I don't want to be RUDE....

One of the most challenging parts of eating an unconventional diet is social functions.  Well, CLCF-sponsored functions are delightful in this regard, but how about a dinner party with your non-CrossFitting friends?  A potluck at your church?  A family gathering?  I don’t know about you, but these were really hard for me to navigate at first.

If a friend invites you over for dinner and then serves pasta, garlic bread, and cannolis, what the heck do you do?  After all, you don’t want to be rude, do you?

First, let me address this mindset.  Is it “rude” to refuse food that is bad for you?  If a friend offers you a cigarette, are you going to smoke just to be polite?  If you were an alcoholic, would you drink your friend’s home brew just to make him happy?  Think those are extreme analogies?  Sugar addiction is strong, and it is deadly.  It’s not rude to turn down food that isn’t in your nutrition plan.

At this point, most of my friends and family know that I don’t eat the way they do.  They’re used to it, and they know that I’ll take care of myself.  I’m not offended if I’m offered non-Paleo food, and they’re not offended when I say, “No, thank you.”  It works.  However, the transition into Paleo was more of a challenge.  Besides the fact that I was still craving all of that crap that will kill you, my non-Paleo peeps still had no idea what the heck I actually eat.  Some of you are just getting started and dealing with that now. 
Here are some of the things I do to navigate a carb- and sugar-packed function:

• Eat healthy, satisfying food beforehand (i.e. protein and fat).  If I really feel the need to, I might sample my friend’s dish that she’s so proud of, but I’m not going to eat a large portion of it.
• Offer to bring food to share.  Fruit, nuts, and dark chocolate are an easy favorite.  Veggies and guac or jicama and salsa are more good options.  Load up on the good stuff, and take small bites of the bad stuff (or just avoid it completely).
• This one is gonna sound strange, but it works.  Visualize yourself at the event in question.  Decide ahead of time how strict you’re going to be.  See yourself loading up your plate with meat and veggies, and walking right past the dessert table.

Be sure to let your friends and family know that you’re starting a new, healthy lifestyle, and do your best to surround yourself with supportive people.  If people aren’t being supportive, don’t be afraid to be rude.  Well, maybe not rude, but don’t cheat on your new plan just to be polite.

I know a lot of y’all are about a week in on your 24-Day Challenge and/or switching to Paleo.  How is it going?  What challenges are you facing?