It’s shocking how peer pressure can be as bad or worse as adults!

Our family and friends’ relentless urging to get us to eat or drink the same crap they are do is… well, relentless!

And when we hold our ground and decline, we often get negative comments about how we’re obsessing over our diet or that we’re a party-pooper. After years of perfecting my strategies for peer pressure, I’ve found that the most effective is to remain positive. When people see you as smiley and happy all the time, no matter what you’re eating or drinking, they only appear that much more unfounded in their negative comments.

1. FIND SUPPORT

Surround yourself with people who reflect how you want to be and how you want to feel – energies are contagious. Don’t be intimidated by others who may be fitter or healthier or thinner than you – those are the people who will inspire, motivate, and support you!

2. STAY POSITIVE

If those who make negative comments only ever see you as happy with your physical and emotional self, they’ll only appear more unfounded in their comments.

3. REMEMBER WHY

What are the true reasons behind your desire to make changes? Staying focused on your reasons will be crucial – but whatever they may be, they’re very personal. You’re not obliged to share or justify them to others.

4. IGNORE THEM

Remain neutral and non-defensive whenever possible. Just like kids are often counseled to ignore bullies, ignoring people who are pressuring you takes away some of their fire and desire.

5. MIRROR BACK

Mirror back what you hear, so that the person can hear how insensitive and unreasonable their comment might have been. You can follow it up with something like, “If you meant that as support, I’d appreciate it if you could just say, ‘Keep up the great progress. You look amazing.”

6. CONFRONT THEM

It’s never easy to confront someone, especially a friend or family member. Don’t engage or get into a nutritional debate with someone who clearly wants to disagree. But if they’re picking at you with comments and subtle responses don’t help, it can be very empowering to let them know that you’re working hard for your goals and that their insensitive comments will not be tolerated.

Remember – you got this! Save this post and come back to it to remind yourself before you head into your holiday dinner!