The power of 'No': A game-changer in your health journey

In India, love is often shown in the form of food and hospitality. So, my clients often tell me that they are not able to say 'No' when offered food; otherwise the other person would feel bad/ hurt. 

Why saying No to more food is important

Why saying No to more food is important


Let me tell you from my own and my clients' experience this is a skill you have to cultivate if your want to see good progress and not go forward 3 steps and backward 2 steps. 

I want to be clear. I am not suggesting you don't eat fried food- sweets at all or be obsessed with each bite of food you eat. I am only suggesting to avoid food once you get the signals that you've eaten enough (not very full). I have seen people/ hosts with intentions to be friendly serve people even after they say they're full. Ironically, this is not at all friendly. 😕

A client was following the diet very well and was seeing good progress. Then, he went to the in-laws house for 2-3 days and returned saying he had put on some weight. The reason is his in-laws served more food and he couldn't say No. A few times, the client tried saying No, but they didn't listen. 

Sounds very familiar, right?

This may not be a big deal if it happens just once. But, it happens more often than you would imagine. Not to forget the big difference it can make during festive season, say Navratri or Diwali when the celebrations can span over few days to a week. 

Moreover, habits form over time. This patten didn't start in a day. So, it will not end in a day. However, with small steps, you can definitely get there. 😉

Try once and slowly, you will be able to assertively say No. And, yes, it may require more than saying a 'No'. Sometimes, you also need to explain why this matters to you, i.e. eating healthy and in controlled portions.

Benefits of saying no to more food

Benefits of saying no to more food


Some people will understand and support you in your decision. Others may not understand and you may have to repeat yourself. Sometimes, you may be the only one avoiding the cake or sweet at your office party. Trust me, I have been there. It feels a bit weird at times. In the end, I do feel happy as I am able to follow what I believe in. 😃

Maybe, the next time, someone offers you a sweet, you can say No. 

Or, say No to extra serving of rice.

Or, say No to cold drink and stick to water. 

And, no, this is not being rude. This is just prioritising one's health. ✅ At first, this can seem difficult, but trust me, it gets easier with practice.


Do let me know your thoughts in the comments 👇

If you found this article useful, do share with your friends and family, so that they also benefit from this information. 😊

Thanks for stopping by.

Chandhini 

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