It is likely that since starting this program, you have been put in a few social situations that made you uncomfortable because of your new nutrition plan or that caused you a bit of anxiety.

This is a common feeling for people trying to learn how to master their behaviors to get life long results. However, there are some tricks to make sure you don't have to feel this way forever.

Eating out is a social activity for us, and as humans, we are social beings. We want to be around other people, and we oftentimes associate that with food. Think about how all of our holidays revolve around meals and social gatherings.

I have some great news for you! You can eat out and still remain lean and make progress.

There are a few things that will help you get through a meal at a restaurant without causing damage to your waistline.

1) Know what you are going to order before you get there.

2) Order a salad as an appetizer to come out first.

3) Stay away from bread and chips, and ask the server to remove it if possible.

4) Customize your meal
Stick to your principles
Order small or take some home

It is inevitable that you will be invited to a social gathering of some type before this program is over, and I know you will be invited to one at some point your life.

How in the world do you manage to stay compliant when you have little to no control over your surroundings?

The first mistake is thinking you have no control. This will automatically set you up to have an excuse for falling off the plan.

Even if you can't control the food or environment, you can minimize the damage.

Empower yourself to have control over what you do and how you prepare.

1) Drink lots of water prior to going to the event

2) Eat a snack with some protein and possibly fiber to reduce hunger

3) Avoid the dessert table

4) Stick to your principles as much as possible

5) Alternate your alcoholic drinks with water or sip on a glass of water with a lime (it looks like you are drinking)

6) Don't linger around the food tables, socialize elsewhere

7) Don't be self-conscious or draw attention to yourself by talking about it. The more you do the more you invite others to criticize.