Food Has Many Emotional Meanings

Mothers often express their love for their families by cooking favorite meals. Socializing with friends and family often takes place around food.

Food has many emotional meanings, so people can be offended when you reject the food they offer. Talking to others about why managing your weight is important to you is the first step in helping them understand.

Sometimes you can suggest trying a healthier food, or take a small piece of the item offered. Serious food pushers may not respond to more subtle approaches.

When a polite "No, thank you" won't work, you may need to say, "I feel that I have trouble controlling my weight and my health when I eat with you.

Please support me in my decision to avoid eating seconds (or whatever you have decided to do)." If you can get them on your side, you'll both win.