She Strengthens

Staying Committed to Your Health Goals: A Guide to Handling Social Pressure

Are you tired of being judged or criticized for your healthy lifestyle choices? Do you struggle to maintain balance and stay committed to your health goals in the face of social pressure? You’re not alone. Many of us have faced similar challenges, from being teased for choosing healthy options to dealing with unsolicited comments about our bodies.

Remember, It’s About Balance

When faced with criticism or pressure from others, it’s essential to remember that most of these critiques come from people who are misinformed or feel insecure about their own health-related decisions. Take a moment to consider if they have a point, and if so, make adjustments accordingly. But if your choices are sound, stand by them with confidence and grace.

Dealing with Unwelcome Flak: 9 Productive Ways to Respond

Here are nine scenarios where you may face social pressure, along with some helpful tips on how to respond:

1. Thanksgiving Dinner

When family members push food on you, saying “Just eat it, it’s not going to kill you!” or “You could afford to have some,” respond with a smile and say, “Thank you, I appreciate your concern, but I’m good with my choices.” If they insist, make an excuse about feeling full and ask if you can take the food home.

2. The BBQ

When fellow guests ask why you’re not eating meat, saying “I feel bad for you – how can you live without bacon?” or “Isn’t fake meat gross?”, respond confidently, “My veggie burger is delicious! You should try one – you might be surprised how good it tastes!”

3. The Visit Home

When family members comment on your body, saying “You must work out all the time – you’ve lost so much weight!” or “You’re so thin! How much do you weigh?”, diffuse the situation by saying, “Thanks for being concerned about my health, but there’s nothing to worry about. My doctor said my weight is healthy, and I feel great.”

4. The Dinner Party

When others comment on your food choices, saying “Why are you barely eating?!” or “What? You don’t like any of this food?!”, respond politely, “This is plenty for me, thank you for preparing all this!” or “I’m just pacing myself – hey, how was that vacation you just went on?”

5. Lunch at the Office

When coworkers try to persuade you to eat unhealthy food, saying “Come on, you can be unhealthy for a day!” or “If we split dessert, we can split the calories!”, respond civilly, “Thanks for offering, but no thanks – I’m stuffed from lunch!” or “I’m going out for a nice dinner later and want wiggle room for a juicy steak!”

6. The Workout Buddy Who Bails

When your workout buddy cancels on you repeatedly, saying “Let’s play hooky! Netflix and takeout beat pounding the pavement!”, respond understandingly, “Thai food sounds awesome, but I took a day off earlier this week and I’m booked tomorrow. So I really need to get this workout in today. Let me know what your weekend plans are and we’ll meet up.”

7. The Mexican Food Truck

When others comment on your food choices, saying “That is so weird” or “Can’t you just eat it the way it is?”, respond lightheartedly, “You guys have known me for years and only now realize I’m weird?! I just don’t want to fill up on tortilla when it’s the filling I really like.”

8. Post-Work Happy Hour

When colleagues pressure you to drink, saying “You’re so boring!” or “Oh, come on, just have one drink!”, respond briefly, “I just don’t feel like drinking tonight.” If that doesn’t work, try humor: “Now you have a sober driver to make sure a lightweight like you makes it home!”

9. The Unhealthy Restaurant

When friends comment on your food choices, saying “Of course, you always get the rabbit food” or “Are you on a diet or something?”, respond non-judgmentally, “The grease upsets my stomach, and I’d rather feel good instead of ending up in a food coma and having to go home early.” If you’re with true friends, you can honestly talk to them about your lifestyle preferences and ask for their support.

By responding confidently and graciously to social pressure, you’ll be better equipped to maintain balance, stay committed to your health goals, and enjoy the company of others without compromising your values.