The Ultimate Guide To A Social Life That Doesn't Sabotage Your Diet

The standard reply when it comes to social life events when dieting is to minimize night outs, dinners with friends or any situation that may get you off track. But what if it didn’t have to be this way? In this article we’ll cover all the pros and cons of these deviations and how to go through them and still get your long-term results.

The social diet myth: why isolation isn't the answer

Diet is often seen as an unpleasant and lonely process. This mindset not only takes out the fun but decreases your chances of achieving long-term results.

Social events are a natural and positive part of our lives and, as such, shouldn’t be excluded over any long-term goal. Social interactions improve our overall mental and physical health, while isolation, a growing social problem, can have devastating consequences and even delay your results.

Research has shown that social isolation represents health risks comparable to smoking and alcohol abuse, even outweighing the dangers of physical inactivity and obesity. Sounds contradictory when you’re doing it to achieve better overall health, right?

What about routine - is it dispensable?

The fact that social interactions are positive for us, doesn’t mean everyday should be an exception - while social interaction is fundamental, routine and consistency are as important to achieve long-term results.

Whether your goal is to drop some weight or become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, consistency is fundamental. The key to do it is by ensuring every change you implement can easily be converted into a habit – which means you should be able to sustain it through your life.

If these changes seem impossible to maintain long-term, then you should reconsider your approach - try dividing it into smaller steps and enjoy your process, remembering exceptions are welcome as long as it’s not the norm.

How to approach social events without derailing

So, we get it, social events can be both the villain and the hero when it comes to dieting. They offer connection and fun, but also potential dietary pitfalls. 

Here are 5 strategies to navigate these situations without derailing your progress

1. Don’t panic if you get off track

If you ate a little too much in your Sunday family lunch, don’t dive headfirst in a detox plan for the next week, just return to your plan and stick to it.

2. Plan ahead

If you have an active social life and go out for dinner or drinks with friends often, take a look at the menus and pick an option beforehand. 

1. Pick grilled or steamed options – they normally pack less calories per portion
2. Trade your crisps for rice, baked potatoes, pasta or another non-fried option
3. Always ask for vegetables as a side dish – this will help feel fuller and satisfied
4. If drinking alcohol, check out which alcohol drinks you should choose – avoid drinking and overeating (alcohol already packs a lot of calories)
5. Avoid skipping meals before a social event - this can help you avoid overeating, specially in the starters

A healthy routine isn't just about following a strict diet and exercise plan; it's about integrating these habits seamlessly into your lifestyle, including the social interactions that bring you joy.

This guide has equipped you with the tools to navigate social situations without derailing your progress. Remember, a sustainable approach to health considers all aspects of well-being, not just the physical ones.

At Daily Body Coach, we help you adapt and thrive in social settings, not avoid them entirely. We offer daily support and guidance to help you seamlessly integrate your health goals into your  lifestyle. Let’s have a chat!