If you’re new to keto, you may find social events a bit challenging and even overwhelming. However, it shouldn’t be that hard. This comprehensive guide will discuss 10 ways to help you ace your social life even when following a keto diet.
1. Plan Intently
In any social event, planning is key. Identify the type of event, venue, and possible food options to be served to know possible keto options.
If you’re going to a restaurant, research their menu and look for keto options on food and drinks. Restaurants often have keto or low-carb options.
If you’re going to an event with catering services, check the invitation, they often include a menu. Doing this helps you better prepare for backups or choose alternatives available in the menu.
2. Don’t Arrive Hungry
Hunger often leads to impulsivity, and on the keto journey, impulsivity could mean deviating from your dietary goals and overeating.
Eating a satisfying keto-friendly meal before an event is not just about physical nourishment; it’s a tactical move to fortify your mental resilience.
If you don’t have the time for a proper meal before the event, grab a quick keto-friendly snack to curb hunger.
3. Bring a Dish to Share
If you’re going to a gathering, bringing a dish to share is an excellent and safe option to ensure you will have something to eat. Bringing a keto-friendly drink is also a plus.
4. Inform the Server You’re Keto
You don’t need to let everybody in the event know you’re on keto, but you should inform the server. Most restaurants are accommodating and can modify dishes to suit your needs. Clear communication ensures you receive a keto-friendly meal without feeling like an inconvenience.
5. Focus on Conversations
Shift the focus from food to meaningful conversations. Rather than fixating on the available food options, engage in discussions and enjoy the company of others.
This shift in focus helps you stay committed to your keto goals and enhances your overall social life.
Often, events last about 3-4 hours, and when you focus on conversations, you won’t even have the time to feel hungry.
When conversing, you can mention your current diet but avoid focusing too much on discussing it. Others may feel uncomfortable and may feel like you need special treatments.
6. Look for Keto Options in the Event
When attending an event without knowing the menu, scout the table for potential keto-friendly options. When in doubt, always ask the server. Even with the desserts, it’s still helpful to ask, as some desserts may be low-carb.
Also, scout for keto drinks or ask the barista what they serve.
Your best bet is often the grazing table, where you can find cheese, meats, berries, and low-carb fruits. Just avoid picking sweets, high-carb fruits, and bread.
7. Bring Keto Snacks
If the event menu is unknown, bringing you keto snacks is safer. If you have no keto options, keto snacks help you get through the events.
While most events always have low-carb food and drink options, backups are better.
8. Mindful Drinking
Yes, you can drink alcohol even on the keto diet. Just be mindful of the carb content in the drinks.
Events often serve cocktails, wine, or champagne, and it’s essential to know their common ingredients. For instance, cocktails often contain high amounts of carbs, but martini (0.5 grams of carbs), gin Rickey (1.5 grams of carbs), and Manhattan (2 grams of carbs) are keto-friendly.
When it comes to wine and champagne on keto, the following are your best options, along with the carb content in each serving:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: 3-4 grams of carbs
- Merlot: 3-4 grams of carbs
- Pinot Noir: 3-4 grams of carbs
- Chardonnay: 3-4 grams of carbs
- Sauvignon Blanc: 2-3 grams of carbs
- Pinot Grigio: 3-4 grams of carbs
- Brut Champagne: 1-2 grams of carbs
- Extra Brut Champagne: 0-1 gram of carbs
- Dry Sparkling Wine: 1-2 grams of carbs
9. Refuse Politely
It’s okay to say no. Politely refuse non-keto offerings without feeling obligated to explain. Most people understand and respect dietary choices, so don’t feel bad by turning down an offer.
Instead, state what you want to have that’s in the options.
10. Get Right Back Into Your Keto Routine
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you indulge during a social gathering. Especially on once-in-a-bluemoon events, having more carbs than intended is perfectly acceptable.
Get back into your keto routine the next day. Consistency is key to long-term success on the keto diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you have a social life on keto?
There’s no need to avoid any social gatherings when on keto. Just plan the event intently, do your research, and be mindful of the foods and drinks you have at the event.
What are the mental side effects of the keto diet?
Adjustment issues are the most common mental side effects of keto. These issues may create mood changes or irritability.
Does keto give you mental clarity?
Once well-adjusted, people doing the keto diet often find mental clarity and increased focus, thanks to the ability of ketones to fuel the brain efficiently.
Why am I happier on keto?
Doing lifestyle changes like keto and sticking to it gives motivation and a sense of control. Moreover, ketones are an efficient energy source for the brain, making one feel mental clarity and focus.
Mag. Stephan Lederer, MSc. is an author and blogger from Austria who writes in-depth content about health and nutrition. His book series on Interval Fasting landed #1 on the bestseller list in the German Amazon marketplace in 15 categories.
Stephan is a true man of science, having earned multiple diplomas and master's degrees in various fields. He has made it his mission to bridge the gap between conventional wisdom and scientific knowledge. He precisely reviews the content and sources of this blog for currency and accuracy.
Click on the links above to visit his author and about me pages.