You Can Do Hard Things (Even at Social Events)

How to handle social events, FOMO, and food without losing your fasting momentum.

Episode #234

🎙️ December can feel like a non-stop swirl of social events, food traditions, and pressure to be "fun" around food. In this special Bitesize bundle, Terri revisits three powerful conversations on FOMO, boundaries, and doing hard things — especially when everyone around you is eating. This is your reminder that you can enjoy connection and honour your fasting and food choices.

In this episode, Terri brings together three classic Bitesize teachings that always land especially well during the holiday season. You'll hear practical mindset shifts for handling social events without feeling deprived, navigating food-based traditions when you're changing how you eat, and strengthening the belief that you can do hard things — including fasting and saying no when it matters. Think of this as a December reset for your social life, your identity around food, and your self-talk.

👉 What you'll learn:

• Why so many of our social connections are tied to food — and how to shift the focus back to genuine connection instead of what's on your plate.

• Practical ideas for spending time with loved ones when you're fasting or eating differently.

• How to handle FOMO when you're not joining in with appetizers, desserts, or "special" holiday foods.

• Ways to rethink your identity if you've always been the "foodie" or known for a particular dish.

• How to set kind but firm boundaries with food-pushers and those who don't understand your choices.

• Why "You can do hard things" becomes even more powerful during stressful seasons — and how to use this mindset to navigate challenging fasts and social dynamics.

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:33 – Why December is the perfect time to revisit these Bitesize episodes

01:46 – Why so many social events revolve around food

03:12 – Connecting without relying on food as the centrepiece

04:58 – How to plan social interactions that don't revolve around eating

06:40 – The pressure to participate in food traditions

08:11 – Handling FOMO without feeling deprived

09:44 – Shifting your identity when you're no longer the "foodie"

11:33 – Setting firm yet kind boundaries with food-pushers

13:01 – How to respond when others comment on your fasting or eating choices

14:50 – Reframing discomfort: hunger isn't harm

16:22 – "You can do hard things" — building the mindset

18:42 – Doing hard things when the holidays feel emotionally heavy

21:19 – Why social permission matters when changing habits

23:05 – Encouragement for your December fasting journey

24:30 – Closing message + Community invitation

📄 The transcript for this episode is available on our website:

https://www.thefastingmethod.com/podcasts/

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.

The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider–patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast.

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.