We have all been there. For some of us it is our daily reality. If we are planning on living a healthy life, there comes a time when we finally have to succumb to the fact that not everyone else has the same healthy ambitions that we do. That is when the struggle begins. It is so easy to stay on track when your family or friends are following a similar program as you. The true test is whether or not you can stay on track when everyone else is off track. This does not have to be a test that you fail. Here are my top tips to help you stay on track with a healthy diet, when you are surrounded by people and food who aren't that healthy.
1. Always be prepared. I am a firm believer in having my healthy food prepared and with me at all times. You never know when something is going to come up or you are going to be running late. Don't give yourself an excuse not to eat healthy. If you are always prepared you will always have a healthy meal at arms reach and you won't have to worry about eating something that might derail your healthy lifestyle.
2. Don't feel guilty. After speaking with many people who are trying to live the healthy life (and thinking back when I completely healthified my life) there seems to be a feeling of guilt that can arise when we are around other people and are not partaking in treats that they offer. I remember a time before my healthy life when I really wanted to go to McDonalds and have gravy and biscuits. I asked my husband (who ate significantly better than I did at the time) to go with me. He agreed to go, but said that he would not be eating anything. I told him I wouldn't go because being there with him not eating would make me feel guilty. Looking back on this situation I realize how ridiculous I was. At that time I was putting him in the same situation that I now find myself in time and time again. Just because someone offers you something, doesn't mean you have to take it. You DO NOT have to feel guilty because you left your best friend eating ice cream alone. You DO NOT have to feel bad because you turned down the chocolate chip cookies that your mom made. In the end, the most important thing is being able to be proud of yourself and know that you can be proud of the decisions you have made.
3. Treat yourself! If you live the healthy life long enough you will know that it is HARD to be 100% all the time. It becomes really difficult to turn down every delicious treat that you may be offered. I am all about enjoying normal treats in moderation, but my goals don't always allow for that. In order to make my healthy life more manageable I find yummy, fit life friendly treats that I can enjoy. I plan ahead and I make sure to have my treats accessible. At a recent birthday party that I was taking my kids to, I knew I would be offered cake, and that it would be REALLY hard to turn down. When I left home I made sure to pack my homemade protein brownie. I was very satisfied when the cake came out, and also was able to leave the party without feeling bad about my food choices.
While it may be a struggle, the longer you live the healthy life you will find that it does get easier to be the lone ranger and make it happen on your own. Hopefully until it becomes second nature, these tips will help you stay on track no matter the situation.