Dealing with Food Pushers
December 14th, 2007, 1:44 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Michelle May, M.D.
‘Tis the season for Food Pushers bearing goodies. Eating out of feelings of obligation can occur simply because there’s food on the table or your plate, because you paid for it–or it’s free, or because someone made it for you. Obligatory eating will account for some of your holiday weight gain if you’re not mindful.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is dealing with friendly Food Pushers. Well-meaning family members, co-workers, neighbors, and hostesses feel they are doing you a favor by giving you permission to abandon common sense and eat more than you need. Remember, you’re not a kid anymore; you don’t have to eat something just because your mother said so.
The most efficient way to deal with Food Pushers is a polite but firm, “No thank you.” If you’re concerned about hurting their feelings or they wan’t take no for an answer, here are some gentle ways to wiggle out of eating something you don’t want:
“It looks beautiful but I’m really not hungry right now.”
“That was delicious! I can’t eat another bite.”
“No thanks but would you mind sharing your recipe?”
“I’m full now but can I take a little home for lunch tomorrow?”
“Thank you but my stomach is a little upset.” (It will be if you eat more.)
“Thanks but I am allergic.” (You don’t have to say to what.)
“I’m saving room for dessert.”
“Mom, I know it makes you happy to see me eat, but I’m happy just being with you.”
“Grandma, you are a wonderful cook. I’m done for now but next time I’ll come early and you can show me how you make this.”
“I can taste the love you put into this. I just don’t want to feel it on my hips tomorrow!”
If all else fails, take a little and hide it under a lettuce leaf or feed it to the dog.
If you are a bit of a food-pusher, stop it! And finally, don’t use other people as an excuse for overeating (as in “I wasn’t going to but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings!”). Eat responsibly.
Want to learn to manage your weight without restriction or deprivation? Join me for an 8-week Am I Hungry?® Workshop at Banner Desert Medical Center. Email info@amihungry.com for more information or read more about our program at http://www.amihungry.com.
