Stop your diet affecting those around you

Let’s assume we have a friend called Jane. Jane has been trying to get into shape. She’s a size 16 and desperately wants to be a 12 and, for about four weeks now, she’s been having a damn good go at getting her eating in order.

The trouble started with Love Island. She’d been joining her teenage daughter each evening for the toe-curling steamy episodes and had got into the habit of TV snacking. Chocolate peanuts, biscuits, even crisps and half a bottle of Prosecco (special treat for the final) but, once that was over, Jane declared enough was enough and the booze and choccy were consigned to the loft.

Jane’s health kick (lots of protein, veg, and either oats, potatoes, rice or pasta once a day, depending which meal it is) was going really well – still is, I believe, but one of the biggest issues she has is managing other people’s opinions and sensitivities.

Top of the list is her 14-yearold daughter, whose favourite words at the moment are ‘flat stomach’ and ‘skinny’. Jane has nipped this in the bud and talks non-stop about health, energy and how you get out of your body what you put in. She uses phrases like ‘I could eat a horse’ and ‘Blimey, look at how many press-ups I can do now’.

Then there are Jane’s friends, who have noticed (not without a little envy) how her white jeans adorn her firm thighs and how her vitality and cheerfulness have hit another level. They watch her every mouthful at girls’ lunches and with a show of jealousy thinly disguised as concern, declare, ‘Isn’t it time you started eating properly?’. Meaning her determination is making them feel bad. Jane smiles and ignores it.

My message to everyone getting into shape this summer is to eat well, move your body and the rewards for your health and body shape will be huge – but tell no-one. Once your efforts start affecting those around you, then other emotions like guilt will colour your triumphs.