Food is more than just fuel for our bodies. It serves a multitude of purposes that go beyond our basic biological needs. Of course, the primary function of food is to provide us with the necessary nutrients to sustain our bodies and keep us alive. Without it, we simply cannot survive. But food also has a social and emotional significance that cannot be ignored.
From an anthropological perspective, food has always played a crucial role in bringing people together. It has the power to create a sense of community and belonging, especially when shared during social gatherings or special occasions. Food can also provide comfort and solace during difficult times, and it’s not uncommon for people to show their love and affection through the food they prepare for others.
However, when food becomes a source of stress or anxiety, it’s important to identify other ways to nurture ourselves. While eating can be a way of self-care, it’s important to recognize when it becomes problematic and seek out alternative methods of coping.
But what happens when someone else makes your food their business? It can be challenging to navigate situations where others are overly involved in our food choices. However, it’s important to remember that ultimately, we are in control of what we eat and how we nourish our bodies. By setting boundaries and communicating our needs, we can ensure that our relationship with food remains healthy and positive.
What is a food pusher?
Do you have a food pusher in your life?
Do you have a sneaky saboteur in your life who just can’t resist pushing food on you? Meet the food pusher – the master of unplanned eating who will stop at nothing to get you to indulge in their delicious (or not so delicious) treats. These persuasive people will tempt you with all sorts of goodies, whether you’re hungry or not, and won’t take no for an answer. They’ll even encourage you to keep eating when you’re already uncomfortably full! And let’s be real, they’re not exactly pushing kale salads and green smoothies your way.
Nope, these food pushers are all about the high-calorie, unhealthy stuff that will leave you feeling guilty and bloated. Maybe it’s your mom who insists on piling your plate high with her famous lasagna, or your partner who brings out a giant bowl of cheesy snacks during your Netflix binge. Whatever the case may be, it’s time to stand up to those food pushers and take control of your own health and happiness.
Accept the effort, not the food!
How do I handle a food pusher?
Are you struggling to make healthy choices while still showing appreciation for your loved one’s “love language”? Well, fear not! You can still acknowledge their hard work in preparing the food and the deliciousness of the meal without actually consuming it. It’s all about accepting their efforts, but not necessarily the food itself. If you’re not feeling up to eating, simply say:
- “Thank you for making this for me. I can tell you spent a lot of time on it, the [food] looks amazing. I think I’m going to save it for later”.
- “That looks delicious! Can I have the recipe so I can try it later?”
- “Wow, you are a great chef/baker! You always make such good [food]. It’s too bad I ate such a big lunch/dinner”
- “Thank you for making [food]. It really makes me feel welcome. Can I save some for later?”
Come up with a few preplanned responses that acknowledge and validate their efforts then practice them so they come naturally.