Weight Loss Block                                               Back to Health and Fitness
By LifeAdviceSite.com

Whenever you are trying to lose weight, there will always be roadblocks in your way.  You are struggling with your cravings trying to convince yourself not to go down the path of fried foods, sweets and unhealthy snacks.  You're wrestling with yourself, trying to keep steady, focusing on the prize.  It's a task that is difficult enough even when you have the best support system behind you, but it's even more difficult when you are surrounded by friends and family who want to eat certain foods you know are not appropriate for your body.  It's rough when they do it in front of you and the sight and smells of those foods are tempting and teasing you, but even if you're able to stand your ground in the face of temptation, sometimes you are faced with friends, family, and co-workers who make matters worse.  They may encourage you to take part, offering to share their bounty.  They make a meal or a special treat "just for you". You don't want to be impolite, but you want to stick to your goals. What do you do?

I faced this problem quite often when I was trying to lose weight.  My parents were very supportive of my efforts and made every attempt to be respectful and not parade unhealthy foods in front of me, or to drag me out to restaurants and events where my efforts might be destroyed.  My friends were also supportive. They accepted my explanation that I was trying to lose weight and made no other mention about what I should or should not eat.  They accepted whatever I ordered at the restaurant and whatever I chose to eat or not eat.

for the office, brought in donuts, ordered afternoon runs for iced coffee and pastries, and he ordered in lunch from a fast food joint every single day.  Most of the time I was fine.  When the pizza arrived, there was always a salad I could fill up on so as to avoid downing more than one small slice of cheese pizza.  When he offered for me to get in on their take-out, I'd always nonchalantly say "no thanks" because I'd brought my own lunch of fruit and vegetables.  Yes, most of the time it was fine, but there were occasions I'd go into his office and he would try to force-feed me foods that did not fit into my healthy eating plan.  I remember one day in particular he wanted me to partake of his barbecue chicken pizza.  Even though I politely declined more than once, he was insistent, and declared that he would not answer my question if I didn't share his lunch.  I graciously took a slice and thanked him, taking a small bite while I asked him my question.  Once he'd answered, I left his office and immediately deposited the pizza into my trash.  I made sure to wrap it in several tissues so he wouldn't see it.  It took a little fancy foot-work, but I'd managed to make him feel good and keep to my eating plan.

It's not always easy.  It would be much simpler if we could just share food and eat whatever we like together.  Unfortunately, sometimes it becomes necessary to set yourself apart and not go along with the crowd, as much as you want to.  Stick to your guns and remember that you are making the right choice for you.  Apologize to your friends and family if you feel you must, and politely decline their offer.  Remind them of your goal, and hopefully they will be supportive of you and your efforts.  When you reach your goal, it will be worth it.