20 Healthy Ways to Celebrate

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, one of Steve’s birthday was when he was dieting 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 Cheesecake Factory 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!

20 Healthy Celebration Ideas

The holidays are packed with celebration opportunities but they don’t have to centered around high-calorie meals. Trade going out to dinner, birthday cakes and traditional “partying” for something different this year.

Group mani-pedi party
Spend the money you would spend on dinner on something to support your goals – new jeans or a workout outfit
Have a Healthy Recipe Swap Party – have everyone bring their healthiest dish and recipe
Go bowling
Do mini-Golf or Top Golf/Big Shots driving range
Enjoy a trip to the zoo with the family
Have a picnic or cookout at the park
Do a group workout or run with your besties
Go to a trampoline park or rock climbing gym
Do Paintball Wars
Go to a Go-Cart track
Mark something off your bucket list
Explore, hike, site-see! Get outside!
Throw a Go Green Party – you provide the meat and everyone else brings a green veggie dish
DYI party – make a craft or make something with friends (great for thanksgiving – look at Pinterest)
Invite friends over to have a paint party or help you do a project you have been putting off as their gift to you
Invest in inexpensive fun outdoor games like cornhole, frisbee, badmitten, horseshoes, etc for the family or friends to all play
Schedule an event 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 than the food
Schedule a photo shoot with your spouse, BFFs, family or just yourself! (that will keep you dieting!) This is great for the Holidays too!