# Feel like you're "missing out?"

Published: 2015-08-11T13:57:55.836120-04:00
Canonical URL: https://www.getmealplans.com/blog/2015/08/11/feel-youre-missing-out/

Does this sound familiar?

“*I'm trying to lose weight without giving up and missing out. Is that possible? What I mean, tomorrow night I have a Bachelorette party. I feel like I have maintenance down. I lose during the week but weekend gains keep it from going below a certain point. I literally always have something on the weekend. Do I miss out on the fun in the name of weight loss? Is that a lifestyle change?*” —Ashley B.

Even if you’re NOT trying to lose weight, going vegan or adopting a plant-centered diet can dredge up these feelings.

One thing I like to remind myself of is that **I’m not there for the food.**

![https://dmi4pvc5gbhhd.cloudfront.net/2015/08/missing-out.jpg](https://dmi4pvc5gbhhd.cloudfront.net/2015/08/missing-out.jpg)

Recently, I shared this photo from a friend’s birthday potluck, and one of the first comments was: “*Were there other things for you to eat or did you have to eat what you brought?*”

As it turns out, someone else brought fresh fruit, but that’s not why I went.

I didn’t go to Zophie’s birthday for the food. I went to celebrate Zophie!

Food is a constant presence in celebrations and social situations…

**but it doesn’t have to be the FOCUS.**

You’re there to have a good time, socialize, make memories, and celebrate.

You’d still go to a wedding or birthday party even if there was no food, right?!

Adopting this perspective changes EVERYTHING.

**Eating food should not be the way we measure involvement in an activity.**

*Let me repeat that…*

Eating food should not be the way we measure involvement in an activity.

You can “miss out” on conversation, parties, and witnessing life events, but...

**Food is not “fun.”**

Food gives nourishment so we can have fun!

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