Most of us have good intentions when it comes to eating well.
But sometimes, despite the best of our intentions, tiredness and temptation get in the way.
We know we “should” eat what tastes good and leaves us feeling satisfied and energized, but most of us struggle to actually do that on a daily basis.
The next time you’re in a social situation where food is involved and you’re feeling pressured to make a choice you really don’t want to make, I’m going to let you in on a little secret – the main way I respond when someone offers me something I would rather not eat.
I first heard it in Hungry for Change (one of my favorite food documentaries!), and it has stuck with me ever since.
Instead of saying, “I want it, but I can’t have it,” say:
See what we did there??
The first response is all about the deprivation-oriented dieting mentality and makes it seem like we’re not choosing what we eat. But, we’re all adults, and we know that everything we eat or drink IS our choice, so let’s own that.
The new way is a freedom-based response. It says,
“Sure, I can eat anything I want because I’m an adult and make my own choices.
BUT I care about my body and want to fill it up with food that makes me feel good and energized, so I’m choosing to eat something nourishing. Thank you.”
I don’t know of anyone in my life who would continue to bug me after getting a response like that.
Be firm and confident about WHY you’re doing what you’re doing.
After all, it’s YOUR life, so you have the final say about what goes at the end of your fork 🙂
Kayla
I love this post! I have watched “Hungry for Change” more times than I can count and each time it makes me feel motivated. I live in Iowa’s unhealthiest county and it’s hard to make good choices when everyone around you has no desire to do so. Like you said, we each make our own choices and we have to make the best of our lives. Thanks!
racheldruck
Hi, Kayla! I’m so glad you like it. Isn’t Hungry for Change the best?? Such a great movie and so inspiring each time you watch it. I totally agree!
It must be so hard to live in a place that is statistically so unhealthy, but know that you are have probably even more of an impact than you know just based on how you live. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one! 🙂