“You don’t have to eat like everyone else to belong.” – Leslie Duffy
Picture this: you’re out to dinner, the lighting is perfect, your outfit is on point, and you’re committed to your health goals. But then your friend orders fries, your partner gets a cocktail, and that little voice in your head says, “I can just start over on Monday.” You know what to do, but in the moment, it’s hard to follow through. That’s not weakness, it’s your brain doing what it’s wired to do: keep you comfortable, connected, and part of the group.
Midlife adds another layer to all of this because your hormones are changing how your brain responds to stress, food, and social pressure. Lower progesterone makes you more sensitive to overwhelm. Blood sugar swings make cravings feel louder. And when your energy is lower or you don’t feel like yourself, it’s easy to slip into what you’ve always done. In social situations like these, you’re up against biology, psychology, and old habits, all in one. That’s why sticking to your intentions can feel so much harder.
Today, I’ll share how to use my Worth It filter to make confident, intentional choices instead of reactive ones, simple strategies for ordering at restaurants, how to respond when someone questions your food choices, why taking up space is an act of self-care, practical ways to support your hormones at brunch, parties, or date night without feeling deprived, and more.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools to take care of yourself without feeling like you’re missing out.
Your Takeaways
- The challenge of going out and staying aligned with your health goals
- Why social pressure makes it hard to stick to your plan
- How the brain’s wiring drives our choices toward comfort and ease
- The cost of “going with the flow” socially
- Why we need to move away from framing food choices as good vs. bad
- How to apply the Worth It filter to make conscious, empowered decisions
- Scripts and strategies for confident ordering and conversations in social situations
- How to prepare for social events and stay consistent
- Practical tactics for restaurants, parties, and gatherings
- Recognizing that self-care in public takes practice
Mentioned in this Episode
Grab your FREE Perimenopause Social Survival Guide
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Disclaimer
The content in this podcast and on this website is not a substitute for medical advice from your health care practitioner or your medical team. While I am a licensed healthcare professional, I am not giving you medical advice. This is purely for educational purposes. Please consult your provider for medical guidance specific to you.
