Tips » Diet
How do I avoid peer pressure and eat healthy during the holidays?
I used to have that problem. It was related to all areas of my life - felt obligated to punch into a nine-to-five job for security, felt obligated to eat at social events, etc.
It was all fear of acceptance and worrying too much about what other people think instead of focusing on me and doing what I want and being who I deserve to be.
Once I got over that, I stopped worrying about everyone else. Now, I choose what I want. If I'm going to splurge at an event, fine. But if I choose to eat healthy that day, I don't feel obligated for anything - someone asks me if I want the hot dogs, I say no. They tell me I'm crazy or too obsessed with my weight? I smile and let them know how the hot dog might taste great for about 2 minutes but seeing my abs in the mirror gives me a satisfaction that lasts all day long.
You said it yourself - peer pressure. Stop falling into line, and letting someone else think for you. Suck it up, be yourself, and do what you want to do. Set a trend. I remember getting teased at work when I started eating healthy, and would bring a shake to drink while everyone else munched on cake at the birthday parties. After a few months, those sneers turned into people walking into my cubicle and sheepishly asking me if I could help them make the changes in their lives that they witnessed happen in my own. Next thing you knew, we had a whole department waiting in line to heat oatmeal in the microwave to eat with their hard-boiled eggs. Go figure!