Ok, so you’ve started a Whole30, and now you’re realizing that you might have to become a total recluse in order to stay strong throughout the entire 30 days, right? Wrong, my friends. You can totally go out and do social things while on a Whole30 with a few simple hacks.

Here are some tips & tricks to maintaining a social life while on the program:

1. Suggest places to eat where you know you can find something Whole30 compliant. Be the one to invite your friends out and strategize a restaurant that you know has Whole30-friendly options. Here are a few examples:

• Chipotle (new partnership — we are all cheering!)
• Zoe’s Kitchen
• True Food Kitchen
• Snappy Salads
• Sweetgreen
• Cava (compliant ingredients here)
• Five Guys (bun-less or lettuce wrap burger and just the veggie toppings)
• Anywhere you can find simple grilled meat/fish & vegetables

2. Order club soda with a lime wedge. No, it’s not as buzz-worthy as a cocktail might be, but this will at least help get people off of your back and give you something to sip on that feels a little more special than plain still water. People might think you have a vodka tonic in your hand, and that’s ok! Better that than have people ask you why you aren’t drinking all evening. And bonus … you won’t wake up with a hangover.

3. Invite your friends over for dinner and ask them to pick up some of the ingredients. You decide the menu, and have your friends contribute to the groceries so you’re confident you’re sticking with the program. You get to hang out with your friends, have a delicious meal that you know is Whole30 compliant, AND you don’t have to go anywhere (if that’s not your thing).

Take a group fitness class, go on a walk, meet for coffee/tea, do a hobby together, or head to the movies. Not every social situation has to involve food, I promise there’s fun to be had sans sugar and alcohol.

Unless you don’t want to, of course, but don’t let the food equation hold you back. Offer to bring an appetizer or side (or both!) so you know you’ve got compliant food to nibble on. Before you head out, eat a little something so you aren’t starving when you get there.

Have you tried any of these strategies? What worked for you?

Want to know more about Whole30?

Browse more Whole30 diet insights and tips in our Whole30 hub. Or check out our range of chef-prepared Whole30 meals.