How do you deal with pressure from others to eat?

[blue_eyes5212]

What do you say to family/friends/and co-workers who encourage you to overeat? For the most part I don't have that problem, but there is this one co-worker and I don't know what to say to her! I just keep trying to say "it's my body and my decision" but I am a people pleaser and have a hard time saying no! HELP!! :goodvibes

[lovinaz]

I think if someone is constantly trying to persuade you to eat junk, they are not your friend... As for the co-worker, I am a firm believer in telling it like it is. Just tell her that you don't want it and if she insists, ask her why it is so important to her that you eat it? And you can tell her that it is hard enough to eat healthy without her adding extra temptation.

[taeja71]

::yes:: I agree with the poster above. ::yes::

Its tough playing office politics esp. when food is involved. Its even tougher if that person is work friend. Does this person know why you are trying to loose weight? Maybe you could explain to her its for health reasons you are doing this (not taking certain foods or taking extra portions) or your doing it for your hubby. My grandmother was very good at guilting you to take extras of any thing . I would politely smile take the extra what ever and end up throwing it away. And, when I got older, I just kept telling her no. Sorry for the rabbit trail.

Do you sit near this person? You might need to get your food when this person is not around. Grab your food before or after she does. Then maybe she won't bother you as much.

Possible culture issue???
I'm going out on a limb here, but I think people think their food (or others food) is a gift to you. Think about it, they went all this way to prepare and bring their food. Also, they also don't want to take it home. On the limb again. Is this person Asian? I'm Korean and when I get into an Asian group...its trouble food wise. Some how eating is related to fulfillment, enlightenment, or joy so they want your tummy to be joyfully full. I run in Korean, Phillipino, and Chineese circles.

I had a Hindu friend who kept giving me gifts of food while i was preggo. To her she was fulfilling her way of giving me and the baby good luck. To me, she was contributing to my getting bigger.

I hope all this rambling makes sense and helps you some how. pixiedust: to you or pixiedust: I'm blowing myself up for saying too much of nothing.