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Written by sweet, sweet intern Sondi Bruner.
Social situations that revolve around food can be awkward. We’ve all been there, whether you’re doing the fab detox cleanse, trying to lose weight or have food allergies.
Plenty of people don’t see food as nourishment – they view it as a vehicle for socializing, spreading the love and bonding with others.
But what is the best way to respond to well-meaning friends, family and coworkers when we’re presented with an item that doesn’t jive with our food philosophy or health style? Do you accept the offering and feed it to the family dog, or do you snort with haughty derision?
Unless you have Meghan’s wit and charm, the latter will likely land you alone with only your kale chips and goji berries to keep you warm at night.
So here are a few ways to decline offers of food without coming across as a smug, sanctimonious jerk.
Smile. Cause everything’s better when you smile, right? Numerous studies have shown how smiling can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, lift our spirits and release endorphins. Smiles are also contagious – and people presented with smiling faces are more likely to mimic a happy face in return. So smile when you politely decline, and mean it.
Bring a dish with you to a party. Toting something healthy along to share ensures you have something to munch on and gives you the chance to share your love of healthy eating with others. Quinoa salads and dips are good choices, and who could say no to Meghan’s spicy sweet potato brownies?
Tell the truth. It’s not necessary to divulge every gory detail, but clearly explain that you can’t eat peanuts, dairy, red meat, wheat, or whatever the case may be. No apologies, simply give ‘em the straight facts. Just don’t say that you’re on a diet or a cleanse, as others may think you’re merely jumping on the bandwagon of a fleeting fad. It’s better to say that you’re working on improving your health.
Don’t preach. Though you may have good intentions and are passionate about the way you eat, you can come across as pious or superior. No one wants to be around a negative nelly who lectures about the evils of factory farming or the benefits of sprouting. People don’t fancy being told what they ‘should’ do, so keep the recommendations to yourself.
Stand your ground. Be polite, but firm. Don’t let anyone push you around or make you feel like a nerdy purist who doesn’t know how to have fun, since we all know that eating healthy takes you to awesometown. If necessary, tactfully direct the conversation away from food to more interesting topics. You know, like the weather.
Question Of The Day: What are your tips for politely declining food?
Psssssst…share today’s tweetable if you love this awesometown advice!
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How To Say No To Food Without Offending. http://t.co/9N1Z8J1O #happiness #health #holistic #wellbeing #wellness
How To Say No To Food Without Offending.: Social situations can be awkward when you’re trying to be healthy. How… http://t.co/vzqBIvuq
great tips for saying no to foods without offending! cc @meghantelpner @sondibruner http://t.co/Dl6GVnDW
Great tips for saying no to foods without offending! Written by yours truly
@meghantelpner @sondibruner http://t.co/geEGGfjS
great tips for saying no to foods without offending! cc @meghantelpner @sondibruner http://t.co/cIuE1bHf
As someone who’s been doing this for a long time, I usually make a joke about myself! It lets everyone else know that while I am sticking to what makes me feel best, I am not taking myself too seriously – it’s taking it seriously that seems to offend others, because no one likes being made to feel like they are not doing something right. And, as someone who’s been doing this for a long time, I notice that my own devotion with a sense of humor to the yummy goods gives others a chance to try it out without feeling pressured. I am always amazed at how many people around me start jumping on the bandwagon!
Thanks for this great post
The part I always have trouble with is turning down things which won’t make me sick in an immediate sense but which I still don’t feel ok with eating, especially when it’s been done especially for me (such as with vegetarian options).
At a work event a few months ago two veggie burgers went on the grill – my lovely homemade one and one GMO, overprocessed soy one. Mine apparently fell apart on the grill and the other one (intended for someone who hadn’t shown up) was lavishly presented to me – by my boss no less. The burger wouldn’t have made me sick (long term effects aside) and I might even eat a small amount of something with similar ingredients on occasion so I find it hard to refuse nicely without offending people.
@sondibruner on saying ‘no’ to food without being awkward. #SMILE http://t.co/d4ob0yf0
@sondibruner on saying ‘no’ to food without being awkward. #SMILE http://t.co/d4ob0yf0
Some great advice on how to keep your diet in check without offending others: http://t.co/N6HkrKkn #weightloss
I’ve been struggling with this a bit now that I’m transitioning to vegan – so thank you for the post! Had a hard time this past Christmas with people wanting to give me treats that I choose not to eat. Learned that I have to tactfully say “sorry, I can’t eat this” – otherwise I keep getting it. Makes other folks sweet tooth happy, but don’t want people to keep buying it for me. Have found the offer to contribute to a meal makes things easier – and less pressure for the hostess.
This is fantastic. Now I know how to approach this. Thanks!
Ha! As the world’s most allergic human, my friends have come to expect it from me. Generally, if someone offers me food with unknown or suspicious ingredients, I thank them profusely, tell them how delicious it looks, but sigh and say that it would probably put a damper on the party if they had to haul me off to the ER with my throat closing.
I also usually eat before going to parties so that I’m not hungry. It also makes people feel less guilty if you say that you just ate, that way they don’t worry about trying to find something that will work for you.
wise words from our fab intern @sondibruner! http://t.co/d4ob0yf0 #goodbyeawkwardness
If you’re worried about sticking to the cleanse this weekend, here’s how to say thanks but no thanks:http://t.co/d4ob0yf0 #glutenfreecleanse
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