Go on, have a piece of cake

We might think that peer pressure is more of a teenage thing: try the cigarette, have the extra drink, drive that bit faster…

It can also pop up in a diet context. Like when your friend is really pushing that brownie to go with your coffee, or your mum has made a dessert and will be visibly offended if you don’t eat it.

In this situation, it might be easier to put your own goals and priorities aside for a quiet life. But should you have to? 

How to say no (if you want to)

If this happens a lot and you’re often asking yourself how you can deal with this diet peer pressure, it can get pretty tiresome.

Before you have the extra slice anyway, this might help:

1. Remember that the only person genuinely affected by your food choices is you

2. If others feel bad eating cake when you’re not, it often says more about their own attitude to food: sharing a “naughty” treat makes it more acceptable

3.  Use the “maybe later” line. This is especially good with second helpings and desserts. As in “Ohhh, Aunty Barbara, that tiramisu looks incredible! I’m full at the moment but maybe later, thanks!”

Of course, there will be plenty of occasions when you do have the brownie, the dessert or the extra large ice-cream. Good for you. But it should always be on your terms, because you want to and because it will make you happy.

As an intelligent adult, you get to choose what you eat and when. As long as your diet keeps you happy and healthy, it’s really no-one else’s business.

Ready for more?

For more brilliant ways to deal with dieting peer pressure, check out this article by Sam Forget over in the US.

And if eating out keeps tripping up your weight loss efforts, it’s a great thing to discuss in a Clarity Coaching Session.