We all have one or in my case you are one.  A food pusher, that is.  You know who they are, those people who provide you with delicious food (usually the unhealthy kind) whether it is at a function, special event, or at the work place. The culprits are usually female, be it an aunt, grandmother, mother or sister.  It seems like they try to push food on you when you are adhering to a strict diet, right'  They are not evil though, as they are just trying to please you.  So, what can we do to stop them from getting their way or ruining our healthy lifestyle?

Depending on what kind of setting you are in and who you're dealing with, there are several ways of dealing with food pushers.  Be careful in these situations, because all your good judgment goes out the window when you drink so limit yourself to 1-2 drinks.  The worst thing you could say to a food pusher is "No, I'm watching my figure."  Instead, say "no thanks, I'm so full from the meal, I can't eat another bite."  Be sure to compliment your hostess on the healthier foods to make it positive.

If you are in a social setting like a happy hour they might try to order you an appetizer or drink special which usually happens to be deep fried, with the highest fat content.  All you have to do is say something like, "no, thank you I am in the mood for a light beer and a salad, today."  Actually, there are many cocktails that are not the worst thing in the world for you.  For example, instead of having a margarita, have a mojito and save yourself 206 calories.  Also, substitute a cosmopolitan with a sour appletini and save another 91 calories. 

The goal is to stick to low calories drinks and healthy appetizers such as ahi tuna or salmon and lox spread.  Just exercise common sense or take notes by observing someone else's eating habits you who admire.