As someone who has coached and guided people through the Whole30, one question I frequently get is, what do I do for food when I’m going to fill-in-the-blank event?
They’re usually asking for events that are formal. social, or very long. Think weddings, business functions, church potlucks, etc.
I have 5 tips that will help you to stay compliant in events when you aren’t able to eat at home!
Tips to socialize on Whole30
1- Call ahead. If at all possible, find out what is being served. If this is a wedding or church event, see if you can find out what the menu is. There may be something that you can eat. If it’s an event at a restaurant, chances are the menu is posted online. Pick some dishes that look compatible, then call ahead to see if they actually are compatible or if any changes can be made. Be polite, but don’t be afraid to ask the questions you need!
Sometimes there isn’t an option to call ahead and plan, but no worries, the rest of the steps will help!
2-Salad. At almost all events and restaurants, there will be a salad option. This is a great option as you can easily customize it! Again, back to step 1, call first to see if there’s a salad and if there will be dressing already added. If the salad will not be pre-dressed, then plan to eat the bulk of your meal here.
BYOD or, bring your own dressing! Almost 100% of the time, dressings won’t be compliant. It’s always a safe option to bring your own. Reuse an old salad dressing container, or buy some small reusable ones! Note that some venues will offer actual olive oil and balsamic vinegar, so when you do step #1, ask if this is an option.
Bring your own toppings- olives are sold in snack packs that are a perfectly portable way to add fat to your meal. Compliant guacamole can also be bought in portable containers! Use your own portable containers to bring extra veggies/fruits or nuts/seeds. Keep it all together in a nice lunch bag.
All that’s left is protein. A SUPER easy way to bring protein is to simply bring a can of tuna! Buy the ones that don’t require a can opener and you’re all set. Obviously canned chicken is an option too. Just be sure to read those labels! Soy is often added in.
3-Bring your own meal. This may or may not be appropriate depending on the event. Be sure to ask the host first!
Ideally, this is an event where everyone is bringing a dish to share anyway, so make one that YOU can fully eat. However, this may not be that type of event. If it’s not a problem to bring your own individual food, you have many options here. Bring the Whole30 compliant frozen dinners at Walmart if you’ll have access to a microwave. Bring a lunch container packed with whatever compliant foods you choose. Be considerate and don’t bring something that will make the whole room smelly! Think fish or eggs.
There are many snack foods that are portable and compliant! Think Chomps, Nick’s Sticks, packs of almond butter, or guacamole. The New Primal also has lots of beef jerky and meat sticks, and you can use the code THECLEANHAPPYLIFE at checkout for 15% off!
Note- Don’t be that person who complains the whole time that there isn’t anything for them to eat! This makes everyone uncomfortable.
4-Eat before you go. If all else fails, eat before you go. NEVER go to an event hungry if you know you will have little or no options. That’s asking to fail! Eat a full, satiating meal at home first. If possible, make it a meal you LOVE. Then you won’t go to the event feeling that you’re really missing out. While at the event, sip on water or other compliant beverages (or snack on any of the foods you brought).
5-Learn to say no. Don’t go to the event and cave! Practice strategies beforehand, follow inspirational speakers on Instagram, listen to podcasts, etc.
Throughout all of your socializing and events during your round, remember your why- WHY did you choose to do this Whole30? To get to the bottom of why you feel bloated after some meals? To conceive a child? To relieve constant headaches and migraines? To attempt to get off medications? Whatever your reason, write it down on paper and if needed, keep it with you at the event. Literally bring it and keep it in your purse or pocket! Your why will motivate you through the temptations. Your why is stronger than the urge to eat a slice of cake or some bread and butter.
I'd love to hear from you-how do YOU survive a function while on a Whole30? Leave a comment below!
"Drinking your coffee black. Is. Not. Hard.” -Melissa Hartwig Urban
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