May sound like a harsh question, but it is an important one to ask. "But they're your friends! Doesn't that mean that they're for you?" Nope, not necessarily. Even the best of intentions can sabotage your efforts to create a healthier you.
I've come across a couple of instances when friends were trying to be supportive but were really doing their friend a great disservice. Someone has an uber-stressful day at work and just wants to crawl into a greasy basket of fries and whatever else.
"Go ahead, dear. You deserve it."
"You've done so well eating healthy today. You should reward yourself with a candy bar.""It's your birthday! Go eat whatever you want!"
"Big is beautiful! It's okay to be large."
... If that's what you what for your life, fine. No problem. I'm not the food police and to each his own.
But if you're not willing to settle, but shoot for something better, I would suggest that you stay away from such toxic talk. Or perhaps you were like me, eating your way to oblivion-- and such suggestions could help you justify yourself to an early, miserable death. The question comes down to, "What do you want?" Once you have laid your course, make sure you have at least one friend who is set in helping you get what you want. I have my health coach. Then my close friends and family recognized how important this was for me, and supported me all the way.
In no way am I suggesting that you get rid of your non-simpatico friends! But just be prepared to stand your ground on your decision and not listen to the poisonous suggestions. They hold diversions from what you want. I used to get annoyed at the chant, "Big is beautiful!" That is, until I recognized what it really meant. I too used to chant this phrase of mock-confidence. That was when I gave into the lie that I would be enormous forever. Back when I hated the skinny people, because that was what I would never be. The "Big is beautiful" chanters are those who are trying to settle. But you don't have to any more. THERE IS A WAY OUT! I know! I was almost 300lbs! I was happy with my life, but not happy with who I was. But now, I'm released to be the person I always knew I could be.
Don't settle for less than what you are capable of... and true friends help you achieve that which is the most important.
