We know your calendars are packed! Every week our clients are at birthdays, business dinners, family celebrations, weddings and more. We get that it's often difficult to navigate enjoying a full life without derailing your progress and that you want to enjoy these events- not stress about their impact. Luckily we've pulled together a few resources to help-
Our blogs on How to Avoid Social Food Pressure, and What is a Mindful Indulgence are both helpful resources as you head into events as well!
REMEMBER- It is ALWAYS best to go off-phase rather than Off-Plan! We never recommend gluten, dairy, grains refined sugar, or grains in weight loss mode. So, for example, when confronted with limited choices we'd rather you choose some roast potatoes over low-fat yogurt and granola.
Most importantly, if you slip and have something off-plan do NOT declare the day a failure, and go for broke. One mistake won't be your undoing, but a bender can undo a whole week's worth of work.
Your other meals that day should be light and on plan. That said, before heading to a partyyou should eat something so you don't head into it starving. An apple with a tbsp of nut butter, a small salad with healthy fat, or a bowl of soup are great options.
If someone is hosting and you are able to bring something to the gathering, bring a compliant and delicious dish you know you'll enjoy. A salad with grilled protein, a cleaned-up dessert option- we are always available to help you find the perfect recipe!
If it is an event where you're able to order or indicate dietary preferences please indicate gluten and dairy free- (not vegan or you run the risk of a very starchy dish). If you're able to select your meal opt for the simplest protein with vegetables.
AT COCKTAIL HOUR LOOK FOR:
- Crudités or roast veggies (go easy on the dips! Nothing creamy and limit hummus and guacamole to 2 tbsp)
- Mixed nuts- be mindful of portion and avoid any glazed or sugared mixes
- Fruit trays
- Seafood cocktail (easy on the cocktail sauce or avoid altogether),
- Tuna/yellowtail/salmon tartare
- Mixed olives
- Chicken/beef satay (or any skewered meat/seafood), skip the dip.
- Deviled eggs- limit to 2 as they contain traditional mayonnaise which is off-plan
- Mini-meatballs (avoid the sauce).
- Dairy-free soups like turkey chili, vegan butternut squash and pumpkin soup, gazpacho, etc.
- Simple proteins like roast chicken or fish
- Green Salads- avoid dried fruit, croutons, cheese and sugared nuts
- Roast vegetable dishes
AT A BRUNCH:
- Simple egg dishes without cheese or dairy. Boiled is safest as scrambled and quiches often add heavy cream and cheese. If you can avoid the crust of a quiche, that's best.
- Fruit. Even off-phase fruit (like grapes or watermelon) is preferable to french toast
- Vegetable dishes and salads
- Smoked salmon with capers, onion and tomato (skip the bagel!)
AVOID:
- Anything wrapped in dough/phyllo/pastry etc, tartlets/quiches
- Cheese/cracker boards, minus the fruit and nuts!
- Crostini
- Heavy appetizers like Stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, jalapeño poppers, chicken tenders, etc.
- Dried fruits (including cranberries and raisins in salads)
- Dairy-based dips/spreads (ie/sour cream, cream cheese + ranch)
- Anything deep-fried or glazed
- Casseroles with creamy sauces
- Baked goods, muffins, pastries or donuts, etc
WHEN DRINKING ALCOHOL:
- Choose a clear liquor like tequila or vodka with soda and lime.
- Alternate between your beverage and a glass of water/seltzer
DESSERT:
- Avoid it if you can. If there's a particular favorite or family tradition serve yourself half of your typical portion, and make sure to eat it sitting down, served nicely on a plate. Never eat it standing up or out of the pie dish
- If you choose to go off-plan keep it simple. Choose gluten *or* dairy not both!
But most importantly- enjoy yourself, enjoy the company you're with and indulge mindfully!