Navigating Family Events
When it comes to food, living a healthy lifestyle and fitness I do not quite see eye-to-eye with some of my family members. You may find yourself in a similar position as you work on yourself and your health. Know that your own health is your biggest priority, other people will have their opinions; let them have them but stay the course.
This weekend was Mother’s Day and my brother and his wife have started a great tradition of having a different food theme each year. This year the theme was to make something that makes you think of the mother in your life. Knowing my family there would be a whole lot of meat, cheese and dairy-filled dips so I needed to make sure that I had something I could eat. Growing up my mom would make crepes as a special treat for breakfast and these mornings were always some of my favorite memories. I decided to make vegan crepes so that I could share that memory with my mom and have something to eat.
If your family is anything like mine than know you will get supported in some ways but not in others. I know that no one will go out of their way to make sure I can eat what they are making and honestly that is ok. I believe that the way I am choosing to eat is my choice and I will not force that on anyone else. Will I keep trying to share what I am learning and the research behind my lifestyle? Absolutely, I care too much about the people in my life to not do that.
The true key to navigating a family event is simply to bring your own food. This has a few benefits, the first of course being you can eat. Also, if this lifestyle change is a challenge for you and you find the cheese dip to be too temping, knowing you have another healthy option will help keep you from slipping. You can also introduce new people to delicious healthy food choices that may have never thought to try.
Do not expect people to cater to or support your choices, but do not be afraid to share what you are learning with them. Share the healthy food you bring and slip in some new information about how your habits are leading to a healthier longer life. You might be surprised to find that your family members actually learn something new.
