Lucky you if you have a significant other or friends who are working towards your same nutritious eating goals! It is so much easier when you have that extra support. However, not everybody is so fortunate and many of us feel alone in our journey towards renewed health and weight loss. What do you do when you have made the decision to be healthy but you are surrounded by loved ones who are not on board with your new way of life?

Lead by Example

It is very important to stay strong and maintain your healthy dietary practices. When people around you are eating the foods they like, instead of making any negative comments simply enjoy your own food. I have learned that eating habits are almost like a religion and are very personal. People may get offended if you try to give unwanted advice. When they are ready to make changes they will ask you questions and that is the ideal time to share your viewpoint on the best foods to consume.

Temptation

You make the best efforts to fill your house with wholesome, nurturing foods only to be face to face with your husband's sour cream and onion potato chips and double fudge cookies when you open the pantry. This is when it becomes imperative that you always have an abundant supply of nutritious options to turn to when temptation arises. In addition, changing your beliefs about certain foods will lead to changed behavior towards them. If you think of chips as being delicious and forbidden you will only want to eat them more. On the other hand, if instead you think of chips as being a nasty fried food that provides your body with insignificant amounts of nutrients while contributing to chronic diseases, you will be less likely to eat them. Psychology plays a powerful role in food choices.

Get Support

Join up with a local health club or an online group of folks who are all working towards the same goal. When you are feeling your motivation dip, having this source of encouragement can be very effective and help you to stay on track. There are numerous books available on self-improvement that you can read to keep you inspired also. Read a chapter or two before bed each night to help you stay encouraged.

Remember that as much as you would like to see your friends and family change some of their eating behaviors, the best thing you can do is be a good example of how a healthful diet can transform a person's body, improve their energy, and help maintain a positive mood. Stay focused on your health and wellbeing and keep in mind that the only person you have control over is yourself. Be patient and you may be surprised by how your friends and family become curious about your way of life and in turn take some small steps to join you in your reverence for health.