Why does it seem like as soon as you start to eat better and lose a few pounds, someone somewhere comes along to sabotage your efforts? America Now Wellness Expert Peggy Hall explains why people who previously couldn't care less about what you were eating are suddenly pushing food at you right and left!
Peggy says that the more your push back at the diet saboteurs, the more they say things like "Oh, come on -- one little bite won't hurt!"
It's frustrating, isn't it? And in most cases, this tug-of-war doesn't get you anywhere. Peggy explains what's going on and how to sidestep the sabotage:
1. For the "food partners-in-crime" -- like your spouse or good friend -- you know, the ones you'd eat those hot fudge sundaes and chicken wings with -- they could be feeling guilty that they aren't eating better. They could be jealous that you're doing so well, and they could be feeling threatened that you'll be so gorgeous and confident that you'll leave them behind.
Peggy recommends that you shift the focus away from food and into fun.
"Instead of Happy Hour, go bowling! Instead of sitting on the couch eating pizza, go for a walk together. Whatever you do, don't try to convince them to go on a diet too...that usually backfires," Peggy says. "Instead, just lovingly inspire them with your own positive example."
2. What about the "food patrol" -- people who are constantly looking to see what everyone else is eating? You know, that person who makes a huge deal about it if you pass up a piece of cake at the office birthday party.
"Just take the darn piece of cake, set it aside, then go congratulate the birthday person," says Peggy. "Don't say a word about your pious ways and no one will be the wiser!"
3. Finally there are the "food mothers" -- anyone who equates food with love and acceptance and feel like you're rejecting them when you turn down an offering.
Peggy recommends that the next time they present that homemade chocolate cake and say, "But I made this just for you," shower them with gratitude and appreciation by saying something like, "That is so sweet of you," "you a such a great cook," "that looks wonderful -- I'd love to take some home," or even "can I have the recipe?"
The key is not to get into a power struggle, because no one ever really wins.
And for those people who just won't take "no" for an answer?
Peggy uses one simple, fail-proof word that no one can ever argue with: "OK!"
She recommends that you take a small portion, take a taste, then change the subject and move on to other things. If they say "but you've hardly eaten a thing" -- just say, "It's so delicious and I'd love to take the rest home with me." Problem solved!
Copyright 2012 America Now. All rights reserved.
