For the new year, you may have vowed to eat healthier. But it seems impossible given your schedule.
Your social calendar involves meeting friends for dinner. It’s an easy way to get everyone together over a meal and catch-up on life. You find yourself dining out more than ever.
You even tried to be good by looking at the menu online before going to the restaurant. You decide on a healthy entrée to order.
But for some reason, your favorite fried food beckons you to order it when you’re at the restaurant. You give in and vow “just this one time.” But you tend to break your vow every time.
How do you incorporate healthy eating into your social calendar?
Instead of dining out try dining in. Invite your friends over to make a meal together.
I’m not suggesting a dinner party – that’s way too stressful. Instead, have everyone participate in making the meal.
This approach is easier than a dinner party since everyone shares in the cost and meal prep. It’s also less stressful than the old-fashion pot-luck – no one has to make anything in advance.
Keep it simple and select an easy meal – salad and main entrée. With online grocery ordering, you can easily pick-up ingredients that night.
Another option is to try a meal prep delivery service. There are so many available now, it’s easy to find one that will accommodate your needs.
When your friends arrive, assign each one a task. Another option is to draw numbers to see which task they would be responsible for doing.
Examples of tasks include chopping vegetables, seasoning the meat, or microwaving sides. Also include tasks such as setting the table, clearing the table, and loading the dishwasher.
Eating healthy can be fun if you invite your friends. Everyone can contribute to paying for the ingredients, making the meal, and cleaning up after the meal. It may be such a success that everyone is willing to host a weekly dine in dinner. Eating healthy is one part of living healthier which helps with lower healthcare expenses as you age.
Yes – I want more tips about money + life >
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”