Food pushers...dundundun!!!

Hello all I have a question how do you all deal with inevitable food pusher?

I mean personally I cave under pressure and can never really formulate a reply that won't bring a certain akwardness to the room. How can I when going out with friends, family, and the like say no to someone who is constantly bugging me to eat more that I want. Or to eat soemthing when I am NOT hungry?

No, thank you.  Repeat as necessary.  Can be alternated with "I couldn't possibly".

Never apologize, never explain.

Take it, walk around with a plate full of food, don't eat it and put it down and leave it on your way out - no one will notice that you didn't eat it.

Just say no (unless it is your mother in law).

I usually just say no thank you. 

In some cases I've made up reasons.  For example my one friend doesn't push food, she pushed mixed drinks. So now she thinks I am on meds that I shouldn't drink with and she stops me at more then one. I am personally vegetarian working on evolving to vegan and that alone usually stops the food pushers.

Just be firm and stand strong.

Just tell them the truth. "Thanks, but I'm counting my calories and following a carefully planned diet right now."

If they ask a second time just say "No, I'm really committed to my plan so please help me by not tempting me."

You've been polite and to the point.  So far they're just being polite by offering. But now that they know about your commitment, they would be rude to offer again. And if they do offer a third time, you would be justified in being a little annoyed at them.

So, if a third response is necessary, it should be, "No, I really mean it. I don't want any more food. Please stop. You're bothering me."

If that doesn't work, then just leave. Or punch them right in the nose!  :)

tell them it's against your religion :P

You could eat a little of what they push at you.  If they tell you to eat more you could say, "No, that's alright. I've had enough of it."  If they push other stuff at you afterwards you can say, "I'm not hungry for it now, but I'll take it home for later."

If they offer you something that you really feel uncomfortable eating for any reason (too many calories, too fatty, not healthy enough) you can go with the straight-forward truth route that headybrew advised.

I feel more comfortable with my advice of compromising between eating whatever "bad" food is pushed at me but in a much smaller portion and then politely declining more or taking the rest home.  Especially if what was offered is homemade.  Show your appreciation of the cook by partaking in what they made.

Original Post by dkenworthy:

No, thank you.  Repeat as necessary.  Can be alternated with "I couldn't possibly".

Never apologize, never explain.

Personally I agree with dkenworthy. You have no reason to explain your actions or apologize; be it to freinds, family or strangers.  The simple fact that you politely said no should be enough, and if it's not that's there problem. Some people need to understand that no means no.

Original Post by dkenworthy:

No, thank you.  Repeat as necessary.  Can be alternated with "I couldn't possibly".

Never apologize, never explain.

That is the route I take. I figured it's not anyone's business that I am counting calories, or trying to eat healthy. That is my decision, and I don't have to explain it to anyone.

UD