How do you deal with "food pushers"?

My daughter and I are terrible co-enablers. We are both trying to lose weight but we are planning a Lost marathon which will include beer and pizza. WE also cook healthy and she’s joined a gym. I am terrible and would take the food the pusher pushed if it was a manners issue or looked really good but family, I would easily say no.

Just say no thank you, politely but firmly. I’ve noticed that when you start making changes and getting healthier, it can really make people try to push food on you. I’m guessing that the food pusher feels bad about not making these changes themselves, and they subconsciously want to see you break your diet. Or they’re well-meaning, but asking you to eat more isn’t helpful. Try to find someone else to diet and exercise with. It’s hard to stick to it if it’s just you.

Some of my family members, specially at get togethers, are food-pushers. When dealing with them I try to be polite but stick to what I know I should or should not eat – if what they are offering me is something homemade I’ll be polite and try a bite; but if it’s just something they bought for a get together (mainly sweets) I say No thank you, I;m cutting back on…. fill in the blank with whatever food they are offering you.
Usually after a few no thank you’s they get the idea that I’m not going to eat it just because they want me to.

Tel your family and friends what you are doing and ask them to help you “stay honest” and help protect you from pushers. Tell enough of your family and friends, maybe they can block those of F &F that would undercut your efforts.

I just keep saying ,“No,Thanks.“If they keep it up more than 47 times,I push a pie in their face :)

Not only are they jerks for trying to ruin your diet, but because they’re loaded up with all the bad food, it’s so much harder to push them back. ~

I say, “no thanks. I just ate.”

I can’t say no to food! My fridge and weak will are my biggest enablers…There’s only one person I can think of who wouldn’t take “No thank you. I’m not hungry.” for an answer….and I broke up with him.

I just say “no thanks” with a smile… after being a veghead for 22 years I’m used to turning down food I don’t want though.

Food pushers have many different reasons for pushing food, not all food pushers are alike. Some are sabotaging your diet. Some are like alcoholics and can’t stand to drink/eat alone. Some give food as a nurturing act and love seeing people enjoy the food they have created or purchased. Sometimes it is cultural, typical to insist someone has more as a way of showing love.

I don’t have this problem with any of the people I see regularly thank goodness. I do however have some friends and relatives who always cook unhealthy meals when I do visit and it can be annoying. Can’t you have one healthy choice?

Generally I have no problem turning down food I don’t want. The problem is when it is food I like, but better I don’t eat it, then I get tempted.

It’s the same thing with people who drink…if you’re with them, and they’re drinking, they’re going to try and get you to drink.

Not an issue for me. They’re usually trying to keep it from me for fear I will devour the entire carcass.
Occasionally a feisty pup will steal a scrap.
I overlook this for sympathy of his she wolf mother if she rolls over and shows her belly.

@SeventhSense LOL! (PS. Giving you an RSVP on your party, which I know is around here some place! Just gotta find it…;)

Avoid being around at meal time but if that doesn’t work, fill your plate with white meat and salad. If all else fails, emulate the 7 yo picky eater. If you are too adamant. you just become a bigger challenge.

You can always smile & say, “Not right now, thanks! Maybe later…” That way they won’t feel like it’s so much of a challenge!

“No, thank you.” “No, thank you.” “No, thank you.” Repeat that and only that in your most pleasant voice with your politest smile.

If they ask why, “I don’t want any right now, but thank you for offering.” Or, “Thank you, but I’m not particularly hungry.” If they push you, you can offer an eyebrow raise and another polite, “Thank you, but no.”

I remember what a shiity excuse to break my diet they are.

My co-worker constantly gives me chocolate which is my weakness. I used to indulge myself and over eat them. I now still accept, but put it out for all of my other co-workers to snack on causing less for me to stuff my face with

@Chikipi Yes…when I had a daycare, in my home, and some “Well meaning” person would give me a boat load of candy, meant for me….and I got tempted, I would yell “Daycare!!! I HAVE CANDY!!!” It would be like…Ocarinas. Gone. None left for me! As planned. (I wanted to say “Parhania (fish) but I couldn’t spell it close enough (still can’t) and “Ocarinas” looked good enough! Even though I don’t know what “Ocarinas” is…..)

My Husband is always pushing me to eat .
I have learned to eat healthy . I cook only whole Foods.
I strongly recommend that everyone who wants to learn to eat properly read Ultra Metabolism by Dr. Mark Hyman. He is not a G-d and should not be worshiped as some do. Eating properly will not cure all diseases as his new book suggest; but it will improve the quality of your life.

—@Val123 Here you go!

@ccrow LOL! Well, THAT made no sense in the context of my answer, did it!

Active listening works.