How To Be Social Without Giving Up Your Fitness
Things are looking up! Many of us have gradually begun leaving the confines of our homes. We are feeling safer and more comfortable being out and about and most of all, we are excited and beyond ready to begin connecting with others again.
These positive feelings may be met with some anxiety around derailing the progress you’ve made with your fitness and nutrition. Being around others and having a good time often involves food and drinks (as it should) and like with anything in our schedules, we have to balance it with our other responsibilities and activities.
But don’t stress! Here are some ways to strike a balance between staying on track with your health goals and coming back into your social life.
Have a plan around your plans
Going out for dinner and drinks later? Plan your meals during the day around the fact that you may be consuming more calories that evening. Prioritize fruits, vegetables and protein, plus plenty of water! Usually get your workout in after work? Plan a morning or lunchtime workout so you don’t end up trading your exercise for your plans.
Look up the menu ahead of time
Deciding what you will eat ahead of time can keep you from making a choice in the moment you may not feel great about. Pick that meal that sounds delicious and aligns with your goals and stick to it!
Create those bright lines
Bright lines are guidelines that we can create for ourselves that will keep us from going off the rails. We don’t fall outside of these lines. For example, you’ll have drinks but you will limit yourself to two. You’ll hit three workouts this week, regardless of what plans come up. At dinner you can order whatever you want, but there has to be a vegetable on the plate. Create bright lines that make the most sense for you.
Be open with those around you
We all have those people in our lives. “Come on, just have one more drink.” “I made this cake from scratch, you’re not going to have a piece?” “Just skip your workout and come out with us!” They mean well, but pressure from others can lead us astray. Remember you don’t have to eat or do anything you don’t want to. Communicate with those around you about how hard you’ve been working and what you’re doing (and not doing) to reach your goals. They should understand and happily support you.
Live in the moment
Live your life! Time with loved ones is special and you should enjoy yourself, so go for it! Just get right back on track the next meal, the next day. No one ever changed their health from one healthy meal or one workout. And no one ever lost all of their progress from one missed workout or one “bad” meal. Don’t sweat.
