Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

Make Healthy Choices Even When You Are Dining with Others

Image of A soldier is eating healthy foods. A student from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) creates a salad from the Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) menu at the USAJFKSWCS dining facility at Fort Bragg, North Carolina Feb. 12, 2019. The THOR3 Program, which is part of the Department of Human Dynamics and Performance, is focused on providing holistic human development for Special Operations Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

You need discipline to stick to a healthy meal plan, especially when you're trying to lose weight and reach your fitness goals.

It can be tough enough to fight your own cravings and busy schedule, but it can be even harder when you throw family, friends, and social outings into the mix. So how can you stick to your meal plan, even when you're not dining alone? The key is planning ahead, asking for support, and taking it one step at a time.

Navigate Family Meals

If you're a parent, you want your family to eat healthy. But on those busy nights when you're shuffling straight from work to after-school activities, it's hard enough to find the time to cook, let alone make sure you're choosing the right foods. (Hint: the key is planning!) Make healthy meals more manageable with these strategies and tips.

  • Assess and plan. Before you begin meal planning, review your schedule for the week. Ask yourself: How many nights does at least one person in the family have an activity that goes until dinnertime or later? How much time is there, realistically, to prepare a meal between getting home and bedtime? Is there any time during the week when you could spend a little more time to prepare ingredients or meals in advance? Add up the number of nights you won't have time to make dinner and you'll need quick meals.
  • Write it out. Then with pen and paper, your favorite app, or using the 7-day meal plan template in this kit, lay out your plan. Pull out some favorite recipes to help you decide which meals will work with your schedule and which ingredients you'll need to buy. This will help you prepare for the busy week ahead and resolve any decision dilemmas when you're in a rush. Once you create your grocery list, stick to it!
  • Get ahead. Prepare ingredients in advance—wash and chop vegetables and fruit, mix marinades and sauces, boil eggs, and cook whole grains (such as rice and quinoa)—and toss them in the fridge or freezer to use later in the week. Also, choose recipes and ingredients that are easier for you (frozen veggies that are washed and chopped, frozen whole-grains that heat up quickly). Use a slow cooker to create one-pot meals in advance so you can come home to a ready meal.
  • Make it a family goal. Get older kids involved with cooking or other dinnertime tasks such as boiling water, cutting vegetables, etc. Younger children can help set and clear the table. Bonus: Involving kids with meal prep builds positive life skills and teaches them responsibility.

Succeed at Social Gatherings

Healthy (and unhealthy) eating habits are contagious. When those around you make good (or not-so-good) food choices, you're more likely to do the same. It can also be tough to stick to your goals when you're out at a restaurant, at a party, or eating at someone else's place. Your eating plan can be vulnerable to social influences, even if you don't always realize it. To stay ahead of obstacles, when you're looking at your weekly meal plan, be sure to note when you'll be eating with others. Then, use these tips to stay on track.

  • Have a buddy for support. Whether it's a spouse or someone close to you, having someone support you in your healthy choices, can help you stay on track. If you're going to be influenced by those around you, better that it's by someone who's on the same page.
  • Communicate ahead of time. If you have special dietary needs, allergies, or preferences (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) consider telling the host ahead of time or offer to bring something that fits your dietary needs. By getting ahead of the situation, the host will have a chance to prepare—and you'll help avoid an uncomfortable conversation in front of other guests.
  • Get your confidence up. If you're trying to stick to healthy choices, don't cave to peer pressure. If it's your day to indulge, have that extra cookie with your head held high! Just try to stay aware of what your body wants and when you're full. Learn more about mindful eating in Challenge 5.
  • Track your eating—not everyone else's. Many people underestimate how much they've actually eaten when those around them are eating larger quantities. Keep a close eye on your intake as you normally would rather than look at how much you've eaten compared to others.
  • Take control of your plate. If the situation allows it, serve yourself the portions you'd like rather than having a host or fellow guest fill your plate. If you can't serve yourself, politely ask for the portion sizes or food choices you'd prefer.

You also may be interested in...

