You Can Do Hard Things (Even at Social Events)

You Can Do Hard Things (Even at Social Events)

Author: The Fasting Method December 2, 2025 Duration: 29:01

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/

 

🤝 Connect With Us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod

FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork

 

🌟 Want support on your journey? Become part of The Fasting Method Community.

https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/

 

⚠️ 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.


For anyone navigating the world of intermittent fasting, sorting through the noise can be the hardest part. The Fasting Method Podcast cuts through that confusion with clarity and authority. Co-hosted by recognized experts Megan Ramos and Terri Lance, Ph.D., this podcast is built on a foundation of real science and practical application. The conversations here move beyond simplistic tips to explore the nuanced physiology of fasting, the psychological hurdles, and the sustainable strategies that lead to lasting health changes. You’ll hear detailed explorations of metabolic adaptation, hormone regulation, and the social complexities of changing one's eating patterns, all grounded in the hosts' extensive clinical and research experience. This is a space where listener questions drive the dialogue, making each episode a direct address to the real-world challenges people face. Tune in for a candid, evidence-based resource that treats fasting not as a trend, but as a deeply personal tool for wellness. The discussions on this podcast are designed to empower you with knowledge, demystify the process, and provide a supportive audio companion for your journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Fasting Method Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Fasting That Works: The 3 Essential Foundations You Need [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:09
Episode #217 In this episode, Terri and Heather dive into the foundational framework behind lasting fasting success—what they call "The Three-Legged Stool." They unpack the three essential components: 1️⃣ The Fasting Dia…
From Client to Coach: Jamie Cipriani's TFM Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:29
Episode #216 This week on the podcast, Terri sits down with Coach Jamie Cipriani to celebrate an exciting new chapter—Jamie's expanded role as a TFM Accountability Coach! In this inspiring conversation, you'll get to kno…
When Surgery Isn't Enough: Coach Jill's Path to True Wellness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:41
Episode #215 In this episode, Megan chats with Coach Jill McMurrey about her journey from weight-loss surgery to true metabolic healing—and the role fasting played in transforming her health. Jill shares her experience w…
Hot Topic: Understanding Hormonal Shifts in Perimenopause [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:43
Episode #214 This week, Terri is joined by Coach Amy Medling for a deep dive into the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause. Together, they unpack the changes that occur throughout a woman's cycle during this transitio…
The TFM Podcast Goes Live! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:08
Episode #212 In this week's episode, Megan and Terri sync up for a special live recording to share their experiences and tips related to making their health and weight-loss journeys long term vs a short-term fix. Because…
Hot Topic: The Power of Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:29
Episode #211 In this week's episode, Megan and Heather discuss what is at the heart of The Fasting Method - community. They both share their own experiences of thinking they could go it alone, only to discover that the c…
Terri's Journey: Summer Socializing and Vacations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:24
Episode #210 In this week's episode, Terri shares some insights from her recent vacation in Barcelona, and how her experiences of vacations and summer socializing has changed since she started fasting and eating low carb…
Hot Topic: Terri's Top Three Takeaways from Atomic Habits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:02
Episode #209 In this week's episode, Terri shares a summary of three, key takeaways from her favorite book about habit change, Atomic Habits by James Clear. Terri highlights that, by using these three principles of behav…