How to balance social life with your diet??

smu_77 · October 2013

So, I have been on a diet since Mid August and the first 6 weeks were great - I lost 15 pounds, ate small portions, worked out a lot and felt I was really making progress. Key changes I made was eating out less, avoiding alcohol and basically be in a non-stop diet mode.

The last three weeks were different, though. I basically let myself go and fell off the diet wagon. The thing is, I still try to stick to the diet most days but I have started going out with friends again - for dinner and a few drinks. Plus we had some birthdays at the office with cake and champagne. Oh, and I started seeing someone and we meet for drinks. You get the idea.

I know I can go back to 'full diet mode' but on the other hand I really like going out for dinner and a few drinks and spend time with my friends. How do you manage to balance your diet with your social life? I don't want to stay home for the rest of my life to avoid 'temptation' .... There must be a middle way!!

Do you have 'tricks' that work? I would love to find a middle way but am struggling. It's kind of either 'full on diet' or letting myself go...

SLLRunner · October 2013

I would suggest chucking the diet mentality because it can get a person into trouble pretty quickly. I know because I've been there.

Besides,the MFP tools are about eating healthy, portion control, and changing your lifestyle. This means learning to integrate good eating habits to your lifestyle. You can have anything anytime you want as long as it fits into your calories for the day.

If you know you are going out to dinner, you can plan ahead by eating less calories in the day and saving some for the dinner and drinks.

Be sure you log all calories and exercise accurately. Work to stay within your calorie allotment. Remember too, if you exercise you can eat more calories.

Also, everybody goes over their calories sometimes. You just log it in and start over the next day. Lifestyle changes are not always linear and they are never perfect.

Hang in there, this too shall pass.

irunforcookies · October 2013

I've failed at dieting several times in the last 10 years because I had the mentality of "all or nothing!" I am trying to do it differently this time. I don't want to be the person that is skinny one time you see me, then see me again in 6 months and I'm a little rounder. I knew I had to make this a lifestyle change I could be happy doing for the rest of my life - not just a "diet". That is why I love MFP so much, so many people here really get it, and help me find ways to enjoy my new life! I don't go out much, but I do have events that I plan for, and some that sneak up on me, unplanned, that I work into my day. When I know I am going out that night, I'll pay closer attention to my daytime diet. I may skip a snack or two, depending on how I feel, so I can add those allotted calories to my dinner. If I have time, I'll ramp up my workout during the morning so I can add more calories to my day.

I don't drink alcohol, but I do enjoy other caloric drinks, so I would think it is the same idea. I am more conscious how many refills I get, and I can't believe that in the past, I would easily enjoy 600 calories of cola with my dinner! Just keep those refills coming! Now, if I want a soda with my dinner, I will ask for one, but I'll also ask for a water. I'll sip the drink, but I'll mostly drink water. I limit myself to one tall glass.

I work the graveyard shift at a hospital, and you would not believe how much food is offered during my shift! Homemade dinners, desserts, donations from well meaning people, etc. I decided to mostly avoid those meals, because I would be eating not because I was hungry, but to hang out with my coworkers. I go for walks during my lunch break now instead, and eat a small plate with a friend during one of my 15 minute breaks.

I didn't expect this to be so long - but hang in there! Keep up the good work, and start fresh every day. Don't tell yourself the week is ruined so you will start next week. Every good day still counts too.

MommaChocoLatte · October 2013

I still go out with my friends. I just pre-plan my meals ahead of time especially if I know where we are going. I usually get what I want anyway and box up my meal right away. More often than not I come in just under goal and I normally cant finish my meals anyway.

For example, last weekend it was my husbands birthday so he picked the place. We went the Buffalo Wild Wings. Not much for me to choose from and I knew more than 2 days in advance. I exercised right away when I got home from work, ordered the burger I really wanted and cut it in half and boxed it up.

I also ordered a salad before the meal with the dressing on the side.I usually dip each bite in the dressing instead of pouring it on top and I never use the whole thing, this time I barely used a third of the cup they gave me.

MizSookeh · October 2013

Planning ahead can be a huge help. I know that I'm going to want to drink on the weekend, so I make sure I earn it by going for walks at lunchtime during the week. I also have a list of walks that revolve around my local pubs, so (for example) if I do go out for a drink and end up having one or two more than planned, I walk home instead of taking public transport. :drinker:

Alisontheice · October 2013

Pre planning meals and such helps a lot.

Sounds like you are unable to pre plan, champagne at work or drinks after work are often last minute. I find lately I am able to nurse a drink a long time.

As for office cake maybe have a bite just out of be part of the he crown and then claim you want to take it back to your desk to finish later and toss it. For drinks after work figure out what is the best bang for your calorie buck. I was told hard liquor is the best to drink but then it is the mixer that ruins it calorie wise. Maybe get a glass of wine and make it last for at least 2 of your date's drinks.

I find if I am up front about my dieting then people don't seem to want to push my to eat more than I should. They marvel at my willpower.

paperpudding · October 2013

Spirits with no calorie mixers like diet coke are quite low in calories- in moderation of course. Dry white wine or low cab beer would work too.

I find going out for meals is ok now and then, just pick a healthy- ish option, skip dessert and extras like garlic bread, you can do this inconspicuously without ruining the occasion.

Birthday cakes at work - just take a very small portion ( and log it in to best estimation) or take a piece to take home for supper - I then have one mouthful at home so I can honestly say how delicious it was - and ditch the rest.

exmsde · October 2013

Last night my wife and I went out to a very nice restaurant with friends. We shared olives and almonds. Then I had salad. Then one of my favorites, Cioppino. I also had a glass of wine. And I stayed in my daily calorie budget. Earlier in the day I ate on the light side. And I had a pretty heavy workout day.

But if I did this every day my discipline would soon dissolve. Breakfast and lunch would grow to normal size. Every day can't be a heavy exercise day. Temptation would win out on some high-calorie dinners. Soon I'd have more days over my calorie budget than under.

So planning and a little care will let you maintain your social life while achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. But you do have to be careful to not let your social life take over.

smu_77 · October 2013

Thanks everyone for the recommendations and support. It seems pre-planning is the key. I haven't really done that as oftentimes it's an ad hoc thing that just pops up. But I think I should be able to work this out - decline ad hoc invitations but willingly agree to go out a day or two later so that I can plan the diet around it.

I also really agree with 'jducour's' point... The problem seems to be that I and many others seem to be stuck in the 'all or nothing' mentality... Well, no one said it was going to be easy but on a larger scale we have all mastered much bigger challenges.

Thanks again and continued good luck to everyone!

How to balance social life with your diet??

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