Overrule Inner and Outer Critics

In this article:

• Many people who are trying to lose weight and live healthy face critics.
• External critics may be friends, family members, and coworkers. They may criticize your choices or appearance.
• Some people have an internal critic. Your self-doubt may make it harder to make healthy choices.
• Here are some common things you may hear, and how to respond so you can stay confident and on track.
• Lark is there to encourage you as you make healthy choices for life. Your Lark coach is available 24/7 to help you eat well, stay active, and feel confident.

There’s no reason to be a slave to critics, whether those negative voices are internal or coming from another person. It’s okay to acknowledge criticism, doubt, and discouraging comments, but responding with positive thoughts is more helpful than caving into the negativity. 

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Here are several examples of positive thoughts to replace negative thoughts or answer discouraging people. 

You’ll never lose weight. 

“You’ve tried before and failed. Why do you keep trying?”

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Possible answers: 

• I learn something every time I try, so none of my previous efforts have been a waste. In fact, I feel more ready than ever to make healthy changes. 
• My health and weight are important to me, so I’ll keep trying. 
• My doctor says I should make certain changes. 
• I feel confident that I have a plan to follow that will help me reach my goals. 

Healthy food is boring.

“Why would you want to eat like that? Healthy food doesn’t taste good.”

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Possible answers: 

• I’ve found some tasty recipes that I love. Do you want to try making one with me sometime?
• I find that the more I eat healthy, the more I enjoy healthy foods. Many healthy foods and dishes taste good to me. 
• I understand that you have different tastes than me, but I’m going to keep eating these foods that I’ve come to enjoy. Let me know if you ever want to try some of my new favorites!

It’s just one day. 

Just enjoy the holiday/weekend/dinner and start over tomorrow. It’s just one meal, so why are you so worried about it? You’ve been looking a little thin lately, so you might as well have what you want for this meal. It’s okay to cheat for a day.

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Possible answers: 

• I’d rather eat today in ways that make me feel better tomorrow. I’m still enjoying the holiday.
• I feel better than I have in years, and that makes me want to keep making the choices I’ve been making. 
• I don’t mind having a cheat day (or meal) when I want one, but I don’t feel like having one right now. I’m looking for foods that make me feel good.
• I’m actually more focused on the meaning of the holiday than any particular food. It’s wonderful to be able to spend time together.
• It may just be one day, but my body lives every day, and I want to support it. 

You’re no fun anymore. 

You used to be fun. Now you don’t want to do anything fun anymore. You can’t be spontaneous anymore. 

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Possible answers: 

• I’m sorry if you’re not having fun. I’m enjoying your company just like always!
• It’s true that I’m choosing healthier foods, but you are free to eat what you like. Together, we can still enjoy a meal and good conversation. 
• Is there an activity you’d like to do that you’d find fun? I like doing anything with you because you’re a great friend!

Why are you changing your habits after so many years?

You’ll never keep it up, so why are you trying? You’re being so strict that you can’t enjoy what everyone else is eating. You’re not eating enough to stay full or nourish yourself. 

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Possible answers: 

• I’ve really been enjoying choosing foods that make me feel good. When I want an occasional treat, I choose the exact one I want, and I enjoy it.
• Maybe I’m not eating what everyone else is eating, but I am enjoying my food choices. In fact, I think my tastes are changing, so I notice and appreciate certain flavors and textures more than I did before!
• I may be taking smaller portions of some foods, but I’m loading up on more nutritious foods so I can stay nourished and energized. Foods like chicken and vegetables fill me up very well, and that makes me feel better. 

You can’t celebrate [insert any holiday] without [insert food here].

Don’t you want to celebrate Christmas the way our family always does? Are you really trading our Thanksgiving just for some diet?

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Possible answers: 

• For me, the holiday is about family and celebration, not about eating. I can honor the holiday just as much by appreciating being with people I love and by thinking about the meaning of the holiday. 
• We can always create new traditions that honor the holiday and celebrate our health. Let’s feel good being together!

You already ate badly today, so give it up. 

Today is already a bad day, so there’s no point in going back to your strict diet now. You can just eat with us today, and go back to your own foods tomorrow or after the weekend. 

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Possible answers: 

• I may have made an unhealthy choice or two today or recently, but I have the power to make any choice I want for the future, starting now. 
• I know I didn’t eat that well this morning (or yesterday), but I want to reach my goals faster, so I’m going to get back on my plan starting now!
• Yes, I had a few treats earlier, and I really enjoyed them! Now I’m excited to eat other foods that I enjoy and that make me feel better. 
• I had some foods that I shouldn’t have, but they didn’t make me feel very energetic and strong. For now, I’m going to make choices that make me feel better. 

Try this - I made it just for you. 

It’s hurtful for you not to eat this because we made it specially for you. Don’t you appreciate what we made?

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Possible answers: 

• Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness! I’m not hungry right now, but I may try some at another time.
• Thank you for offering. I would love some, but my blood sugar has been high and I can’t have that right now. 
• Thanks for the thought! It looks delicious, but my doctor says I can’t eat those foods. 
• I appreciate your efforts, but I have an eating plan for today that my doctor wants me to follow. 

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How Lark Can Help

Negative people can only drag you down if you let them. Instead, stand up for yourself and your health. Lark can help you make small changes to improve heart health, lose weight, and manage or prevent chronic conditions. Your Lark coach is available 24/7 for encouragement, nutrition and physical activity coaching, and habit tracking. Lark can help you make healthy choices and establish habits that fit into your lifestyle so you can lose weight and keep it off with or without GLP-1 medications. 

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Click here to see if you may be eligible to join Lark today!

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