How To Enjoy Going Out When You're Cutting
If you’re struggling to find a way to enjoy going out when you’re cutting, then you’re in the right place! Making progress in the gym and committing to your fitness goals whilst also having fun with friends and family, whether it’s going out for meals or going out drinking, it is absolutely possible. We’re here to introduce some small and simple swaps you can make to help you continue to make progress whilst enjoying life too!
Remember One Night Of Fun Won’t Impact Your Progress!
The first thing that we want to put out there is to remind you that one night of fun isn’t going to impact your progress. Even if you go all out and don’t follow any of the next steps, it’s not going to have long-term impacts on your progress (as long as you don’t have big drinking sessions all of the time). Going out with friends and drinking, or going out for a birthday meal and eating whatever you want, won’t have an impact when it only happens every now and again.
Perhaps you’re throwing on your favourite going-out dresses and celebrating with your friends or going out for an anniversary meal with your partner. You deserve to go out and enjoy yourself without worrying about calories, as spending all of your time in the gym isn’t worth it if you can't go out and enjoy yourself every now and again too! So, next time you’re worried about going out and drinking or eating, remind yourself that one day won’t make a difference.
Make Simple Swaps To Stick To Your Goals
If you are looking for ways to enjoy yourself whilst also sticking to your goals, then you can make some simple swaps when you’re out. Say you usually enjoy 5 pints when you go out with friends, why not have one and then have vodka, lime and sodas to significantly cut down your calorie intake? Instead of having a full pudding when you already feel really full, perhaps you share with someone so you can really enjoy the meal. If the meal isn’t naturally high in protein and that’s what you’re focusing on, you could order some extra meat or a side dish to help you meet your goals. These things won’t make a difference to how much you enjoy your night, but can help you to stick to your goals.
Don’t Restrict Your Eating Before and After You Go Out
Another good tip is to make sure that you don’t restrict your eating before and after you go out. When you’ve gone outside of your usual macros slightly, if you then try to eat less the next day or don’t eat anything before, it’s just going to have a knock-on effect and impact your progress in the following days. So, instead, eat normally before you go out and then continue eating normally the next day, rather than making up for macros mishaps. You can then keep your body fuelled, you’ll consume enough protein and then you will be ready to hit the gym again or hit your macros.
Stay Hydrated
When you’re out enjoying yourself, staying hydrated is so important. Often, we don’t make it a priority when we’re out having a good time. However, our body is made up of 60% water, so when you don’t drink enough, it’s going to take its toll on your body. So, alternate your drinks with water, or make sure you ask for a jug of water if you’re out for a meal. This will help you to feel better the next day, as well as help your body to stay hydrated and help you get back on track as soon as possible.
Focus On Active Recovery The Next Day
Last but not least, the day after, focus on active recovery. Get up, eat a nutritious breakfast, drink plenty of water and then get out in the fresh air for a nice walk. We’re not saying you need to get in the gym and do an intense workout, as let’s face it, it’s unlikely to go well! But getting your body moving and in the fresh air will help you to feel better, your body will thank you for it, and it’ll help clear your mind, too, which can help after a night of drinking. Whilst active recovery is important, if you think you need a nap when you get back, then let your body do it!