Peer Pressure - How to Deal When Losing Weight

Thought peer pressure was just for junior high kids? Dieters face it, too.When you're trying to lose weight, it's relatively easy to control your eating habits at home. But when you go to a party or out to eat with friends, suddenly things get more challenging. Part of the reason is the sheer availability of food and the tempting treats, but sometimes your friends or family are the culprits, too.

How many times has someone urged you to try just a bite of this or that? Or forcefully spooned some food right on your plate? Jillian Michaels has some tips for dealing with peer pressure:

• Communicate your needs ahead of time. Before you go to the party or restaurant, tell your friends and family that you need them to be supportive. Explain that you're trying very hard to stick to your goals and their understanding would be appreciated.
• Don't go hungry. Eat a healthy snack before you go out. Curbing your hunger will really help your willpower stay strong.
• Avoid alcohol. Jillian says that if there's one thing you're going to say no to, let it be alcohol. There are a lot of empty calories in alcohol and, for some people, one drink quickly turns into two or three.