Sometimes, it’s not just a matter of temptation or politeness, but a matter of your own success and health. I’ve been in plenty of situations where people either don’t understand my diet needs or, even worse, are upset by them. I try to be as amenable as possible, and when it’s unavoidable, I will go ahead and eat what’s made for me even if it’s not compliant with my LCHF lifestyle, but given options, I always try to eat Paleo or Keto.

I’ve been in situations recently where I was with friends and we ended up in a restaurant that didn’t have a single low-carb option. It was my fault; they asked if I thought we could eat there, and I figured there’d be at least some grilled option or something that was Paleo or Keto. Turns out, there was not a single good option. I had to ask the kitchen to adapt a recipe, to which they complied, but the result was an over-salted dish that really wasn’t very good. However, it was otherwise compliant, and that’s the best I was able to get out of that situation.

I try to be nice about my diet needs, but sometimes, people will gently bully you into eating non-LCHF foods because of their own hang ups, desires, or appetite. Don’t give in. Be polite, but be firm that you can’t compromise on your health. If they are truly your friends, they will understand. Sometimes, people will push against your willpower and discipline for whatever reason, but it’s up to you to resist, be strong, and stick to your guns. You and your health is worth the slight discomfort.

Why do I advocate resisting when going along with whatever your friends want to eat would cause fewer problems? Because if you’re like me, the problem doesn’t just lay with how our bodies process carbs and sugar. It’s an emotional issue, and a behavior issue. I have an unhealthy relationship with food, and for me, it’s a very slippery slope. I can’t allow myself to start falling off the wagon every time I go out with friends or I won’t be able to stick to it when I’m alone, and the next thing I know, I’m back over 200 lbs and in danger of being discharged from the military. I have too much to lose. I choose good health and fitness over food.