Picture this. You are at a birthday party. A friend pushes a humungous piece of chocolate cake into your hands and says, “Have another piece, it’s a party after all. You can afford to eat more.”
How do you respond when you are really not hungry? Try these tips:
1) The Professor: Use this as a teaching moment. Hold up your hand and make a fist. Say, “Did you know this is the actual size of your stomach? It’s amazing to think about how much we try to put in there!”
2) The Parent: It’s okay to say no. It’s as simple as that. Too often, we are afraid to put down limits. Say “no” politely, but with conviction. Practice when you are by yourself to make the words come out effortlessly. Other people easily push past a wishy-washy no.
3) The Therapist: Remember that the comments people make are often a reflection of their own fears and insecurities. Offering reassurance may help to take the pressure and focus off of you. Say, “It sounds like you would like another piece of cake. Go for it!”
4) The Magician: Try to divert and deflect. Be sure to hand out a compliment, “The cake is fantastic! Do you have the recipe?” This can redirect the focus from eating to learning how to make it.
5) The Comedian: Say, “No, thank you! If only eating healthier was a “piece of cake.” Keep it light-hearted.
Download the free Mindful Eating Pledge, 5 essential steps to stop stress eating and eating more mindfully today or sign up for the Mindful Eating Summit, online interviews with 20 top experts who will give their best tips and advice on eating more mindfully.
Today’s guest blog was written by Dr. Susan Albers, New York Times Bestselling Author of EatQ and Cleveland Clinic psychologist. Learn more by visiting www.eatingmindfully.com
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