Birthdays and holidays are always hard when you are on a diet. But, if you really think about it, people don’t need a cake. They just want the day to feel special and have a little fun.
As an example, Steve’s birthday was yesterday and he’s been dieting so I don’t want people to give him a birthday cake. So, our staff gave Steve a “Birthday Chicken” for his birthday, complete with candles, “birthday boy” decorations and a chicken dance at the gym.
This was a great reminder that celebrations don’t always need to revolve around self-sabotaging events and unhealthy foods. Going out to Cheescake Factory LOL or buying a cake is the easy way to celebrate. Let’s not be lazy. Being creative may take work but there are TONS of healthy ways to celebrate and have a day that feels special and is fun – without the guilt!
Healthy Celebration Ideas
Trade going out to dinner, birthday cakes and traditional “partying” for something different.
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Group mani-pedi party
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Spend the money you would spend on dinner on something to support your goals – new jeans or a workout outfit
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Have a Healthy Recipe Swap Party – have everyone bring their healthiest dish and recipe
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Go bowling
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Do mini-Golf or Top Golf driving range -
Enjoy a trip to the zoo with the family
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Have a picnic or cookout at the park
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Group workout or run with your besties
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Go to a trampoline park or rock climbing gym
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Do Paintball Wars
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Go to a go cart track
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Mark something off your bucket list
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Explore, hike, site-see! Get outside!
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Go Green Party – you provide the meat and everyone else brings a green veggie dish
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DYI party – make a craft or make something with friends (great for thanksgiving – look at Pinterest)
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Invite friends over to have a paint party or help you do a project you have been putting off as their gift to you
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Invest in inexpensive fun outdoor games like cornhole, frisbee, badmitten, horseshoes, etc for the family or friends to all play
- Schedule an event and art teacher at a specialty painting school, bead shop or pottery place
- Do a themed party like a Luau, 70’s disco theme, etc and focus more on costume
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Schedule a photo shoot with your BFFs, family or just yourself! (that will keep you dieting!) This is great for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
There are so many ways to make a day seem special. Plan ahead, be creative and take lots of pictures so the special day lasts and lasts!
