What I learned at Weight Watchers - Week 1

It's a no-brainer we all need some type of support when we want to take control of our health. But how do you react when you face anti-support? Typically, this comes in the form of "Food Pushers". How can you deal with these situations? Ignoring a Food Pusher doesn't usually work. You literally have to deal with them. No, I'm not suggesting you punch them in the face, but there are a few things you can do.

Some Food Pushers are like ninjas. They celebrate a birthday or promotion by bringing in cupcakes for the entire office, leaving a little gift in their workmates cubicles. Unlike a real ninja, "Food Ninjas" are easy to deal with. Either you can give the treat away to someone who'll appreciate it, or simply throw it away. "GASP! You can't throw food away Jeffrey!" Why not? How much nutritional value is in a cupcake? Not much if any, you will not deprive anyone of nutrition. And the Food Ninja should be none-the-wiser.

Yet, that isn't always the case. A frontal approach is also used. When a "Food Striker" approaches, it's best to let them know you don't want the food. True, they may not understand your motive, so it'll be important to tell them something they will understand. Say you are allergic to whatever is in the food, tell them your Doctor instructed you to lose weight, or be brutally honest. Not every tactic will work with every Food Striker, so make sure you know who you're dealing with and what will work on them. Keep in mind, whatever they are sharing with you is special to them, so don't say you 'don't want their garbage'. Even if garbage it might be.

Lastly, some people will just never 'get it'. Try as hard as you might, they won't understand or be hurt when you decline. What can you do then? It's possible these "Foodies" enjoy food so much, they can't believe others don't want exactly what they want. You may have to employ a tactic used for Food Ninjas and Food Strikers. The other option is to take a page from Nancy Reagan when she stressed to "Just Say No".

“Be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Suess