How To Have A Social Life When You're Avoiding Sugar, Gluten, Alcohol, Caffeine, Dairy (You Get The Idea)

I had three options: Hole up in my apartment and watch my social life and friends wither away in the pursuit of clear skin, throw caution to the wind and eat everything in my path and let the rashes come as they may, OR figure out a way to adapt to make both my elimination diet AND social life work. I went for option three. Here are some tips that I used in order to pursue a social life and successfully maintain my elimination diet:

Contrary to popular belief, eating out at a restaurant doesn't have to sabotage your elimination diet. Trainers and nutritionists often give this advice to their clients who are trying to establish healthy habits, and reviewing menus beforehand was key to my success. Instead of being caught totally off-guard with allergen-riddled food (or go hungry), knowing what I could or couldn't have helped me strategize what I would eat. If there were slim pickings, I would prep with a light snack at home beforehand (classic cocktail party hack to avoid OD-ing on hors d'oeuvres) or plan on eating a bit more at home after if I wasn't satiated. At least I knew what I was getting myself into! 

When Saturday brunch with the girls is sacred, ditching a much-needed catch-up is not an option. Instead of enviously watching as everyone feasted on eggs Benedict, waffles, and Bloody Marys, I took the lead and planned out the brunch (or dinner) spots that had a few enjoyable elimination-diet-friendly dishes that fit my rigorous limitations or that could be adapted to it by asking for a few modifications. I'd frequently make meals out of just sides or add-ons instead of asking the kitchens to adapt menu items. It was definitely worth the extra effort knowing I could see my friends and feel peace of mind because I wasn't breaking my elimination diet. Plus, everyone loves it when someone else makes the plans.

Since I wasn't drinking alcohol during the elimination diet, I finally gave mocktails a try. It's much easier to celebrate, commiserate, and dance when you have any drink in hand! And you don't have to settle for plain water or seltzer. Sipping on a drink that had all the bells and whistles of traditional libations in a pretty glass with fun garnishes—sans the detrimental effects of alcohol—made "going out" all the more appealing. And it was without a doubt better than another date with my bed and Netflix.

Instead of going out to eat, my girlfriends and I began ordering our own individual delivery or takeout to the residence of a nominated friend and meeting there to hang out and nosh. I'm actually not sure why we hadn't been doing it this way before. It was a win-win: Every person got to order exactly what she wanted, I was safe from ruining my elimination diet, and we all saved so much money (and forwent the labor of cooking). We practically had our own dinner parties catered. Sometimes I would even bring my own elimination-diet-friendly prepared foods and desserts from home.

The elimination diet can feel really overwhelming at the beginning; it threatens to separate you from your favorite foods, drinks, rituals, and activities that you rely on for comfort and a sense of community. But keeping your social life up while on an elimination diet is possible; it's just a matter of adjusting expectations and rolling with the punches.