There are many obstacles on the path to eating well – particularly ourselves. But as we settle into a healthy eating routine, we then run into the biggest, and most challenging obstacle of all - the people around us!
As if it’s not enough to wrestle with our own conscience on WHEN, WHY and WHAT to eat, our best intentions are then met with the condescending tones of…
“go on… one piece won’t hurt you”
“oh that’s right, you’re on a “DIET”
(or, wait for it…)
“you can eat this, you don’t even neeeed to lose weight!”
Sound familiar?
Yes I thought so. I’m positive you too have been stung by a Crap-Pusher. On an all-too-frequent basis. You know, the person who takes it upon themselves to make your conscious eating a big deal, scoffs at your efforts to make good choices and points out how “abnormal” your eating regime is. Yup, we’ve all been there.
Needless to say, you are not alone in your struggle. Crap-Pushers (or CP’s) are EVERYWHERE. In fact, they are harder to lose than those last annoying couple of kilos. For every 10 CP’s there is at least one poor defenseless healthy-searching soul who is putting up with their crap (don’t quote me on the statistics). Sadly, because there are so many people who delight in eating like this, they are considered “Normal.” But dont be fooled – todays version of “Normal” is NOT that pretty. When confronted with said Crap Pushers, I recommend you adhere to this basic equation:
DCO = MER (doing the complete opposite = more effective results )
So dont be swayed by any of their ploys to get you off track, stay strong in your intentions, focus on your goals and don’t fall for their crap-pushing ways. Here’s a quick reminder for your CP Radar…
Crap-Pushers are strongest when hunting in packs (such as parties and family gatherings). They’ll do anything to make themselves feel better about their own lack of willpower and the crappy food choices they make – by getting you to eat the same. And if you don’t? Well they’ll just try and make you feel bad. It’s Peer Pressure – just with Food.
Crap-Pushers were the original inventors of the Guilt-Trip. They are also prize winning Drama queens. They’ll act offended if you decline their offers – as if you’ve suggested to chop off their big toe and eat it for lunch (although it would probably be more nutritious) – and roll their eyes better than the Exorcist when you question where your food comes from.
Crap Pushers, are oblivious to the notion you’re NOT on a “Diet”. Rarely is there contemplation that you are in fact, choosing to eat this way as part of your lifestyle. I mean, god forbid your aim is not to be a stick thin copy of the latest reality tv star, but a more improved version of yourself!
Crap Pushers pity you. Don’t get me wrong, many CP’s have the best of intentions, because they generally feel bad for you “missing out” on all their “normal” foods. I mean, surely yours are keeping you deprived and miserable. Right?
Crap-Pushers generally live in denial. They neglect their health and feel they are invincible. They are the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-eat-hard-party-hard-and-think-about-it-later-type that get the reality check later on.
Crap-Pushers can be unrelenting. When your resistance to cave in fails – they’ll try bring out the big guns. This is often where they’ll play their final two cards “You’re Obsessed” and “Fun Police”. And then move in for the kill… one sign of weakness and you’ll be done for. Don’t fall for it.
And what about when you ARE the Crap Pusher?
You do your best When-Harry-Met-Sally-Meg-Ryan impersonation over each delicious morsel of cake. Not only that, but you’ve been able to successfully exchange your victims exercise regime for a boozy lunch or three (whilst highlighting to her the social benefits and aspects of living a “full life”). Um, what? Ok, honestly I’m sure most of us have been guilty of being a CP at some stage. But in all seriousness, let’s take a quick reality check…
- Crap-Pushing is JUST NOT COOL. The person you are trying to sway is usually someone you care about. Be supportive in their efforts to do better.
- It’s challenging enough to make optimal food choices AND there is always a REASON behind their attempts to improve. Be mindful of their goals.
- It’s plain downright disrespectful and you’re just making them feel like CRAP (emotionally and literally).
- Being criticised and chastised is freaking annoying. Enough already, it’s getting boring.
If you do fall into this category, then it’s beyond time you ceased your Crap-Pushing ways. Really. If not for your own health, then in support of the people around you, who want better. And plus, who know’s? Down the track you may find yourself in exactly the same spot as the people you are trying to disempower – once of course you wake up and discover you’ve been sitting on the wrong side of the “Normal” fence all along 
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