Have you caved in to a piece of chocolate cake after hearing these words “Oh c’mon, just have ONE piece”, or maybe “Live a little why don’t you!”?

Here are a few ways to deal with some of the “fat anchors” in your life…those would be the people that you love who unknowingly sabotage your efforts to lose weight and live healthier.

1. Remember that most people are scared to do what you are doing.

They’re upset that they don’t have the drive to make a commitment to bettering their own lives. Just remember that you were probably there once too, and that you can be a source of inspiration for them.

Avoid being accusatory, show them the light, and if they’re worth their salt they will ask you how they can get some momentum for themselves.

Respond to any negative comments with statements that describe you, and avoid bouncing the negativity back in their direction: Try statements like:

“What do you mean you don’t want a doughnut, do you think you’re better than me?”

“Eating this way makes me feel great. I’ve seen huge changes already.”

Or

“I finally stopped letting my health take second place and made it a priority, I feel great!”

Or

“I knew I had to do better for my children. I want the best for them, and eating right is a huge part of giving them a chance to grow up healthy.”

Now you have successfully rebuffed their criticisms without attacking them or making them feel wrong. Once they get a taste of the positive energy you put out, they’ll put down their daggers and start asking questions.

2. Ever had dinner at a friend’s house and eaten something (or lots of things) because you didn’t want to offend them? In some cases, like at a dinner party, this is unavoidable.

Don’t worry, one night will not completely ruin all of your budding healthy eating habits. Sometimes it can be a good thing to break the routine and take a sanity check. Don’t let yourself quit just because you had one bad night and feel defeated about it. One meal, or one piece of dessert, will not make you fat. And always remember, you CAN have just one piece. This way, you won’t offend anyone and you’ll be set to keep progressing towards your goal the next day. If you catch yourself rolling in guilt later that evening, switch the topic of thought in your brain! Champions don’t beat themselves up after missing a shot, they just focus harder on the next one.

3. If you’ve got some super sour apples in your life that have nothing positive to say about your healthy eating, don’t worry about engaging them in conversation about it. Let your actions speak for themselves. If your sour apple wants to ask a question, they will, don’t exhaust yourself trying to save them. It’s not worth your time or energy to try and get EVERYONE else to change.

Don’t be afraid to use some pig-headed discipline and determination when it comes to your healthy habits. If people are trying to knock you down, don’t fight them, just show them the light. Some will step up, and others will self-eliminate. Simply focus on moving forward!

Have you had success in dealing with a friend, family member, or co-worker who was a negative influence when it came to achieving your health goals?  Please write a comment below with the steps you took to overcoming these emotional obstacles!