Eating with others breaks routine. Whether you’re hosting at home, out at a restaurant, or at a large gathering, it can be challenging to attempt to stick to personal health goals.

1. It’s okay to occasionally break your fast to eat with friends. Prioritize people over principles, especially in smaller settings. Don’t feel guilty about it afterwards but remember the good times!
2. Don’t hover near all the food. If you are secretly fasting or are trying to eat less but must attend a party, hold a drink and socialize away from the food area. It’s much easier to resist temptation if you can’t see the food.
3. Save food for later. If the food looks absolutely delicious, and you don’t want to miss out, save some for later, but there’s no pressure to finish your plate. The priority of parties is to celebrate with people and socialize. The food is secondary. Save some of your plate for leftovers, or save the full plate for a future meal if you’re fasting. People likely won’t notice or care. It’s okay to try a bite of someone’s food and compliment them, especially if you can tell they made it with care. Your words will mean so much more to them than an excessive amount you eat while overwhelming your body.