Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, we can assess our healthy eating strategies and prepare for the next big family meal(s) in December. Are you pleased with your choices? Did you decide to indulge and stick with your plan to have no regrets? I might be shocked if I knew my total calorie consumption, but I enjoyed the holiday food without feeling too stuffed, and got in plenty of exercise over the long weekend–a perfect balance in my book!
Looking ahead to December, I know I do pretty well when I’m at business functions. I try to decide ahead of time if I will indulge and how much, and have no problem waving off the waiters bearing appetizer trays time and time again (honestly, those bacon-wrapped scallops look less and less appealing as the evening wears on!). But family gatherings present a different set of issues, because that is where I am most likely to encounter food pushers.
After ten years of healthy living, I honestly believe that the best way to decline unwanted food is a simple “No, thank you.” It may not have worked very well in the campaign against illegal drugs, but it can work around the dinner table.
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Any elaboration beyond a simple “No” seems to open the floor for debate, criticism, or guilt tripping.
No, thanks, I’m full. –> But you’ve hardly eating a thing!
No thanks, I’m cutting back on carbs. –> Didn’t you hear that those diets are dangerous?
No thanks, I’ve had enough. –> Oh, but I made this special recipe just for you.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that “No, thank you” will work the first time, but if you leave it at that, and then repeat it if necessary, you should be able to fend off all but the most determined food pushers.
No, thanks. –> But you’ve hardly eating a thing! –> No, thanks.
No, thanks. –> You aren’t dieting are you? –> No, thanks.
No, thanks. –> Oh, but I made this special recipe just for you. –> I’d love to take some home if there are any leftovers.
Another problem with elaborating on your “No, thanks” is that you could end up offending others. Here are some great lines from my mother-in-law:
No thanks, I don’t like the carcinogen flavor of grilled meat.
No thanks, undercooked vegetables give me indigestion, even when I take my Nexium.
No thanks, I’m only eating desserts that look incredible.
(Luckily, I have a thick skin, a sense of humor, and was happy to have one less person to share the leftovers with!)
(source)
So, when you are wearing red for the holidays, take Nancy Reagan’s advice, and just say “No.”
Are there food pushers in your family?
Do you try to fend them off or do you give in?
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