Are Your Relationships Sabotaging Your Healthy Lifestyle?

Are you surrounded by temptation from your family, friends, and co-workers? Is it hard to say no to those lunch dates you know will be filled with calorie-rich food? How about those home-baked goods your co-worker brings in each week? And who can resist those decadent chocolate treats from your partner? Sticking to healthy eating can be hard enough without high-calorie foods being readily available throughout your day. So how can you remain committed to your resolve? Well, it’s not easy, but there are strategies you can employ to help you stay on the right path.

1. Be upfront and transparent about your healthy and fit lifestyle. It’s up to you to make your social and family relationships aware of your eating habits. I am a pescatarian and have been for over 20 years. I also maintain a healthy diet. Over the years, I’ve made my family, friends, and co-workers aware through my conversations and what they observe first hand about my eating habits. Today, it’s not even a question about what I will and will not eat. In fact, there have been occasions when they’ve made alternate (or a healthier substitution) available at social gatherings.

2. Keep food temptations out of sight. If you live in a household where fattening goodies are available, store them in a separate place. Even if your family agrees to eat their fattening goodies when you’re not around, ask them to keep it in a cabinet or area where you don’t normally go for your healthier foods so you’ll be less tempted to eat it. Out of sight, out of mind!

3. Substitution, substitution, substitution. Prepare a less-caloric version of tasty treats that capture some of the core of what your family members are consuming. With a little research, you’ll find that there are a variety of options available so you will be able to experience the same enjoyment.

4. Share the health. Make foods that everyone craves in a more healthful and calorie- conscientious way. Be creative, you may find that over time, your family may join you in eating the healthier versions. BONUSES: You won’t feel deprived AND you are taking steps to making your family healthier.

5. Find an accountability partner. Staying diligent in your efforts will not be easy even when employing these strategies. Therefore, if you find that you do need added support, consider seeking out an accountability partner to help keep you on track. If you would like more information on how this could benefit you, please contact me.

REMEMBER: You are not weak-willed. You are human and we are all subject to temptations every once in awhile. Just do not let those around derail your efforts. Follow these five strategies to help you stay on track.

– Wishing you continued success in your fitness journey!