February 2, 2006
Dodging Diet Diversionists: How to Prevent Negative Eating Influences
Whether you realize it or not, you may eat differently in social settings than you do when you are alone. This is because people tend to eat more when they are with another person, or in a group, than when they are eating solo. And our dining partners can easily influence our food decisions. How many times has a friend convinced you to split a plate of French fries or order the dessert special?
No one likes to indulge alone, because the feelings of guilt diminish if you have a partner in crime. Although we aren’t kids anymore, peer pressure still exists for adults. But, if you have diet goals or health concerns, giving in to negative influence can have its consequences.
Beware of diet diversionists—the people who, whether intentionally or not, say things that could disrupt your weight management success. Motives vary. Some people are jealous of your success or believe that you are suffering from lack of food. Loved ones may be threatened that you will move on to “bigger and better” once you are smaller. And others? They are just plain thoughtless.
You don’t need to become anti-social or relegate yourself to eating alone. Instead, foresee and recognize the various sabotaging comments that may come your way. Here are some common scenarios:
- “What’s wrong? You didn’t finish your food. Don’t you like it?”
- “You’re so thin now. You need to get some meat on those bones.”
- “We’re celebrating—one dessert won’t make a difference.”
- “You’re not fun now that you don’t drink much anymore.”
- “That healthy stuff can’t taste too good.”
- “Do you know that most people gain back the weight that they lose?”
By being prepared, you can counter these comments and dodge the diversion. Eventually, by maintaining your willpower and self-assurance, these people will get the picture and accept your new body or healthy lifestyle. You may even end up positively influencing someone else’s diet!
Don’t let others’ judgements, temptations, or manipulation pressure you to change your eating habits. Ultimately, the only person who can sabotage your eating is you. Feel confident in your goals and hold your stance, but remember that it’s fine to treat yourself from time to time.
Lastly, return the kindness you desire by supporting the goals of your friends and loved ones.
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