Be Connected, Part II: Salads and Cheeseburgers: Can They Coexist?

One of the most valuable reasons to cultivate an amazing network of health- savvy friends is support. The strength and acceptance it gives you, helps you connect with all of the people in your life who don’t always feel as committed to health and people who, many times, do not want to hear about the healthier choices. Full confession time--I am always tempted to try to convince my cheeseburger-loving boyfriend of all of the reasons he should eat a salad instead. I am sure many of you work to cook super healthy meals for your mate or family, hoping they do not notice the veggie balls which replaced the their favorite meatballs and at mealtime, you may even talk about important issues to share a new perspective. Now, I have never been at a loss for words and I am definitely not shy about talking about things that I am passionate about. But, a funny thing happened. Recently, my dad mentioned how great it is that I have become “so much less annoying about all of the health stuff.” Point taken! Good thing I’m not sensitive. Of course, my intentions were good, and came from a place of love, but I started appreciating the benefits of directing my health talk to my friends who are interested and only offering helpful advice to others when asked… (well, most of the time at least). Then, an amazing thing happened. I got a call asking from a certain someone asking for directions to steam broccoli, without a microwave, in a plastic steamer bag--I tried really hard not to gasp out loud-- and the next week this certain someone told me he was swearing off his favorite fast food burger joint and was going to try more healthy eating options. because last time he ate it, it made him feel terrible. I tried to hide my excitement knowing that this was an important step and I could blow it by going back to my old. It is all about baby steps, so I vow to be available for questions and advice and to bite my tongue at other times. I mean, it is about letting the healthy food do the talking.