How to Navigate Parties

The main reminder about situations that potentially put us off track is that what matters most is what we do most of the time! If we are off track for a few days, that isn’t even a fraction of a percent in the grand scheme of life! We can always get back on track afterward!

  • If it’s a party you throw, that’s awesome! You can choose what you serve! When we host, we do something like crockpot fajitas, crockpot pulled pork, a taco bar, burgers and things like that. Then you can encourage your friends to bring a side they like. You get to have a healthy meal, you still get to be social and most importantly, you still get to make progress!

  • If you know what they are serving, pre-log what you plan to have and then work the rest of your day around that meal. If bringing a side is encouraged or if it’s a potluck type party, bring something healthy that fits in your targets!

    If you don’t know what they are serving, keep your meals low calorie, high protein and really filling! That way you have lots of carbs and calories for the party.

  • Attending a birthday party can be tricky depending on the situation! If it is your kid’s birthday party, you will be at an advantage because you at least know what is being served! If you want to stay on track, pre-log what you plan to have at the party. If you’re serving pizza, order a thin crust for yourself so you can keep the calories and carbs down. If you want to have a piece of cake as well, pre-log it! Then you can work the rest of your day around the party. Think high protein, low calorie but extra filling meals. Think lean meats, lots of veggies and fruit. That will help you feel full but still keep the calories down so you can work in some fun foods at the party.

    If you are attending a birthday party for a child family member or one of your kid’s friends, try to eat before. That way you aren’t tempted by what is being served at the birthday party. Remember that it is ok to politely say no if they offer you something that you didn’t plan for or that you couldn’t fit in your day. You don’t even have to explain why if you don’t want to! If they do ask why, you can just say “I just don’t want any right now but thank you!”

  • Super Bowl parties are typically full of chips, dips, snack foods and things like that. If it is a party you can bring things to, bring something healthy! If it’s a party where the host says not to worry about bringing anything, you have the option to eat before or you can keep your other meals low calorie, high protein and filling so you have plenty of calories and carbs to make whatever they serve fit. Remember that it’s all about moderation! If you plan on having a few drinks, bring your own low calorie drinks and then set a drink limit.

  • Since a graduation party is typically a once in a lifetime celebration, you can choose to enjoy the day or you can enjoy what is being served in moderation. I would still keep my other meals healthy and lower calorie. That way you can enjoy the celebration guilt free! Look for protein options and have a few of the goodies. Again, it’s all about moderation!

Good Advice for Any Parties You Attend

Another good thing to do is to have a small snack before you go. I know for me, if I go to an event and I’m extra hungry, I have a very difficult time sticking to my plan due to being hangry! We tend to lack will power when we are extra hungry!

If you choose to not log, here is a good strategy. Eat healthy, low calorie and extra filling meals. If you plan to drink alcohol, set a drink limit and stick with it. Then try to stick with high protein foods if they offer them and enjoy 1 slice of cake and some fun treats in moderation. If you have one off day, that’s ok! Just get right back to it the next day!