Day 4: How to Stay Social While on a Strict Diet

I reside in one of the liveliest cities in the country: Nashville, Tennessee. It's a place where any night of the week, you can discover something exciting to do. If you're in the mood for witnessing incredible live musicians who haven't yet made it big, Broadway is the place to be. If you fancy a more unconventional adventure, like catching catfish with just a hotdog and your bare hands, you'll need to venture beyond Broadway in Tennessee.

Since relocating here, I've formed remarkable friendships, encountered some of the most fascinating individuals, and embarked on thrilling adventures. So, what's the catch? Well, socializing in Nashville often revolves around a vibrant bar scene, and I've made the decision to abstain from alcohol throughout my fitness journey. Sometimes, it can be a bit awkward when people find out you're not drinking while they are. Some may assume it's due to alcoholism recovery, but I assure you, that's not the case. I'm on a mission to get in shape! Nevertheless, the energy can sometimes feel off, and I'll delve into this topic shortly.

Today, I'd like to share a few strategies I'm employing to maintain an active social life during my transformation.

First and foremost, it's crucial to stay socially engaged during a period in your life that demands considerable energy for accomplishing a goal. We all have limited time in a day to devote to various activities. Whenever I've pursued endeavors that required significant effort to reach a goal, my friends have always been there for support. Why is this important? Because we are social beings. We are designed to interact with others, celebrate our victories, and admit our failures. If you happen to disagree with this perspective, I understand; not everyone shares my sentiments, so this article may not apply to you.

How to connect with friends who share your mission:

I'd like to revisit the idea of being around people who find it unusual if you're not drinking. I can assure you that like-minded individuals can be found in the world. Yes, there are online platforms like meetup.com, but I've had the most success meeting people at local clubs, shows, or events related to my interests. Ask yourself, what hobby do I want to pursue? Whether it's attending martial arts classes, community events, art exhibitions, hitting the gym, or finding a great fishing spot, these activities have provided opportunities for me to connect with like-minded people who don't always need a drink in hand.

There's no better time to explore fitness-related events than when you're on a fitness journey:

Have you ever considered attending a bodybuilding show or a supplement expo? I certainly didn't, thinking that one needed bulging 22-inch biceps and a V-shaped physique like an oak tree to buy a ticket. However, in my experience, people who attend these events are incredibly supportive. They respect your commitment to showing up, even if you're not in peak shape yet but are working towards it. Stepping out of your comfort zone and attending a fitness show can be a transformative experience. I also recommend using meetup.com to join a hiking or outdoor club.

Now, let's talk about what happens when you do go out. It's important to acknowledge that you may feel tempted to drink at a bar. In such situations, self-control is a valuable skill.

Non-alcoholic beer: the ultimate hack for staying sober at a bar:

I'm a big fan of non-alcoholic beer, often referred to as "Near Beer." It even made an appearance in "The Wolf of Wall Street" when Jordan went sober. Today, it's one of the fastest-growing styles of beer. You might remember O'Douls and its lingering taste of cooked vegetables, but nowadays, there are non-alcoholic IPAs, stouts, and red ales available. I'd estimate that around 90% of bars, even dive bars, stock non-alcoholic beer. While some of these options may contain trace amounts of alcohol, they have significantly fewer calories than most light beers. I believe the trade-off is well worth it. Fun fact: My favorite dive bar back home allows me to bring my own non-alcoholic beer when I visit. The perks of being a regular, I suppose!

If a bar doesn't have non-alcoholic beer, I recommend opting for a tall soda water with a splash of lime.

Be deliberate in your friendships:

Being intentional – what a powerful concept! It's amazing how I overlooked this word in my vocabulary lessons back in grade school. If you genuinely want to cultivate a friendship, people are more likely to support your mission. Make the effort to call your friends, initiate texts, ask meaningful questions, and be sincere. I can't recommend the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie enough. Despite being nearly a century old, its insights remain relevant today. It will teach you how to cultivate awareness and intention in your relationships.

So, what are your tips for staying social on your journey? Go out there and conquer your goals today!