Blueberry Yoghurt Cake recipe here.
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One of the (many) things I love about food is how it weaves into so many aspects of our lives.
I love the social bonds of sharing food.
I love exploring new cultures through their cuisine.
But it does make things more complicated when you need to follow a certain food lifestyle.
However staying on track certainly isn’t impossible.
It just takes a little planning…
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN TODAY:
- How to stay Low Carb in social situations
- The art of Low Carb travel
- Living with Carb Lovers
How to Stay Low Carb in Social Situations
1. Decide ahead whether it’s worth it.
For most of us the odd brief blood sugar high isn’t a problem, it’s when your blood sugar is high over months and years that will cause harm.
Only you know how you’re tracking and how much you will enjoy the indulgence.
Some times it will be easier (and more fun!) to just go with the flow, eat whatever and skip to step 4.
Other times, like when I’m at a conference, having a load of carbs isn’t something I want or need.
Then a little planning ahead can save you from embarrassing situations.
2. Inform your hosts.
Normally I don’t like to make a fuss about my dietary requirements, but it’s actually more rude to surprise people.
I prefer when my guests let me know ahead if they’re vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-lovers.
Plus honesty is always the best policy so I either decide in advance to eat whatever is put in front of me, or I let my hosts know before hand.
3. Make sure you’ll have something appropriate to eat.
If the occasion is at someone’s house, I like to offer to bring something, like a salad or a cheese plate.
But I’m always happy to work with my host to see what will be easiest (and best) for them and me.
If you’re going out, most places have menus online you can check ahead. Or you could always call the venue and ask.
I always carry a small ziplock bag of almonds in my handbag so if I get stuck somewhere I have a backup so I know I won’t starve.
You don’t want to get stuck having to eat something High Carb because you’re starving, and not even enjoying it.
That’s the worst of both worlds.
4. Have fun!
As much as I love food, I often remind myself that social situations are about the people. Not what you’re eating.
It’s about interacting, connecting, bonding, sharing stories, laughing and having fun.
So remember to enjoy yourself.
The Art of Low Carb Travel
The principles above for navigating social situation apply to travel as well. Here are a few extra tips for when you’re on the road:
Keep an open mind.
If you start thinking you won’t find anything low carb to eat, you’re only going to see the bread and pasta. However if you come with a mindset that there will be something suitable, you will see the (delicious!) possibilities.
Don’t use it as an excuse to go crazy.
Remember the amount of carbs you eat makes a huge difference.
Nuts are your friend
They’re filling, portable and most convenience stores sell them. I also have been known to travel with a jar of peanut butter and a spoon in my bag!
Don’t be afraid to order off the menu
Most restaurants are only too happy to meet their customers requests. If I’m at a cafe I often ask for ‘no toast’ and order a side of avocado, pickles or veggies instead. Asking for some butter is a great way to make your meal more substantial without the cost of ordering extra items.
Eat proper meals
You’re much more likely to find good quality Low Carb choices in restaurants, than grabbing something on the go.
Living with Carb Lovers
We’ve already covered how to cater for family and friends who aren’t Low Carb without cooking extra meals on Day 17. But there are a few extra points I want to make about staying Low Carb at home…
Don’t push your dietary preferences on your loved ones.
Everyone is on their own journey, and just because eating Low Carb works for you, doesn’t mean it’s going to be helpful for your family. They have to want to change for their own reasons. You can’t be someone else’s food police.
Don’t judge
As we discovered when we looked at the perils of Food Moralizing on Day 23, it’s not about being ‘good’ or ‘bad’, it’s about choosing what makes you feel best.
Stick to your own path
If you’re the only one in your house eating a particular way, it can be tough. Today’s activity will help keep you focused on your goals and why you’re making the choices that you are.
SUMMARY
Here’s what we’ve covered:
- Planning ahead makes it much easier to navigate travel and social situations.
- Best to decide in advance whether it’s worth it or not.
- Nuts are a traveller’s best friend.
- If you’re not getting support at home, you always have the Low Carb Love community!
ACTIVITY
Reconnect with your reason why!
Read through your ‘perfect day’ exercise from the Mindset Bonus.
Share any insights in the comments below.
Cheers,
Jules x
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The Low Carb Love 28-Day Program is where I share my personal journey of managing my blood sugar eating (mostly) Low Carb. I am not a doctor and this information is not intended as specific advice. Please discuss with your doctor or dietician before changing your food intake. Especially if you’re on medication or have any special medical concerns.
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