How to Avoid Dieting Peer Pressure

The question: "Every time I turn down unhealthy food, my friends say things like 'Come on!' and tell me I'm being silly. What's the best way to respond to their diet shaming?"

The expert: Brooke Alpert, R.D., founder of B Nutritious

The answer: Whenever one of your pals says, “Go ahead, eat the French fries!” it probably has nothing to do with you, says Alpert. More likely, your friend feels guilty about chowing down on them, and so she doesn’t want to do it solo.

MORE: Are Your Friends a Fat Influence?

“It’s really none of our business as a friend what our other friends are eating, unless it’s a true problem,” says Alpert. “It’s not up to us when someone else indulges. For different people, different things are worth it.” Maybe you’d be willing to splurge on a piece of cake, but you’re just fine without those fries. Or maybe you vowed to eat healthy at tonight’s restaurant and you’re sticking to it. That’s totally your prerogative.

MORE: Should You Tell Your Friends When You’re Trying to Lose Weight?

If you’re out with a friend who’s encouraging you to munch on something you don’t want, then say so, says Alpert. Try responding with a simple but firm statement—something along the lines of, “I’m OK without fries, but you should order them if you want to!”

And if this becomes a recurring issue, Alpert suggests putting the kibosh on dining with that pal—she can be your movie friend, your mani friend, or your coffee friend instead.

MORE: “How Can I Eat Better and Still Maintain a Social Life?”

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