One year ago I took a major stance on my health and became a vegetarian (who also eats fresh water fish). I took up yoga and even brought back my favorite childhood hobby – rollerskating. Many who have been raised in the south are familiar with soul food, sweet teas, crispy chicken, etc. This was the food I grew up on and was accustomed to. Now since I am no longer home, I’ve realized that the food I was eating had a huge impact on my health.
A year later, I am still a vegetarian and have seen tremendous results in my energy levels, skin and overall clarity. This journey has not always been easy. Temptation is everywhere and sometimes you may not always have a support system. Although you may have chosen to eat healthier, your friends, family or loved ones may not. So besides just complaining that they aren’t, here are a few tips to keep you being healthy when no one else around you is healthy.
- State your claim and remember your goal. It is very important that you remember your goal. Whether it is to improve your health or lose weight, remember to stay focused and do not let those around your interfere with your commitment. If you do, you might end up resenting them. However, state your claim and do not get defensive. Keep an upbeat tone and maintain perspective. Not everyone understands the importance of their daily food decisions and it’s not your job to educate them.
- Lead, not follow. You may be surprised that your commitment to eating healthy inspires others to follow suit. When dining out with friends, why not choose the restaurant that offers healthier options. You can be the first to order, that way you will not be influenced by anyone else’s choices. At the office? Chose the place to order from, better yet, brown bag it. For potluck, bring one of your favorite dishes.
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- Don’t let other’s unhealthy snacks sabotage you. Make a list of your top 10 healthy snacks and stock them at home and at work. Having the healthy stuff at your fingertips makes it a lot easier to say “yes” to stay on track and “no” to those doughnuts and Twinkies.
- Be a role model. Especially if you have children, encourage your family to have a healthy, well-balanced diet. There’s no need to have “kid” vs. “adult” foods in the house. If you do not have children, but you have a partner who refuses to change the way he or she eats, don’t’ worry about it. It is just as easy to broil a steak for them and fish for you. Who knows – when you start to feel great, they might just want to see what all the fuss is about.
- Keep your tap water fresh and clean. Besides reaching for the ice cold soda or juice that’s brimming over with calories, reach for your cold pitcher of fresh tasting water along with your favorite lemons or cucumbers. To have a perfect twist on just plain water, feel free to add crushed fresh berries, lime juice or a few tablespoons of cranberry juice. Water makes you feel full and prevents premature hunger and cravings.
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- Don’t offer unsolicited advice. No matter how tempting it is, only offer nutrition advice to friends if they explicitly ask for it. The best thing you can do to help your friends is show them what good healthy food looks and tastes like by setting a good example, then let them watch for themselves as you lose weight and get in shape.
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