It’s hard to be the only one who is trying to eat healthy. Everywhere we go, there are all kinds of groups of people that unintentionally trying to sabotage our dieting — your co-workers who want to go out to Mexican for lunch, your friends want you to meet them at the bar, your significant other prepares a delicious (high-calorie) Italian meal for dinner.
Here are some suggestions to help keep you on track:
1. Just a bite: Appease the crowd by telling them you’ll take a bite of whatever it is. Hopefully, that will relent their taunts.
2. Create a diversion: When it’s dessert time, creating a diversion will take the focus off you and why you’re not having dessert. Take this opportunity to bring up a different topic of conversation or excuse yourself from the table for a few minutes.
3. Serve yourself: Serving yourself makes it easier to adjust portions. Aim to fill half your plate with fruit or vegetables, a quarter with meat or protein and a quarter with starch. If you can’t prepare your own plate, politely ask for smaller portions.
4. Monitor your pace: It’s easy when you’re caught up in good conversation to subconsciously stuff your face. Filling up a little beforehand so you aren’t as hungry will help. Also, beware of cocktails; sip slowly as to not indulge in too many.
5. Share your diet details respectfully: No one likes a snob. Your friends and family are happy that you’re eating healthier and feeling great, but they don’t need to be put down for their food habits or feel awkward about eating in front of you. Be respectful with the details.
6. Schedule an activity: Don’t just plan around food. Make a board game the night’s focus or suggest a walk after dinner.
7. Prepare to be firm: If you have a habit of caving to peer pressure this may be difficult. Prepare yourself for what you’re going to eat and how you’ll respond to temptation.
Stay positive about your diet and you’ll steer clear of problems, you can always say you’re not hungry!
