Although the holidays are over, these tips are good all year long. Besides, the Super Bowl, which means snacks galore, is just around the corner.Here are seven (polite) ways to handle the ìfood pusherî ñ those well-meaning friends and family members who want to push food on you. Food push No. 1: This is your favorite! Hand me your plate.Stalling response: “I can’t wait to try some in a little bit.”By not directly turning the food pusher down, they feel they’ve won and will drop the subject. Later, you may decide you want a small portion of the offered food, or not.Food push No. 2: Try this new dessert I made, you’ll love it!I’m stuffed response: “I wish that I had saved some room, but I’m stuffed.”No one can refute your statement about being full. If your food pusher is persistent, then let them know that having one more bite would make you uncomfortable to the point of pain.Food push No. 3: I made this dish especially for you. Eat up!Diet restriction response: “Oh man, that looks good! Too bad I can’t eat gluten.”Even the pushiest people are likely to back off when they hear you have a diet restriction. The key is to be consistent. If you say that you aren’t eating gluten then don’t reach for a bread roll.Food push No. 4: The food pusher puts something on your plate without permission.Spread it around response: Take your fork and spread the unwanted item around your plate to make it look like you took a few bites.You’re not making a scene; and, quite frankly, no one is going to notice. When food is put on your plate without your consent, you are under no obligation to eat it. Spreading the food around is a simple way to defuse the situation without eating something you didn’t want.Food push No. 5: You are too concerned with dieting.Thank you for noticing response: “Thank you for noticing the healthy changes I’ve been making. Your support means a lot.”Sure, the dieting comment was probably made passive aggressively, but nothing is stopping you from taking it as a compliment. Seeing you make healthier choices may be intimidating for friends and family, so approach the subject with understanding rather than defensiveness.Food push No. 6: Here’s a bag of leftovers for you to take home!Take a break from cooking response: “Thanks, but keep the food so that you can take a break from all the cooking you’ve been doing.”Every good host wants to send their guests home with something, but given the option they’d love to have leftovers for themselves as well. Compliment their cooking and let them know that you think they deserve a break over the next few days.Food push No. 7: We only have this dish once a year ñ you HAVE to eat some!I want to live long response: “That looks amazing! I’m going to skip it so I can live a long life and enjoy many more good times with you.îSaid with good humor, this drives home a serious point. You are watching what you eat so that you will be around for many more years to enjoy time with loved ones.By warding off food pushers, you’ll eat fewer calories and avoid weight gain ñ all to start the new year off right!Party survival guideA plate of appetizers is considered a meal. Don’t load up on appetizers and then sit down to a full meal.Survey all of your food options before beginning to eat. Choose a few of your favorites and then fill the rest of your plate with greens.Liquid calories count. Stick with only one calorie-filled drink and then switch to water.Eat a sensible meal before you arrive at the party. This will cut down on party food calories.RECIPE OF THE MONTHBacon wrapped scallopsHere’s a great snack to share with friends and family. The nitrate-free bacon and scallops contain healthy protein that will provide usable nutrients. Servings: 12Here’s what you need:4 tablespoons coconut oil3 cloves garlic minceddash of sweet paprikadash of salt and pepper6 slices nitrate free bacon, cut in half lengthwise12 fresh scallops1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with coconut oil, set aside.2. Over very low heat, in a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil. Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl. Add the garlic, paprika, salt and pepper.3. Dip each scallop in the seasoned coconut oil, then wrap with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on prepared baking sheet.4. Bake for 15 minutes or until the scallops are cooked through and the bacon is crisp ñ and serve.Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals 78 calories, 5g fat, 103mg sodium, 0g carbohydrate, 0g fiber and 6g protein
