When on the road to seeking better health we can slip and fall into an isolation trap….avoiding situations that have the potential to throw us back into old habits. We’ve worked too hard to transition from iceberg lettuce to kale! Celebrating a friend’s birthday when we’re trying to cut out the sweets takes willpower and that isn’t much fun. Aren’t birthday’s supposed to be fun?!
Temptations are everywhere in our society. But, in my opinion, being a participant in life is a huge aspect of health and general wellbeing. So, how do we do both? Stay healthy AND keep your social life. Now that the holiday season is upon us, there must be a way to indulge in the festivities sans guilt…..
If you’ve ever been on a healthy eating routine you know how it feels to be invited out to dinner only to find there is not a single dish on the menu that fits into your new way. Or what if you’re invited on a week’s vacation that’s not conducive to your workout regimen. Do you forgo the vacation? I sure hope not! The holiday season is hardest for most. Stuffing, gravy and pumpkin pie…too delicious to pass up!
Promotions for healthy eating and living are everywhere yet, when you actually get down to business, it is a struggle to thrive unless you’ve got a coach to share your frustrations with or tips from those that have been there, done that. Charles Stuart Plankton shares his thoughts in an article entitled, “Are Your Healthy Habits Sabatoging Your Eating Habits.” Mr. Plankton gives readers six ideas that can help you maintain that healthy lifestyle, stay happy and keep your friends - phew!
First, it is suggested to Do A Background Check. Many restaurants now have websites so you can check out the menu beforehand and make your selection. Phoning ahead of time to let the chef know your dietary needs can also be helpful. Mr. Plankton says, “It can also impress your friends and family if you walk into the restaurant and the staff already knows what you’re eating — as if you’re a “regular.”" The kitchen will always have vegetables on hand so ask for extra and fill up on those!
Another tip from this article that I often use is to, Be Generous. If someone invites you over for a meal, why not bring a dish that suits your taste? Just make sure it isn’t too bland — or you might get a bad rap and forever be known as the one who brings the healthy stuff. A few years ago I took it upon myself to select four healthy, simple recipes that I would prepare during the time that my relatives were in town (I rarely do any cooking when a crowd is here). It turned out to be the best experience and the cousins, aunts and uncles are still asking for more servings of the kale, corn bread and non-libby in a can pumpkin pie!
But please note: indulging once in a while is not such a bad thing. Think about the other types of nourishment that you are receiving — the company of good friends, intellectual and stimulating conversation, being welcomed into someone else’s home or restaurant is warming to the soul. Enjoy the upcoming holiday and give yourself a little extra gravy. It was probably prepared by loving hands and will nourish you much more than that can of low calorie/low fat gravy.
See the full list of suggestions so you can be sure NOT to sabatoge your social life.
Posted on Nov 20th 06 by Alison Held.
Alison Held is a Nutrition and Health Coach and the founder of Healthful Direction. Her mission is to empower individuals to become the best version of themselves through sound nutrition and emotional well-being. http://www.healthfuldirection.com
Other posts on Coachamatic by Alison Held.
0 Responses to “Stay Healthy and Keep Your Social Life”