Politeness.

[Bon Bon]

Does anyone have any tips for refusing food? My grandmother practically shoves donuts in my mouth every time I visit and I'm afraid to hurt her feeling if I keep saying no over and over. Plus I go to a group every Wednesday night with potluck deliciousness and I can't just refuse to eat someone's homemade brownies that they slaved over. Should I eat carrots all week since I know I'll be indulging on Wednesdays? Should I lie and say I'm allergic to chocolate?

I hope some of you have this problem as well and have some tips for staying good and still being nice...

[sagebrush]

I would suggest thanking them for their kindness, but then explaining that you're *really* trying to watch what you eat. Usually folks will respect that, since it is for your health.

[hat]

If you say no and your grandmother persists then that is being rude. You shouldn't feel guilty if someone's feelings are hurt when you are being completely reasonable. Continue to say no and let her deal with it. Maybe she will admire your fortitude.

It is similar with the brownies/home cooked food. Others do not have the right to determine what goes into you. Someone who cooks for others will inevitably learn that not everyone will want to eat their stuff. Same with any field—if I spend hours writing a story I'm not going to be offended if you don't want to read it for whatever reason.

If they seem really insulted perhaps you could explain to them that it is a slippery slope (which is a logical fallacy but most people don't catch that).

I hope that is of some help. And Marceline is best vampire queen.

[DarthAvarous]

Both above suggestions are good. Don't be dishonest, speak your truth, and let others know you are consciously trying to eat healthy. Be firm and polite and they will respect your decision.

[appledashfan185]

I suggest if you're gonna eat badly during those times you can east healthier all week and eat a little bit of that bad food. Just don't eat to much of it. Like eat maybe one or two Brownies and that is it.

[Bon Bon]

Thanks everyone! I suck at firmly saying no, but I'm working on it. Was pretty good last night. I had two servings of apple crisp that I brought, tee hee, but I made it with whole wheat flour so it's all good. ;D