How to turn down food?

amandaeve

I have a hard time turning down food that's handed to me, especially if the giver is trying to be extra nice and I am in their home. I tend to eat it even if I don't want it, am full, and it doesn't even taste very good. I felt like I beat this issue recently, but in reality, it hasn't come up all that much. I was handed food last night that I didn't really want. I tried turning it down and even suggested a lighter alternative. Then I absentmindedly ate it anyway. 900 calories later, I got a stomach ache, had to take an antacid, and had to lay down until I digested. I got angry, I mean, really angry; full of self-loathing. I had a lot to do that didn't get done because of my self-induced pains. I felt gross. I wanted to blame the giver, but I know only I can take responsibility for what goes in my body. Today, I don't feel so sick, but I don't trust myself to handle these next couple of weeks very well. Surely this situation is going to come up again and again with holiday events, and I am only going to have so much "rejection" energy in me. Struggling to turn down food is not new, but this newly following self-loathing isn't productive or helpful. It seems I've made the problem worse. I am not sure how to prepare myself for these next couple of weeks

Nony_Mouse

Say, 'oh thank you, but I just ate'.

vismal

"No thank you, I'm not hungry" or "I just ate but thanks for the offer" goes a really long way. If they are insistent, be just as insistent. In reality they are being much more rude then you if you've politely declined twice and they keep asking.

KANGOOJUMPS

I don't. I eat it all and drink it all

toxikon

If a simple "No thanks" won't suffice, I usually follow up with "I had a really big breakfast/lunch/dinner and I'm still stuffed." (depending on the time of day).

Blythmag

Say no im on a diet.

amandaeve

I'm pretty good on the words, it's the brain to mouth part I struggle with. It's SO ingrained in me to accept anything I'm given. If I can starts with the words, the correct thoughts are sure to follow.

Iwantahealthierme30

"I'm counting calories and that won't fit in my calories for the day"

nvmomketo

"No thank you" is usually enough. If the giver needs more a "It looks great but I can't" should do it.

TavistockToad

holycrosser wrote: »

Say no im on a diet.

NEVER say that unless you want someone to then critique everything you eat until the end of time...

apullum

No, thank you.

If you must follow it up with some explanation:
- Everything is delicious and I’ve already eaten SO much!
- I couldn’t possibly eat another bite.
- May I take it with me for later? (Of course, whether you actually eat it later is entirely up to you.)

It’s nice when people offer you food, but when people pressure you to eat food you don’t want, then it stops being nice.

SuzySunshine99

holycrosser wrote: »

Say no im on a diet.

Noooo....never say that. You will get a ton of unwanted advice. That's nobody's business.

SuzySunshine99

Iwantahealthierme30 wrote: »

"I'm counting calories and that won't fit in my calories for the day"

Again, this is giving people way too much information. No one needs to know that and really, no one cares.

Iwantahealthierme30

People do care. It's better than saying you're on a diet, it starts a conversation. It has for everyone I've told.
I've lost 11 pounds.

Lounmoun

Pop some gum in your mouth. Mint gum helps me not to eat when I do not want to.
"No thanks."
"I'm not hungry"
Move away from the food. Get your mind and hands involved in something.

RodaRose

Prelog your food the day before so your diary is complete. Any extra food from others requires you to move out some of the other food you already planned.

SuzySunshine99

Iwantahealthierme30 wrote: »

People do care. It's better than saying you're on a diet, it starts a conversation. It has for everyone I've told.
I've lost 11 pounds.

I'm glad you've had a positive experience sharing this information with people, but the vast majority of times, this just leads to unwanted advice. And really, most people do not care about your eating habits, they are just being polite.

Iwantahealthierme30

Not if you explain it correctly. Unless, they are also restricting.

Mind you some people hear this and say - It's Christmas, you're on a diet, that's terrible!

But whatever, I don't need that negativity in my life. I just say it's NOT a diet.

H_Ock12

"no thanks. Just getting over a stomach bug and I'd like to enjoy the rest of the party"

SuzySunshine99

I guess I'm just more of a private person, but to each their own. For me, a simple "no thank you" is best. No explanations, excuses, or lies are necessary.