The Power of 2: Surviving the Dinner Party and Not Feeling Guilty

Last week I mentioned my dining out strategy. I call it The Power of Two. Well, I shamelessly stole the concept from a radio program that I heard during this past Christmas season. I wish I remembered the writer that was being interviewed so that I could credit him.

The Power of Two is permission to set limits and still enjoy a dinner party for any occasion. First of all, you must believe that one indulgent meal will do no more harm than eating one healthy meal will improve your overall goal progress. Our downfall is a series of over indulgences every day or at every meal.

Second of all, you know in advance you are going to a party that day. You still need to fuel your body for the rest of the day, so make the best choices. Leave the cookie plate in the break room alone and skip the Danish in the morning meeting. Just eat sensibly prior to the event. If you go to the party starving, you are setting yourself up to fail.

Third, dress nice for the event. Look as good as you feel or as good as you want to feel. This is the equivalent of a super hero putting on the costume and taking on the strong identity. If you look confident you will remain confident in your decisions.

Now we are ready to survey the battleground that is the food centric event.

For a dinner, choose the entrée that looks most appealing to you. Yes you can have the grilled chicken with steamed broccoli but really; don’t you eat that all week at home? This is a celebration, if you want the sauce or breaded version, then don’t hold back. From there allow yourself 2 add-ons.

Add-ons:

Cocktail before dinner

Hot rolls and butter brought to the table

An appetizer

Wine with the meal

Cocktail after dinner

Dessert

When at a cocktail party with a lot of finger food options, I grab a cocktail, beer or wine and, on for my plate, I select 2 items that appeal to me the most. I never put more than 2 items at a time on my plate. I might go back to the table several times during the evening and I might try something different each time, but I limit myself to 2 items each trip. I also have at least one glass of water between cocktails. Ideally I had dinner or a good lunch before the party.

And there it is, the Power of 2 dining out survival strategy.

Remember you are getting healthy to have a good life, so live a little.