Following a low carb diet is a challenge, but the benefits are well worth the extra effort. You’ll have more energy and see better results. You may find that cravings eventually subside completely and your waist line will shrink. However, there are certain pitfalls that can be hard to avoid. These include things like parties, nights out with your friends and the holidays. Here are a few ways that you can work around the dilemmas to keep your efforts on track.

Get in the Habit of Reading
When it comes to making snack choices, reading the labels is the easiest way to change your choices. You may be craving a cookie, but when you see that it’s 15 carbs or more, you’ll decide that a bratwurst sounds just as good. This is also important with any convenience foods. Even something like chicken salad can be very high in carbs if it’s made with added sugar and other items.

Keep the Right Choices on Hand
Necessity is the mother of invention, and not being prepared is the father of failure. The fastest way to fall off the low carb bandwagon is to find yourself starving in a house loaded with pasta, bread and sweets. Keep the right choices on hand so that you can circumvent these issues. Great choices include string cheese, avocados, yogurt with cucumbers, and turkey slices rolled up with some lettuce, mayonnaise, and mustard.

Get the App
You can easily find apps that will let you track and record your servings of carbs every day. This can also help you gravitate towards the healthier choices that will allow you to reach your goals. Be sure to include the carbs from everything you eat and drink so that you’ll have an accurate accounting of your progress.

When it comes to a night out with friends, the bar is bound to present some serious challenges for you. However, you can take your own low carb alcoholic cocktails. The bartender just has to add your favorite alcohol, and you can enjoy the top drinks without the high amount of carbs. This requires a little extra planning on your part, but it’s well worth the effort. If you’re heading to any kind of gathering with a buffet of food, then eat your protein rich meal ahead of time. You’ll be more likely to make smart decisions at the buffet table if you’re not starving. You can also offer to bring something to share, and the prepare a diet-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy.