Being in the field that I'm in, I feel a certain amount of pressure to stay in shape and to eat a certain way. It's not easy. I find that when in certain social situations, I get pressure from others to "live a little....." or "just have ONE." "Come on, Kara, you're on vacation, you can have some of _________." I'm not the only one that deals with social sabotage. In fact, I've been having this very conversation with clients lately. The issue must flare up in the summer when we're at more gatherings, on more vacations, etc.
I'm human. I will have a little bit of something that's not on my typical plan if I want to have it. But, I'll eat it on my own terms, not with the pressured help of others around me. I will not gobble or inhale things that will make me feel lethargic or sick later just because someone else wants me to.
What is it about the person in the room making the good choices being the one that gets picked on? I don't ever say to someone, "Geez! Look at all the crap on your plate! You're going to eat THAT?! You're going back for more?!" So, why do people have to tell me to "stopping eating grass or whatever I eat" or "have some of this or you'll hurt my feelings..." or "Just eat it."
If you are the saboteur, stop it. You may not knowingly be doing it to your loved ones or friends, but it's not helpful. Let people have healthy food on their plate without being harassed. You don't want to be harassed either. Be supportive of those that you love that are trying to improve themselves. Help them achieve their goals!
Here were my tips for a recent client who was worried about vacation away and how to handle her family and the temptations around her:
1) Go into the situation knowing what to expect: Ask ahead of time what people are bringing to share and fill in the gaps.
2) Plan for the unexpected.
-What will you do if the menu isn't ideal?
-What will you do if someone brings your "kryptonite" food?
-Always have something to serve that you know you can eat on your plan.
3) Prepare ahead of your trip and bring healthy, nutritious food to share.
-Fill your cooler with proteins, veggies, fruit, healthy fats OR grocery shop when you get there.
-Always carry a snack with you in case you get hungry
-LOTS of water!
4) Decide what you will "ALLOW" yourself to have if you are going off-plan
-Will you avoid temptation all together?
-How much will you let yourself have?
5) Follow the 5 Habits no matter what
-Vegetables
-Protein
-Grains after exercise
-Stop eating when 80% full
-Good fats
6) Include exercise each day that you are gone.
7) Get good sleep while you are gone.
