Eating right poses many challenges, not the least of which is peer pressure. How many times have we failed because the people around us don’t seem to care that we are trying to be healthy? One of the greatest “aha moments” I’ve had is: Being healthy is much more important than what others think!
I must admit, my current situation is pretty enviable in that regard. I’m a stay-at-home dad, I do the grocery shopping and therefore live in a pretty controlled environment. On top of that we haven’t lived in Las Vegas long, so we don’t have a ton of friends here. Most of our family lives in WI, so outside influence on our nutrition is at a minimum. I really only have to guard the backdoor so that nothing unhealthy comes in the house.
My situation wasn’t always so easy. My wife’s current situation more closely resembles what I used to go through on a daily basis. Every day people bring in treats and leave them in a convenient location for everyone to enjoy. Invariably, these treats are sugar laden and are anti-nutritious as a result. When these goodies are present, they are difficult to avoid!
I’m a recovering cake and doughnut addict. I haven’t eaten either in quite some time, but my exposure to them used to be on a daily basis. I worked at Office Depot in seminary. Whenever someone had a birthday a cake would show up. I had a very difficult time passing it up. I don’t think I ever was successful in doing so. In fact, I usually ate several pieces. To make matters worse, I love frosting, so I’d always take the corner AND scoop up any frosting that was left behind by others.
While in seminary various organizations would donate day-old pastries and bread to the seminary for free consumption by the students. I knew exactly what day and time to expect the delivery. I always made sure to be there promptly. Unfortunately, doughnuts don’t fill you up, so I’d eat several. As you can imagine, I put on a lot of weight in seminary…about 40 lbs.
I tell those stories to illustrate a point: our culture does not set up well for healthy nutrition. The grand majority of people out there don’t care about their own nutrition, let alone yours!
Here are some common scenarios to consider along with my opinion on how to handle them:
1. FREE food constantly available in the workplace – Don’t eat it just because it is free. We all love a bargain, but eating junk food is no kind of bargain. You will pay for it in MANY ways. If it isn’t healthy, don’t eat it…even if whoever brought it is slightly offended that you won’t try it. Just politely excuse yourself from eating it because you are trying to be more careful about what you eat. If you ever have opportunity or desire to bring food to work, then consider bringing fresh fruit. You won’t be popular, but there are certain to be a few of your co-workers who will appreciate a break in the onslaught of junk food. Harmful cultural practices can only be changed if someone is willing to initiate the change.
2. Dinner at a family/friend’s house where NOTHING can be considered actual food, let alone healthy – If you know from experience that your friend/family is going to prepare nothing but anti-nutritious food, then politely insist on bringing an awesome salad or fruit tray. Also, eat a little nutrient dense food before you go so you don’t feel like cowing on stuff that isn’t good for you. I personally make it a practice to eat whatever the host/hostess serves, but just one serving…healthy or not. That way if what is served is unhealthy, you can just tell them that part of your approach to eating is to only eat one serving. Eating bad for you food every once in a while isn’t going to kill you, so don’t make enemies by refusing to eat what you are served in such situations (I’ve made that mistake with family before). People generally tire quickly of someone who is constantly criticizing how bad for you their food is (again from experience). You have my permission to skip dessert though! Most people understand that part of a meal is optional. If they are mad at you for refusing, then that is their problem! If you typically eat a healthy diet, you’ll be fine. Just get back on track the very next meal.
3. Parties, holidays, vacations and special occasions – We often use these times as excuses to let loose and eat whatever we want. Problem is, if you look at a calendar, you won’t find too many weeks in the typical American schedule that doesn’t include one of these types of days…or weeks. Therefore, you have to party smarter. If you MUST let loose on occasion, pick one special occasion per quarter that you will allow yourself to indulge in whatever you want. Even in those cases do so in moderation. On the other occasions just make the best choices available at the party. Load up on the fruits and veggies if they are available. Offer to bring them if they won’t be. Skip as much of the sugary stuff as possible. Learn to enjoy parties for the people instead of the food. Learn to enjoy vacations/travelling for new experiences and activities. Better yet, try to host parties yourself. That way you get to plan the menu. If others offer to bring stuff, ask them to bring fruit and veggies. You’ll have to make some awesome healthy food though…or your friends and family will never come back to one of YOUR parties!
Remember, being healthy is much more important than what others think! The best advice for all situations is to focus on proper nutrition at all times. If you are eating nutrient dense foods at all meals, every day, then you will be less likely to be drawn to the junk food…free or not.
What other cultural situations present difficulties for you? What solutions have you come up with for these or other dilemmas? Comments are strongly encouraged. If you comment on facebook, I’d appreciate it if you also click through to the blog and comment there as well! Thanks for reading!
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