In the invitation sent in advance, Graciela explained that the meeting would only include healthy options and that the celebration would not include alcoholic beverages. The athlete thought that her friends would welcome the idea, especially since many often talk about their desire to improve their habits and reduce abuses. However, the response was completely different from what was expected. “I thought everyone would join us, because they always talk about eating better, but the truth is that almost no one has confirmed it,” he says.
When dinner happened, the surprise was even greater. Only a few guests attended and attendance was much lower than in previous years, when celebrations included traditional dishes, high-calorie desserts and a variety of drinks. For Graciela, the difference showed the extent to which people associate social events with excessive food and alcohol consumption. “In other years, the house was full. This time, because it was all about fitness and there was no alcohol, very few people showed up,” he says.
Despite the small attendance, the athlete confirms that she does not regret her decision. For her, celebrating her birthday in a way that is consistent with the lifestyle she has chosen is more important than maintaining old expectations. Graciela believes that the incident illustrates the challenge of proposing more balanced alternatives at social events, but stresses that she will continue to do so. “Even if only a few people attend, I prefer to celebrate in a way that makes sense to me,” he concludes.