Dinners, birthday parties, going away parties, graduation parties…whatever it may be, it is HARD to figure out how to stay in a deficit when these events come up. Let me explain how I managed to drop weight while attending a friend’s house for dinner this past Friday, a birthday party on Saturday, and a going away dinner on Sunday.
Note: If dinners and events are once in a blue moon for some of you I encourage you to just enjoy yourselves. You don’t have to be strict if you don’t want to. My husband and I have a lot of obligations and it gets insane for us. If I didn’t make healthier choices 3-4 times a week at these events I would never meet my fitness goals. You don’t know what ingredients, measurements, and macros are in the dishes you are eating. If you are on a fitness journey or a challenge like I am, these tips may be helpful.
- Find out what all they’ll be serving at the event:
You don’t have to go crazy about it, but it helps! Hopefully, they will tell you ahead of time because I know that could be weird asking. For me, it’s a huge help because I can plan the rest of my day accordingly. You’re unfortunately not going to know the exact macros and I don’t expect you to whip out your scale at the party and ask for the macros…unless your me because I totally asked my friend, “How much protein is in this burger!?” It’s an inside joke and he really did know because he’s about that life too lol. I decided for the birthday party I would skip the bread for the hamburger, load my plate with veggies, and scoop a small serving of mac & cheese. I had a tiny bit of fruit as well and did not eat dessert. You don’t have to pass up on dessert, but that’s what I wanted to do.
- Do not starve yourself until the event:
Please do not starve yourself. Someone in my family just suggested that I do this for last night’s dinner party so I can eat everything. Yeah, no. You are already in a deficit, most likely tired and hungry. Make sure you are still eating what you normally would for your other meals. If you REALLY want to cut out something you would normally eat so you can have whatever at the event, go for it, but don’t drastically cut your calories because you still need to make sure you are fueled for your day. Heck, if you want to keep everything the same that is even better! This is YOUR journey. You do what you want. - Get moving:
I always work out these days and I make sure that I get a couple of walks in (one for me and one or two for the dog) especially after we come home. Most of the time, you are sitting for a while at these dinners/events and I just suggest to move when you can. Heck, sometimes they have games at parties. Get involved and have some fun! It will help with your digestion and help your NEAT too.
- Don’t overload your plate:
You know better than to heap mounds of food on your plate. Make smart portion decisions. - Don’t feel like you HAVE to eat anything:
Listen, it drives me absolutely insane when people get their panties in a bunch because I can’t eat their brownies or homemade ice cream. Honestly, for me 9 times out of 10 it doesn’t taste good because I didn’t make it (what can I say? I’m a dessert snob lol). The extra calories are not worth it to me just to make that person happy. I can’t tell you how many times I have passed up on dessert and my husband was like “Good thing you didn’t waste your calories on that because it sucked.” I also have noticed this with mac & cheese and other side dishes. Should’ve just skipped it. I learned my lesson and if the people are mad at you, oh well. Don’t be a people pleaser, they’re not in charge of taking care of your body and if they were you most likely would never accomplish your fitness goals. - If you want dessert, eat the right portion:
Guys, if you want the dessert that bad just eat it. I’m not here to dictate what you do or don’t do. I’m just passing up dessert right now because these are my goals and I’m making sure I’m on point now so I can splurge a bit at the beach. Anyway, I heard a preacher one time say he lost weight by cutting everything he ate in half. He did not stop eating candy, any food groups, or desserts. He just cut the portion in half. So if you want to do it that way, awesome. If you already planned for the dessert in the full-size portion enjoy it just don’t go overboard, people! - Stop eating when you’re satiated:
How many times have I stuffed myself at dinners or events because my dad made the most bangin’ grilled food and sides and mom had dessert? A LOT (P.S. Mom is where I got my baking skills). I hate being that uncomfortable anymore. I wait it out a bit and let me tell you something, I am fine with my one plate and I really don’t get hungry for the rest of the night. I think one night this weekend I actually had a snack before bed after one of our dinners but that’s just so I didn’t wake up hungry in the middle of the night. Listen to your hunger ques. You’d be surprised that the smaller portions are satiating when you just wait. - MAYBE let them know ahead of time you are in a deficit:
So this may or may not work. I tested it out for the dinner we had on Friday. I passed on dessert and they did not give me a hard time about it. Saturday, my friends already knew I was in this challenge, so easy peasy. Sunday though, my husband asked his dad what we’d be having and he immediately got weird about it. My husband explained what I was doing and some people just do not get it. It’s not worth fighting about. Just do you and make the right decisions. They’ll get over it. - MAYBE bring your own food:
Hey, if you ain’t budging on anything tell them what you’re doing and that you’re bringing your own food. Even better, I would make extra to share with others (if you can afford it). Some of you may aspire to compete in a bikini competition and there is absolutely no room for compromise. I heard a preacher one time say “Compromise is of the devil!” Lol. That has been in my mind so much lately being tested at these events. If you can’t do it, don’t. If you don’t want to eat what they’re having don’t. There is a way to be respectful about it. If they support you and truly love you there should be no issues. - Don’t feel guilty about anything:
Easier said than done I know. Whether it’s because you did eat a little more than you should or you feel guilty for not eating their food or dessert, don’t overthink it. Don’t feel guilty about it. You have a goal. You want to stay on track and you can absolutely do that while still enjoying your time with others at these get-togethers!
I managed to lose 3.4 pounds since last Thursday (it’s Monday now) with all of these get-togethers this weekend. Now, this will not be the case for everyone, but I stayed in my deficit and I have been working out 6 days a week. I’m finally seeing results.
I hope these tips were helpful. Any questions feel free to contact me or comment below!
Blessings,
Alexis