Let’s face it, the holidays often revolve around activities and gatherings that include food. It can be difficult for those of us who are trying to make smarter, healthier food choices to be in environments where unhealthy sweets and treats are everywhere, especially when people we love are the ones offering us these foods.
Family food pushers are even trickier to deal with than co-workers or friends. Luckily, there are ways to avoid giving in to food pushers without causing offense.
5 Tips to Politely Decline Well-Meaning Family Food Pushers
- Stall: If someone asks, or demands, that you try a dish, tell them you look forward to trying it later on. Chances are, this person is not going to follow you around waiting for you to try their dish.
- Say “thank you” without saying yes: An enthusiastic “Thank you, it looks delicious” or “How thoughtful of you to make this for me, thank you” can show appreciation for food offered by family without actually committing to eating it right then and there.
- Redirect: If someone is making comments about your food choices, change the subject and redirect the attention onto that person by asking them questions about their own life, specifically ones that have nothing to do with food.
- Be honest: Sometimes a firm and simple “No, thank you” will do the trick. Further explanation of why you are saying no gives the food pusher more opportunity to argue against your decision to decline. Be consistent in your nos, and most people will get the message.
- Ask for food “to-go”: If a food pusher really will not leave you alone, compromise by asking for them to wrap up the food for you to take home. This way, you are not saying no, you are saying “I will enjoy this so much more tomorrow when I am not full”.
For more tips on how to handle the food pushers in your life, read our How to Politely Decline Food Pushers blog.
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These are good points which indirectly
assist in not hurting the feelings of someone who may be attempting to be
nice and kind but just does not get it that
we want to control our weight and health.
I also love tip#5. It benefits both parties. You can take the food home for another day or give it to an elderly person who can use the food.
Hi Rose, we are glad that you found these tips helpful!
I love tip #5 on how to decline food pushers because that is usually the real reason for me. I don’t like to over eat but do want to enjoy food at the right time.
This is good for children to learn too as it is like learning good manners. Thank you for all the good suggestions.
Hi Jo, we are glad that you found this blog helfpul!