Making the decision to go on a diet isn’t hard, but sticking to it certainly is. Well-meaning family members often pressure us to eat foods we would rather avoid when we visit for special occasions like holidays. Others pressure dieters into follow the program that worked for them. If you run into problems well-wishers who think they are helping but are actually sabotaging your efforts, you may need to address the situation directly so that you are all able to feel more comfortable around the table.

Explain Your Dietary Choices Clearly

If a friend or family member repeatedly tries to talk you into breaking your diet for whatever reason, you may need to explain exactly why you have chosen to eat the way you eat. If your diet changed due to allergies or a medical condition, explain that you feel better when you stick to your diet. Usually the person who is pressuring you really cares about your welfare and simply wants to give you a chance to enjoy a treat. If the treat will make you feel bad, it isn’t much fun for you or for them.

Ask for Support Rather Than Suggestions

When someone begins to ask you to try foods that are not on your diet, remind them that you have chosen to avoid certain foods for a reason. For example, if you have cut calories to lose weight, explain what your weight loss goals are and how eating a plate full of pasta would be the opposite of what you are trying to do. Voice the accomplishments you have achieved in your diet so far. If you can get your friends or family excited about helping you reach your goals, they might stop trying to talk you into cheating on your diet.

Get a Doctor’s Advice

Sometimes the best way to deal with a pushy relative is to get a professional to back you up. If you speak with your doctor about your dietary changes, you can use the power of the doctor’s experience and expertise to support your arguments against eating things that you do not want to eat. Let your well-meaning dining companions know that your doctor has agreed that this diet is the best way for you to stay healthy and feel good on a daily basis. Chances are, the person suggesting the wrong foods will respect a doctor’s diagnosis and leave you alone.

Lie if You Have To

Some relatives are so pushy and so stubborn, they simply will not accept “no” from you. When this happens, it might be best to simply say you are under doctor’s orders. Make up an allergy if you must. No one wants a confrontation at a family gathering, so it’s best just to quietly explain that your doctors says you cannot eat those foods.

Remind them that Your Diet is a Personal Matter

Ultimately, what you put into your body is a deeply personal choice that affects how you feel and how healthy you are. Your friends and family members will not have to live with the impact of eating a large piece of apple pie after dinner, but you will. However, you have to tell them something when they question your refusal.

Tactfully remind them that their suggestions will have a real consequence for you. Invite them to enjoy whatever foods they like, but request the freedom to make your own decisions about the foods that you choose to eat. In the end, you have the right to decide what goes into your body and what doesn’t.

 

Jessica Bosari writes about issues faced by dieters and top weight loss diet plans at WeightLossTriumph.com. If you are looking for Nutrisystem coupons and discounts or the Medifast coupon discount for March, visit soon.

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