you really wnt to do? There are ways to be social and have fun and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I live in Nashville, TN and we have a great adventure club called Team Green (www.teamgreenonline.com). It's just a group of active people and they get together and hike/bike/travel....all sorts of fun stuff. If there is not a group like that where you live....start a group. Build it and they will come!
  • slrose
    slrose Posts: 164 Member
    Partying is over rated. Even when I was 18 I could never find enjoyment in going out every weekend and drinking ("partying"). You're not missing much (except a hangover), so I wouldn't consider living a healthier lifestyle to be "ruining".

    this.
  • Momieof2girls
    Momieof2girls Posts: 79 Member
    That made me laugh out loud!! So true!!!
    The only thing that ruins your social life is having children.
  • Lady_Bane
    Lady_Bane Posts: 720 Member
    My goals are more important to me than how difficult it makes my life. If I go to a party or dinner, I bring a cooler/lunch bag with me. I get **** for it....but then again the same people that make fun of me are the ones asking for help/ telling me they are jealous. Pack and hide snacks for the theater, ask to go to a restaurant. find a healthy choice. There is always a way. Working out...well, I could have the most hectic day, but I will wake up earlier just to fit in my workout. I love what I am doing so much right now, I love it but I hate it. Flag nor Fail.