One of the most difficult situations that we face when we try to eat healthy is temptation and so called “food pushers”. Friends and even your loving mother can be the worst. The truth is, a new, healthy lifestyle requires willpower, decision and determination; but it seems everyone is bent on breaking this triangle of values that we are so desperately trying to hold on to.
Experts suggest that the best way to confront temptation is with a friendly but firm ‘no’. When we start giving explanations, we allow others to state their arguments or to try to convince us of having that tiny piece of cake. This is especially important for weight loss surgery patients in the pre-surgery diet stage.
Honesty is always the best policy, sometimes people give up on their attempts to offer us a piece of pie if we honestly say: “thank you, but I am on a special eating plan” or “thanks, but you know, I’m trying to take control my weight and every small effort helps”. Far from being offended, it may turn out that the former “food pusher” becomes our strongest supporter.
Here are some tips on how to deal with tempting situations:
Office:
If people frequently bring doughnuts, pastries or chips to your office, stay away from where they have them! Never go to work without a healthy snack and even your lunch. If it’s appropriate talk to your coworkers and tell them you’re watching your weight, that it is a big challenge and that you would really appreciate their support, to which you can add: “would anyone want to take a walk with me at lunch time?”
Your mom’s cheesecake, your brother’s sangria, and your sister in law’s famous lasagna… these are all very comforting, which makes it tough to say no. Sometimes our family members, in their intention of showing affection or even by a non-detected tradition of personal sabotage, are the ones that offer us the worst temptations. No one knows your family better than you. Be honest with them, talk about your plans, your dreams, and your health and tell them that if they can’t give you the support you need, you’re going to have to see them only when there is no food involved.
The movie theater is one of the few places where it is almost impossible to find a single healthy choice; because even at a convenience store you can find some nuts or a piece of fruit. Until the movies provide us with more healthy choices try to get there on a full stomach, eating a healthy meal before will help you become one of those people who enter the theater with only a bottle of water in their hand! You can also plan to visit a favorite place that offers healthy options after the film.
Our partner is the first person we should talk to when we decide to change habits, but it is often the most difficult conversation we will have. An “of course I’ll support you!” fades away with the first box of chocolates, the first “I went to the drive-thru and brought you something” or after the first Sunday you wake up to the smell of pancakes.
Your conversation with your mate can take several directions; one may be the ideal one, in which your partner gets excited, adopts your new habits and you live happily ever after. But you consider that your partner will live a kind of loss, however strange it may sound, the “old you” will disappear, and that is not always easy for your other half. Several short but sincere conversations can be more effective than a long and tired one; be strong and patient, and tell your partner that this may be the biggest challenge you face and that their support will be essential.
Sometimes friends are the ones that keep saying “oh, come on, it’s only a slice”. When they start to notice that you’ve lost weight they can say: “but you are doing so well, you can cheat a little”. Depending on the person and the kind of relationship, you can respond with some humor or be really serious, you decide; remind them that your new habits are not temporary and that you need their understanding and support to achieve your goal.
Changing our habits is difficult for many reasons, first because we may have spent years with an unhealthy lifestyle and because it’s human nature to want what we can’t have. The best way to handle this is by always being prepared for what life throws at you.
Find motivation in these facts:
-Studies prove that we crave what we eat, so be patient, soon your cravings will become a lot healthier.
-Deprivation is a struggle, but choosing freely strengthens your resolve. Good habits are not about depriving yourself of everything you like; they are about always choosing what is best for you.
-Some studies show that the comforting effects of food high in sugar and fat lasts only three minutes, however, guilt can last a lot longer and it tends to build up.
-Eating mindfully takes “power” away from food and hands it over to you! Eating consciously and at a slow pace makes a huge difference.
For the weight loss surgery patient change in habits will come in phases, some more challenging than others, and LIMARP will provide all the necessary support. Please call LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity at (664) 686-2542 for a free evaluation or fill out a contact form at www.limarp.com