This is not my first weight-loss rodeo. Like many American women, my size, weight, and level of fitness have yo-yo'ed up and down a lot since adolescence. At this point, I know pretty well what I have to do in order to lose weight - what to eat to stay within calorie limits without feeling too deprived, etc. When I'm home or at work, I do pretty well sticking to my plans and eating a healthy diet within my calorie limits that keeps me nourished and fueled. I've gotten good at that. What I can't seem to get better at is staying within my planned calorie limits when I'm eating in a social context. Social events or going out to eat with friends is a big problem I haven't been able to solve for myself. I have a lot of trouble with unplanned/unintended grazing at parties, eating whatever's on the table (bread, appetizers, leftovers) at restaurants, and I always end up eating way more than I intended when I go out. I don't eat out a lot, but I also don't want to be afraid to socialize, or be anxious any time I'm making plans to see my friends, or full of regret the next day. I'm a social person! How do I maintain at least some semblance of a social life without overeating and beating myself up, or being full or anxiety and stress?! Halp!
Posted on September 27, 2015
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Sign in to CommentThanks for the wise words and encouragement, ladies! Toni, let's fo sho help each other out this weekend so we have only AWESOMETIMEZ and no regretz.
Toni M. likes this comment.
I like LizzyinJapan's recommendations! I struggle with this a lot too, as you know. I've actually been hermiting a bit lately because I know if I go out with people I'll eat too much, or drink, etc. Doing things unrelated to eating sounds like a great plan. Let's do stuff together!
CookieVonster likes this comment.
I know how you feel. Socializing is one of the hardest parts of dieting. We could all do it if it was just hermiting in our houses and never going out. 3 things have really helped me. 1. One is that I have shared my journey with EVERYONE. My coworkers know, my family knows, my friends know. People on the street know. I'll tell the lady at starbucks, if I have to. If they know what you are doing, usually they will get on board and support you. 2. The other thing I've done is try to change the way I socialize. I love to go out to drink and eat with my friends, but that is just not going to match up with my personal goals. Instead I create events that don't involve food. We go to movies, we go outdoors hiking or exploring different parts of the city, anything that is not food related! To be honest, I've noticed that I have less in common with my "food" friends now that my hobbies are changing. Why is it that all they ever do is eat and think about their next meal or the next restaurant they want to try. My priorities have changed. 3. Shutdown the haters! The worst offenders were my family and some of my friends. They just didn't get that I wasn't going to split that dessert with them, or I wasn't going to split that bottle of wine with them. A few times, I had to get angry with them to make them realize I was serious. Peer pressure is no joke! But if you are strong and stick to your goals without wavering, people eventually stop trying to bring you down. I hope you can find so
mrs k and CookieVonster like this comment.
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