Beware the Latent Saboteur

by Leslie Aronson — July 8, 2008

There are few things worse than feeling sabotaged, whether it's in a relationship, at work, or in your personal life. It leaves a confusing mixture of anger, betrayal, and resentment in its wake, and the last thing you want to deal with while dieting or trying to lose weight is feeling this way. Unfortunately, though, this often happens and comes from corners we wouldn't necessarily expect. It is understandable, though: you start living a healthier lifestyle and perhaps lose weight. Your loved ones, however, might not be on the same page. Girlfriends who see your waistline shrinking (when theirs is not) might feel jealous and so try to pressure you into indulging with them even though they know you don't want to order cheesecake for dessert (or breakfast...). Mothers, who stereotypically are always trying to shove food down our throats, might feel offended and hurt if you reject the cream and cheese-based meal she so-lovingly just prepared for your visit. Regardless of who it is, this kind of pressure and potential sabotage always exists in these kinds of situations, so it's better to be prepared with ways of extricating yourself from being railroaded off your diet. Remember to stay firm: you can say no without sounding rude or ungrateful and can remind your friend or family member that you need their support while trying to make changes in your life. You can defray potential binges or indulgences with friends by suggesting alternate activities and other ways of spending quality time with those you love that don't revolve around food. Ultimately, though, it's up to you to keep yourself on track - don't expect anyone else to do it for you!