Healthy Eating: Rejections

[MrTank]

So, I've been on my healthy eating lifestyle for about 3 weeks now (I don't like to call it a diet, because to me "diet" sounds temporary.)

The most difficult thing with changing your eating habits for me is rejection. You know, when someone asks if you want a can of soda, a slice of pizza, you want anything from the drive-thru? Honey, I brought home donuts!

Rejection is one thing, but turning down something when they are trying to be nice is just so painful for me. When we had a family reunion about a week ago, my grandma prepped meals for the big get together, and she wanted me to try this cake she made. She walks up to me with a plate asking me if I wanted to try it, and she definitely wasn't expecting a no for an answer from me because everyone in the house knows I love to eat.

I found out the best answer is always "Sorry, I wish I could, but I can't." She was so shocked because it was something she was looking forward for me to try, and sometimes people feel offended when you don't take something when they are trying to be nice. It's almost like if you trip at a park, and someone gives you a hand, and you say no thank you. This is honestly the most challenging thing because I'm tired of set backs, crash diets, and eating unhealthy in general. I literally hate making people offended, and it's something that bothers me the most when eating healthy.

Has anyone else had a problem with rejecting junk food from others when they are trying to be nice? I'd like to hear some feedback and stories!

 

[aiminglow]

Oh, that's really hard! I really feel for you in this dilemma - food/nurturing/love are so entangled, especially in family setting, and often more so with mothers/grandmothers, because the feeding/loving/nurturing business is so fundamental to their perceived role in the family. Maybe with your grandmother you could offer lots of positive memories and assurances, to balance out the supposed "rejection" of her cake/love - like saying how much you've always loved her cooking, how great it was to lick the spoon when you were a child, and also how good she was in some non-food way as well.
Food-related things in the non-family host-guest relationship can be pretty complex, too, of course - but that's another story.

 

[alligatorob]

Has anyone else had a problem with rejecting junk food from others when they are trying to be nice? I'd like to hear some feedback and stories!

Yes, it is a problem. I just try to politely say no, or if its something the person made or got especially for me I say, ok just one bite, and then actually just eat one bite. No matter what it is one bite won't hurt.

I found out the best answer is always "Sorry, I wish I could, but I can't." She was so shocked because it was something she was looking forward for me to try, and sometimes people feel offended when you don't take something when they are trying to be nice.

Your answer was fine, if it works for you do it.

Sounds like you are doing well, keep up the good work!

 

[Cate]

I don't have a problem rejecting junk food at all but think I would do what Rob suggested with something that someone has made especially for you. Maybe let her know what you are doing & just have a small taste. It's hard when it's someone you love. Even saying that when I was on a strict diet for 6 months, 12 years ago, I said no to everyone & everything, except what was on my diet. I didn't socialise much in those 6 months. I wouldn't recommend that. Finding a balance is hard.

 

[myleanbaby]

No doubt about it, it’s hard. I struggle with my boyfriend offering me food all the time, at home, when we go out, wanting to go out when I’ve alresd eaten or “used” all my calories for the day. It’s hard for him because he’s one of those “I just can’t gain an ounce” metabolism people, and I think he forgets that I can’t eat the way he does, especially while I’m working on losing weight.

I explain to him or to friends/coworkers that I am using interval eating (eating only every 3 hours) to improve my sugar and energy levels and overall health, and that seems to help. “No thank you, sorry but I’ve already eaten” seems to work fine when I don’t want to get into the whole explanation of interval eating too.

 

[aiminglow]

That's great, to have that clear, quick explanation of interval eating, and that friends and coworkers respect that!