Healthy B.P.M.

If you are on a diet or simply enjoying a healthy lifestyle, then you’ve probably experienced peer or family pressure to eat foods that aren’t conducive to your goals. Some of this pressure may be an attempt to sabotage your goals. Keep in mind that as you set off on the road to health and wellness, others may be offended by your new directions. However, this is not a reason for you to stress about what you do and don’t eat. Don’t worry—there are ways to overcome peer pressure. It simply takes a little know-how to get people off your back!

Parties are a major source of peer pressure, especially when alcohol is around. Remember that alcohol contains hundreds of empties calories in just one drink. When you go to a party, people might be pressuring you to have a drink and relax, and it can be difficult to say no when they are constantly trying to convince you. That first drink might relax you so much that you let your guard down too far and eat and drink way more than you should. Instead, offer to be the designated driver. That way your friends won’t want you to drink and, in fact, they may even keep you hydrated with your favorite non alcoholic beverage or even chip in for gas. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Another time when you may feel pressured to eat is at work when the boss orders lunch for everyone at a meeting or when you have to visit a client. Instead of giving in to temptation, simply politely decline the food by letting your boss know in advance or order a meal that is healthy and split the portion in half so you have a meal for tomorrow’s lunch as well.

Baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, and other special events can also wreak havoc on your healthy eating plan. The best laid plans can fall by the wayside even under the strongest will when someone hands you a piece of cake and won’t take no for an answer. Here, little white lies might be appropriate. For instance, saying that your stomach was upset earlier in the day will convince a person that you don’t want to eat at the moment or pretending to have a chocolate allergy will get people to allow you to enjoy the party without a hassle surrounding food. This comes under the category of “by any means necessary.”

Remember, however, that while refusing bad foods is fine, you should be eating good foods. If you don’t, dangerous eating habits and disorders can develop, which will give you, your friends, and your doctor a real reason to worry. It’s OK to say no to peer pressure, but don’t say no to food in general!