Weight Loss without Worry

     We all have them — at work, at social gatherings and even at home.  Everywhere we turn they’re there — offering us seconds on the mashed potatoes, a fresh chocolate chip cookie, or a bag of chips.  They might mean well but their actions are sabotaging our efforts to lose weight.

     Temptation is around us everyday and it doesn’t go away just because we are trying to lose weight, so try these strategies to combat the diet saboteurs in your life.

• Clearly understand why you want to eat the food that is offered.  Are you only going to eat it because you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings or you are afraid to say no?  If this is the case then the real reason you are eating is because you are seeking someone else’s approval — this is never a good reason to eat.  Say no and please yourself instead of your friend — they’ll get over it.
• You don’t have to be a member of the clean plate club, so if you must try some food item, to get someone off your back, then eat a few bites and leave the rest.
• If your friends or family expect you to eat something, it might be because you have eaten it in the past.  In other words, you taught them how you would respond when offered food, so don’t be upset with them when they offer you something now.  Try this, “No thanks, I’m full,” and leave it at that.

     While you will always be faced with temptation, you are in control of what and how much you eat so just accept the situation as it is and move on toward your goal.