It’s possible to eat healthily at parties without offending your host. With the rise of special diets and food allergies, it’s becoming increasingly common to have guests with dietary restrictions. To ensure you can stick to your diet while still enjoying social events, here are five essential tactics:
1. Communicate with your host: Let your host know about your dietary needs ahead of time. Research has shown that timely and honest communication leads to higher satisfaction and empathy from others. Your host may be willing to accommodate your needs.
2. Bring a share dish: If you’re concerned there won’t be suitable food options, bring your own dish to share. This ensures that you have something to eat and also helps the host. Sharing food enhances trust and cooperation.
3. Eat before you go: To avoid temptation and hunger, have a small meal that meets your dietary requirements before attending the event. Eating high-fiber foods can help decrease food intake. This way, you can enjoy a variety of foods without drawing attention.
4. Explain yourself: Be prepared to explain why you’re avoiding certain foods if others ask. Keep your explanation personal and avoid sounding judgmental. For example, say that certain foods make you feel unwell rather than making general statements about their healthiness.
5. Plan ahead: If you still want to enjoy the food at the gathering, monitor your intake and have a plan. Limit your intake of certain foods, especially if the meal is carbohydrate-heavy. By self-monitoring and having a plan, you can maintain your diet without sabotaging your efforts.