Dealing with peer pressure and staying on track

Peer pressure is something that I deal with on a daily basis- from my colleagues at work tempting me with cake to feeling pressured to skip workouts to go to events. While I have never been the type to be peer pressured into anything, it still happens and is something that we all have to deal with.  I am lucky to have such a great support system who encourage and motivate me to aim for the top.

Growing up I was always the girl that ate McDonalds for every meal and could eat anyone under the table in an eating competition. When I first started competing, I had to change my nutrition to get my body into optimum condition but people couldn’t understand why I had to eat a certain way.  People would say “relax a little, eat this burger, eat that donut”. While it is important to have a few treats every now and again, sticking to your diet is what will create the body of your dreams – after all abs are made in the kitchen!

My parents are the most important people in my life and at first they did not understand my lifestyle and it left me upset and it felt like they weren’t supporting me. After feeling this way, I decided to sit down with them and explain the lifestyle, my goals and dreams, the reason why I wanted to compete and that their support is what would help me accomplish this. After doing this, I have had their full support and understanding – they even ask me for tips!

I suggest talking to those closest to you about your goals and ask them to not tempt you with food that isn’t on your plan. There are many times when I have to sacrifice going to see my friends, partner and family, to go to the gym and I am lucky that I have the support and understanding from them. Education is also key. If the people closest to you understand the lifestyle, they will be able to support you better on your fitness journey. 

Most of all go out there, do something towards your goals every day and do what makes you happy. If it makes you happy, this will reflect on others.