A lot of us, including myself, grew up where the conversation around food was whether or not it was good or bad. And whether or not we deserved it, we would need to punish ourselves to “burn it off“ or restrict it all together.

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Those conversations happen just as much during the summer time as any other time of the year. Backyard barbeques, birthday parties, and baby and bridal showers are always on the calendar, it seems.

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But I know we’re all working hard to move away from that rhetoric, so here are a few tips to keep in mind if you find yourself falling back to those old thought patterns.

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1. Create a mantra for the occasion

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Mantras are a great way of reinforcing a thought. When you think about it, we’ve spent all these years repeatedly thinking things that made us feel guilty or ashamed. Something like “I make intentional and balanced choices.” Or “Food doesn’t carry morality, it contains nutrients of varying amounts.”

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2. Think of the ways this season and these events fill your cup

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While it’s common for many of these events to include highly palatable foods, it’s about much more than that. Time with loved ones, an emphasis on gratitude, opportunities for rest and recovery, etc.

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3. Have a game plan for the occasion

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If you know you struggle with mindlessly eating, try going into these events with a plan. Determining the level of control that you have can help to create realistic expectations. This is a great time to utilize your coach. Maybe you know that you definitely want your aunt’s famous mac & cheese over any other food; plan for it. We feel more confident when the choices we make were purposeful and thought out.

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4. Set boundaries and redirect the conversation

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I love the saying “don’t be surprised by things that aren’t surprising” - as in you know who the people are that will have something to say or point out about your choices and/or lifestyle. We cannot control others but we can control how we respond. Boundaries are there to protect us.

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The bottom line

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You can enjoy these events and continue to progress. Keep in mind that although you don’t have these foods often, you’re making thoughtful and purposeful choices that lead to continued momentum!

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