How to Turn Down Fatty Foods

The question: “How can I turn down fattening foods when I’m home for the holidays—without hurting my family’s feelings?”

The expert: Keri Gans, R.D., author of The Small Change Diet

The answer: It all depends on what else is being served. If the entire meal is one big high-cal fat bomb, then your best bet is to just accept what’s on the menu and have a couple bites of each thing. “One fatty meal is not going to derail your entire diet, especially if you mind your portions,” says Gans. Plus, it’s a lot easier to just have a small portion and be done with it than try to explain why you aren’t eating anything they're serving—that will just raise eyebrows and may start an unpleasant conversation. If your family tries to offer you seconds, you have every right to decline—that shouldn’t hurt their feelings. “Just say, ‘No, thanks, that was delicious, but I’m full now,’” suggests Gans.

Now, if the meal consists of both high-cal and healthier dishes, you’ve got a little more wiggle room. Your first option is to simply ask for a bigger helping of the healthier dish and less of the fattier one. If your family members take this at face value and don’t ask you why, then you’re good to go. But if they do ask you why you don’t want the straight marshmallows—er, “sweet potato pie”—then make it about taste. “Say to them, ‘You know, I know it’s weird, but I really don’t love sweet potatoes,’” says Gans. “Everyone is allowed to not like something, and when you make it about not liking the dish itself as opposed to their particular version of it, they shouldn’t take it personally.”

As for dessert, if you really don’t want it, you’re allowed to say that you’re full there, too. (Because let’s face it: You probably are!) 

More From Women’s Health:
How to Avoid Gaining Weight This Winter
News Flash: Food Guilt Can Make You Weigh MORE
The Best (and Worst!) Holiday-Themed Drinks

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