Greenings Green Warrior! Dealing with social pressures to eat unhealthy foods can be challenging, especially when you’re committed to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. Here are some strategies to help you stay on track while enjoying social events.
Prepare Before the Event
Fuel Up First: Enjoy a nutritious meal or snack before heading to any gathering. This way, you’ll be less tempted by unhealthy options that might be available.
Bring Your Own Dish
Share the Health: If you can, bring a dish that aligns with your dietary preferences. This ensures you’ll have something healthy to enjoy and can introduce others to delicious, nutritious food.
Evaluate the Food Choices
Healthy Selections: Take a moment to survey the available food options. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, and starches like baked potatoes and beans when making your choices. You can go online to review most restaurant menus. Shop the menu like it is a list of ingredients. Find the ones that are healthy. You can call the restaurant ahead of time (preferably during the less busy times) and request that they prepare a dish with the ingredients that you found. Think plain, baked potato, plain (no sugar, oil or salt) beans, plain steamed vegetables and plain salad.
Stand Firm in Your Choices
Confidently Decline: Politely but firmly say no to unhealthy foods offered to you. Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices.
Be Prepared
Simple Responses: Have a non-confrontational response ready for when people question your dietary choices.
Here are some examples of what you could say:
- “Thank you for the offer, but I feel my best when I stick to my current eating plan.”
- “That looks delicious, but I’m going to pass for now. I’ve been feeling great with what I’ve been eating.”
- “I appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m committed to my healthy lifestyle.”
- “Thanks for offering! I’m sticking to my plan, but I’m happy to enjoy your company.”
- “I’m on a specific eating plan that’s really working for me, so I’ll stick with it. But thank you!”
- “I feel best when I eat this way”
Focus on Socializing
Food-Free Interactions: Engage in conversations and activities that don’t center around food. This can help you avoid temptations and stay focused on enjoying the event.
Stay Motivated
Remember Your Goals: Keep your health goals and the reasons behind your dietary choices in mind. This can help you stay motivated and committed.
Build a Support System
Seek Support: Surround yourself with friends and family who understand and respect your dietary choices. Their support can make a significant difference.
I can help you with coaching sessions or by being your accountability partner!
Learn Why Humans Desire Eating Unhealthy Foods and Try to Get You to Join Them
Reading the book “The Pleasure Trap” is helpful because as it explains how modern food environments exploit our natural instincts for pleasure, leading to unhealthy eating habits and chronic diseases. The book provides practical strategies to overcome these challenges and reclaim health through a whole food, plant-based lifestyle.
Navigating social pressures can be tricky, but with these strategies, you can enjoy social events while staying true to your healthy eating goals. Stay strong, Green Warrior! Your commitment to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle is a powerful step towards better health and well-being.
Practice Self-Care
Every bite you take is a choice to move closer to better or poorer health. Your body is never not watching. Making no exceptions is the best way to get the results you want. It gets easier. Stick with this lifestyle and you will get the results you want. Before long, this will feel normal and those around you will stop trying to get you to eat off plan. As you stay strong, those around you will respect your choices, and some may even seek your guidance to embrace this healthy, transformative way of living. Every bite you take is a powerful step toward better health and vitality. Your body is always responding, and staying committed to your goals is the key to achieving the results you desire. It becomes easier with time, and soon this lifestyle will feel like second nature.
What strategies do you use to navigate social pressures? Tell me in the comments!
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Hi I’m Amy. My husband Rick & I adopted a Whole Plant lifestyle in 2012. We have had fantastic health results. Together, we’ve lost over 130 pounds! We offer private, lifestyle coaching and Zoom cooking lessons. We love to share our knowledge of this lifestyle and hope to spread the word and help others to Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!🌱
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the broadcast guest(s) during this broadcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle based on information provided in this broadcast. The contents of this video/website are for informational purposes only. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your health care provider if you have any health related concerns or questions.
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