We’ve heard it all before when we’re out to dinner, “You’re getting a salad? That’s no fun”. Or maybe something like, “Do you really want veggies as a side? You know they’ve got fries available, too?”. Or, the classic example of someone who is trying to eat healthily, and a huge appetizer is brought in before the meal as well as dessert afterward.
Whether we like it or not, peer pressure can play a huge role in the food choices we make every day. Just like how our brains can be influenced by others on how we dress, whether we exercise, if we smoke or drink, or even what jobs we have. Friends and family can also play a part in the foods that we eat every day. This can make healthy eating a hard habit to come by, especially if peer pressure is part of the course for our well-meaning loved ones.
Understand Where Our Peers Are Coming From
After all, most people who are trying to coax you into eating something different – like that plate of chili nachos instead of your bowl of greens – aren’t doing it to be mean. Just the opposite, in fact! We as humans take pleasure in eating and sharing that sentiment with others. Psychologists have shown us that peer pressure in regards to food is typically not done in order to lead you down an unhealthy path, rather, it’s so you can enjoy the same meals and/or foods together.
Are Your Peers Healthy?
Still, this can make things difficult if you’re trying to stay the course and make healthier eating choices. After all, check out your friends, family and co-workers, studies have shown that if they are overweight and are not making proper lifestyle choices in regards to what they are consuming, there is a 57% chance that you will also follow the same path. That essentially means that over half of people with friends or family who are overweight will most likely have the same outcome, if following the peer pressure eating path!
With that being said, peer pressure like this (in regards to food) can definitely lead you down an unhealthy track – but it doesn’t have to stay that way! The best way to avoid these scenarios is to practice some mindfulness before you get together with family and friends for dinner (or any other social gathering for food). This process is done by making internal decisions and reminders rather than cues from loved ones about food choices – and can help you set your intentions for healthy eating before even sitting down at the table.
Follow These Simple Steps
This can be done by following a few simple steps; first, figure out just how much food you want to eat before you even get ready for the meal. Are you craving a salad? Do you want to focus on reducing simple carbohydrates in your diet? Maybe you’re needing a good, hearty portion of protein after your workout. Figure out just what your body needs and wants, and that way you can go into your meal knowing how much you want to eat and won’t be as tempted to snack on the chips and salsa that are brought out multiple times before dinner.
Second, actually eat what you’re thinking of eating and if you don’t want something, don’t be sorry about it! Your health and eating decisions are totally up to you, so there’s no need to even explain why you do or don’t want a fatty, greasy appetizer that’s been brought to the table before your meal.
Lastly, think about and appreciate the food that you’re eating. For example, the crunch of a salad, the spiciness of soup, the crispness of fruit. Once you can focus on what you’re eating and enjoying, it’ll be that much easier to turn down the foods that you don’t want.
In the long run, it might take some practice to learn how to avoid what’s not nourishing to your body and to stay the course and fuel yourself with goodness. After a while though, you’ll notice an improvement in not only your physical health but your mental health as well!