Starr Struck Radio, Episode #7: Passing on the Pizza (The Challenges of Eating Healthy Despite Social Pressures)

2/24/2015

I promise I'll stop saying this soon, but you guys, we are having such a blast doing this podcast! It's the best! I hope you can tell how much fun we're having when you listen to this week's episode--I think you can ;)

Here's a description of this week's show:

What happens when all of your colleagues are eating pizza for lunch and you decide to pass? Do they make you feel guilty for deciding to go the healthier route?

It can be really hard to make healthy choices when you feel social pressure to indulge, so in this week's episode, we discuss all of the challenges that can come up when trying to eat healthy in social situations, in the workplace, and beyond.

In the first half of our discussion, we’ll delve into some examples of times, places, and situations where it can be very hard to stay true to your nutritional principles due to peer pressure, social expectations, and good manners.

In the second half, we’ll offer some thoughts on why groups often shame the healthy eater on the bunch, and we'll share some tips and tricks for how to stay true to your health goals without stepping on any toes or upsetting anyone.

We hope this episode empowers you to stay strong in your nutritional choices, whatever they may be!

You can listen to the show below OR by downloading and/or subscribing in iTunes or Stitcher (be sure you search "Starr Struck Radio" if you're searching for it).

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Jeanette link

2/24/2015 12:12:41 am

Great topic! You have certainly hit a nerve here. My husband and I are vegan and we get this all the time. But for some reason, when we say we’re vegan, everyone tells us to just “break our diet” for today or they start asking a bunch of questions backing us into a corner. We’ve gotten used it but it’s VERY challenging. Like you said, people get defensive because it questions their own beliefs and customs but we are very low key about it. We’ve never pushed veganism on anyone. It’s our personal choice. My husband (Alex) is just like Ben in the fact that he doesn’t mind being rude or offending someone. I once ate a bowl of stew (minus the meat) to not insult a relative of mine. Alex had no part of it ;)

P.S. I look forward to hearing what Ben has to mention before you guys get started. He's hilarious.

maureen

2/24/2015 02:22:34 am

I have to admit I saw the pizza and said, I have to listen! We are the same with our eating habits....love pizza and ice cream. We eat it when we want to, not when we are told or encouraged to. It is a treat for us and we totally enjoy it! I have no problem saying no to foods I do not wish to eat. I just say, "I'm good, no thank you" No excuses. I guess you just need to be confident in your choice. If the person on the other end is offended, I guess they have to deal with that....that is actually their issue....maybe they have an issue with rejection, kidding, well maybe not! I think it will continue to be a struggle for people to eat healthy and make their own food choices if we always have to have an excuse/reason. Own it, I am passing, but thanks anyway! Loved listening!

Mary Catherine

2/24/2015 10:29:29 am

Good for you, Maureen! Glad you're so comfortable with being honest and to the point. Love it. Thanks for the great advice (and for listening!). xo!

2/24/2015 10:28:28 am

SUCH a great point, Jeanette! Ben and I were discussing this tonight and saying how much harder it is when you have a real restriction and people judge that! Thanks for sharing (and good for Alex, haha!).

Oh, and glad you find Ben to be hilarious--I do, too ;)

xoxo!

Liz

2/25/2015 03:41:41 am

I just wanted to say how much I really liked this episode of your podcast. I have a few friends that have a hard time taking no for an answer when it comes to going out for wine (or stopping after a couple of glasses) and this gave me some helpful tips for how to handle that situation! It sounds silly, but it always kind of stresses me out!

3/2/2015 09:39:43 pm

Glad it was helpful, Liz! I know, it really can be stressful to deal with the guilt of saying no! Thanks for listening and stay strong ;)
xo

Olivia

3/1/2015 09:06:53 am

Really enjoyed this episode and could relate to the awkwardness of rejecting food in social situations. Question for you and Ben, what do you do when your healthy eating choices/habits become a negative topic of conversation or problem amongst the people you socialize with? For example, making fun, or creating false stories behind someone's eating choices, leaving you being the odd one out, so to speak. Thoughts?

3/2/2015 09:38:52 pm

Thanks for this question, Olivia! This is a VERY tough situation and I've been there--I'm so sorry that you deal with this :(

I think I would try to handle it in a direct but not mean way, saying something like: "I'm sorry if my healthy eating makes you feel uncomfortable or brings up some sort of insecurity for you, but it's important to me to take care of myself and my body and I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your opinions to yourself and not make fun of me for what I'm trying to do." That should quiet them! Or, if you don't feel comfortable saying that, I would just try to ignore the remarks and be true to yourself. Sigh. So annoying, huh!?!?

We'll revisit this topic a bit on next week's episode and chat about your question...thanks! xoxo

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