Making Fitness A Part Of Your Social Life
Balancing your social life while maintaining the discipline required to meet your fitness goals is a an ongoing task. and it’s never easy.
Since the very first day that I decided to prepare for a fitness competition and immerse myself into the fitness industry, I knew my social life had been altered permanently. Before, like most people, I didn’t think twice about going to the movies and indulging in a large pack of Twizzlers, chocolate covered raisins or a bucket of buttery popcorn that could feed a family of five. There was no guilt involved in going to my favorite restaurant and ingesting nachos, followed by pizza and dessert. Attending a family party and eating everything on the dinner table was far from uncommon.
Make a conscious daily effort to have a “game plan” to ensure that you stay on track.
It’s no surprise that food is a significant part of our culture. Going to a Christmas party? Expect lots of food. Bridal shower…food, summer barbeque…food, co-worker’s birthday…cake, your birthday…even more cake. The list goes on, but the pounds don’t have to!
Tips for Making Fitness a Part of Your Social Life:
Going to the movies?
Instead of that buttery popcorn, bring 2-3 rice cakes (crushed) in a zip lock bag along with some spray butter. It’s a great substitute that will leave you feeling a whole lot better afterwards!
Attending a holiday party?
It’s always a nice gesture to bring a dish of food. This time, make it a healthy one! Use this as your “go-to-dish” if there are no other healthy options. If you didn’t bring a dish look for ‘staple foods” like chicken, shrimp cocktail, salad or mixed vegetables, etc. More often than not, these foods are always present at a holiday bash!
Going to a restaurant?
Don’t be afraid to be very specific with your waiter. Order your food plain and keep some hidden condiments in your bag. (i.e. spray butter, red hot, carb-free ketchup, Mrs. Dash seasoning, etc.) Call me crazy, but I’ve been doing it for years!
Having a night on the town with your friends at your favorite bar?
Instead of that apple martini, try one of my occasional favorites: Bacardi on the rocks, squeezed lemon, and a packet of Stevia!
Out shopping with a friend?
Always have some backup containers of protein powder and H20 in your car or purse. This way, if it’s time to eat and you’re still at your favorite store, you can easily add some water to your protein and sip away as you shop! Allmax has some amazing whey protein flavors that I count on every time I need a meal on the go: Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate and Chocolate Mint Supreme are my absolute favorites!
Host a Party
Try to get your friends involved in your passion for fitness. Host a shake party and have your friends try different protein shake recipes. Here are some of my favorite shake recipes that I’ve introduced to my friends:
Java Protein Shake
Mix the following in a blender with ice:
- 1 scoop Chocolate Isoflex Whey Protein powder
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 6oz. container plain low fat yogurt
- ½ cup berries
- 4 tbsp. brewed coffee
Peanut Butter/ Banana Yogurt Smoothie
Mix the following in a blender with water and ice:
- ½ scoop Peanut Butter Chocolater Isoflex Whey Protein powder
- 1 plain greek chobani yogurt
- 1 tbsp. all natural peanut butter
- 1 small banana.
Kiwi Stawberry Protein Shake
Mix the following in a blender with ice;
- 2 kiwis, chopped
- ¼ cup of unsweetened apple juice
- ¾ cup almond milk
- 1 scoop Strawberry Isoflex Whey Protein
There are many ways to keep yourself from straying away from your fitness goals. Always remember that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Make a conscious daily effort to have a “game plan” to ensure that you stay on track.
