How to Handle Sabotage

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Five effective ways to respond to sabotage

Sabotage can come from anywhere at any time. Here are some of our best tips for handling sabotage in various situations:

If you’re at the office make sure you are prepared for the onslaught of available confectionery, mid-morning treats, and vending machines by filling up before you go to work. If you eat a good breakfast, you are less likely to succumb to oversized muffins and calorie-loaded chocolate! You can also keep healthy, low-fat snacks in your bag, briefcase, or drawer to thwart temptation.

If you’re cornered by one of those over-bearing types who absolutely insists on shoving another plateful of deep-fried spring rolls down your throat, or dishes you up a mountain of dessert without even asking if you want any, then say “no” decisively. There are hundreds of ways you can say no: "No, I’m full, thanks," "No, the doctor says I have to watch my cholesterol," "No thanks, it’s too late for me to eat sugar, I won’t sleep," "No thanks, if I eat another morsel, I will throw up on the tablecloth!" If saying no just doesn’t work, and the food is still plunked down in front of you, be strong in your resolve; leave the food there and don’t eat it. You might feel a bit rude, but let’s face it, a person who simply refuses to listen to you is ruder!

If your spouse is showing “support” (yeah right) by stocking the fridge with your favourite beer, cheesecake, pizza and ice cream and then eating them in front of you, don’t explode! Explain why a healthy weight and lifestyle are important to you now. Who knows, he or she may decide to join you. At the least you can ask him or her to respect your decisions. If talking really doesn’t work, stick to your resolve and remove yourself from the situation, if you can.

If you have the kind of “helpful” friend who is constantly barraging you with pointless criticism, simplistic solutions for weight loss, and nosy questions about your food plan, try saying something like: "Actually, my approach to weight loss is working out well for me at the moment, but thanks anyway." That ought to get the “butt out!” point across, without sounding too harsh.

If you want to say "yes" because the fries just smell soooo good, or because someone is waving plates of tasty treats under your eyes, or because you don’t want to upset whoever made the triple-chocolate-cream layer cake, have your refusals ready. Say "No" even if you aren’t thinking it. For example:

• Say: "No, thank you, I've already had two pieces." Even if you're thinking: "Two pieces the size of a pea!"
• Say: "No thank you, I am really quite full." Even if you're thinking: "I hope she didn't notice I was spellbound by that chocolate mousse."
• Say: "No thanks, I have high blood pressure." Even if you're thinking: "Who cares if my blood pressure is 180/100? I want more potato chips."
• Say: "No thanks. My doctor absolutely forbids me to have any of that while I am on medication." Even if you're thinking: "I wish I had a diet pill right now."
• Say: "I have to take a medical test and I need to fast." Even if you're thinking: "This is the real test. Get me out of here fast or I'll eat the whole buffet!"

Sabotage from anyone is painful and difficult, and it's particularly tough when it comes from those who you expect to be loving and supportive. When others sabotage you, remember that the problem lies with them and not you. Stay strong in your resolve and say "no" - your health and waistline may depend upon it! 

Related articles :

• Biting the Habit: What's your eating style?

Last updated: November 14th, 2007