U.S. Space Force Details Holistic Health Approach, Continuous Fitness Assessment Study

Article Around MHS
6/5/2023
The U.S. Space Force becomes the first service component to use wearables to keep track of their Guardians fitness and other measures of readiness, with the introduction of the holistic health approach. (Graphic by U.S. Space Force)

The U.S. Space Force is implementing a holistic health approach for uniformed Guardians, including a voluntary two-year continuous fitness assessment study to assess and validate a new fitness concept using wearable devices for the service.

Monitor Your Diabetes and Health Daily, One Step at a Time

Article
2/23/2023
Diabetes infographic

When you have diabetes, proper foot care is often overlooked.

Opinion: Why a Healthy Heart Matters at Any Age

Article Around MHS
2/21/2023
National Heart Health Month composite

We often think of heart health as an issue for older people, but heart disease actually affects every age group. Here's some expert advice for developing healthier habits at the earliest age to improve your and your loved ones' odds of better heart health later in life.

Want to Avoid Getting Sick? Here Are Some Tips to Boost Your Immunity

Article
2/7/2023
Everything you eat matters

Just like wearing personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and masks can minimize your exposure to workplace injuries and illnesses, personal protective nutrition and lifestyle practices can do the same to boost your immunity.

Military Communities Can Be Fit in the New Year with Tips and Resources from Exchange Online Hub

Article Around MHS
1/13/2023
Fitness infographic

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making sure military communities have health and fitness resources at their fingertips all year with the online BE FIT 360 Hub.

Public Health Nutritionist Shares Strategies, Resources for Meeting New Year Weight Loss Goals

Article Around MHS
1/12/2023
healthy food infographic

Don't give up on your 2023 resolution to lose weight! We've gathered some unique tips, tools, and strategies to help you stay the course and meet your goals.

What Does Vitamin B Do for Me? Much More than You Think

Article
10/17/2022
A colorful board of foods with vitamin B including grains, vegetables,, and meats.

Why all eight of the B vitamins are essential to your health.

H2F Making a Difference, Tackling the Whole Approach to Care

Article Around MHS
9/15/2022
Military personnel with H2F emblem

Suicide Prevention Month officially kicked off with a suicide survivor panel at the Fort Bragg Soldier and Family Readiness Group Center

Mental Health Office Helps AUAB Members Maintain Readiness

Article Around MHS
8/30/2022
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Melissa Leonardo smiles for photo

Comprehensive Airman Fitness is comprised of physical, social, spiritual and mental fitness. Being physically fit to fight and maintaining a war fighter spirit are crucial to completing the mission.

Avoid summertime food poisoning with these easy tips

Article
8/12/2022
Someone cooking on a grill

Food safety in the summer is just as important as sunscreen

Army Dietician Shares Importance of Healthy Eating: Dinner

Video
8/3/2022
Army Dietician Shares Importance of Healthy Eating: Dinner

With the start of school right around the corner, Capt. Caitlyn Shaver, chief of clinical nutrition at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, explains the importance of dinner as a way to bring the family together.

Army Dietician Shares Importance of Healthy Eating: Snacking

Video
8/3/2022
Army Dietician Shares Importance of Healthy Eating: Snacking

With the start of school right around the corner, Capt. Caitlyn Shaver, chief of clinical nutrition at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, explains the importance of healthy snacking.

Army Dietician Shares Importance of Healthy Eating: Breakfast

Video
8/3/2022
Army Dietician Shares Importance of Healthy Eating: Breakfast

With the start of school right around the corner, Capt. Caitlyn Shaver, chief of clinical nutrition at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, explains the importance of eating breakfast.

Army Dietician Shares Importance of Healthy Eating: Meals on the Go

Video
8/3/2022
Army Dietician Shares Importance of Healthy Eating: Meals on the Go

With the start of school right around the corner, Capt. Caitlyn Shaver, chief of clinical nutrition at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, explains the importance of balanced meals-on-the-go.

Wellness Fair Showcases Ample Resources at Naval Hospital Bremerton

Article Around MHS
8/2/2022
Military personnel demonstrating a grip therapy

Naval Hospital Bremerton hosted a holistic Wellness Fair in late July 2022.

Page 1 of 6 , showing items 1 - 15
First < 1 2 3 4 5  ... > Last 
Refine your search
Last Updated: January 31, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery