How to stick to healthy eating when social situations dictate otherwise

I hear you: every time you try to eat healthy, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, summer or Friday comes along and ruins it.

But with a huge year of seasonal celebrations, after-work drinks and holidays ahead, how can you stick to your health and wellness goals while still letting your hair down?

Can you really have fun in a balanced and sustainable way?

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The answer is yes – so long as you prepare. One of the most common times for people to fall off the healthy eating and drinking bandwagon is when you leave yourself with no other option than what’s currently on offer. Thankfully, a little bit of forward planning can make a huge difference when it comes to staying on track.

Here are some of the ways I like to prepare so I have balance between having fun and feeling like I’m doing good for my mind and body.

The situation: A birthday party

The solution: Pre-game your snacks

Date nights, birthdays and anniversaries...we all get among them. What I like to do is have a healthy snack – like a smoothie with protein powder, healthy fats and quality carbs – in the lead-up to an event.

This means I’m not starving when I arrive and I’m more mindful of not eating for the sake of it. I’m also not forced to eat things I wouldn’t ordinarily eat just because I’m hungry.

The situation: A night out

The solution: Double park with water

Aussies love to celebrate with a bevvy, but finding balance is key when it comes to achieving your health goals. I like to designate certain nights as alcohol-free or, if I’m heading out, I set myself a clear limit and tell a friend so they can keep me accountable.

When you’re out, follow up every alcoholic drink with a tall glass of still or sparkling water with lime. This will help keep you hydrated, put something in your hand so you don’t feel awkward and slow down how many drinks you have in an evening.

The situation: A weekend away

The solution: Stalk local menus

Whether it be for work or for pleasure, I love exploring Australia and the rest of the world – but everyone knows that travel isn’t always synonymous with healthy eating. However, you can quickly find healthier local restaurants and cafes with a simple Google search and peruse their menus ahead of time.

Not only is this a great way to balance out some of the more decadent food you’ll be eating, you can also load up on protein bars and trail mix from health food stores for long flights or time on the road.

The situation: Dinner with friends

The solution: Swap the pub for a hike

You might usually see friends at the pub on a Sunday arvo or enjoy Friday-night drinks after work, but by making every second catch-up a healthy activity, you can break the cycle of bar food and booze.

Luke Hines is a nutrition coach and personal trainer who has written nine best-selling cookbooks and has been in the wellness industry for over 15 years. Find our more about him here.