Whether it’s coffee, ice cream, or a full meal, we love eating out. It’s a staple of American socialization, which makes it a big challenge to those of us who are trying to lose weight. Restaurants tend to use high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and other ingredients that extend shelf-life … and expand waistlines.
Dr. Brad Watkins, a guest columnist for the Middletown Journal, recommends a predominantly home-cooked diet for people on the weight loss journey. And like we’ve said in a few past blog posts, using lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and flavorful herbs can make it easy to eat healthy at home—and love what you make!
But what do you do when your friends at the office ask you along for lunch, or your church group organizes a brunch? Or what about office parties with fatty snacks and sugary sweets? Peer pressure can make sticking to a diet difficult, and at times, embarrassing. You don’t want to miss out on opportunities to build relationships with friends and coworkers, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health, either. We’ve put together a few simple questions to ask yourself in social eating situations.
- Do I really want this? Are you even hungry, and if so, is this something you want to eat or drink?
- Can I afford it? If you can eat something that doesn’t wreck your diet, go ahead and enjoy!
- Can I change the plan? You might have a better, diet-friendly idea for outings with your friends.
How do you handle your weight loss and your social lives? Do they overlap?