by IFBB Bikini Pro Tiffany Boydston

Replacing bad eating habits with good habits takes time and patience. It requires several steps, from setting your goals to getting support. One important step is simply to know that this is the lifestyle you have chosen. Knowing this will make you happy and healthy in the long run.

Here are some positive questions to ask yourself while on your journey to optimal health: what made me stop eating like I did in the past? How do I feel knowing I’m not contributing to fat gain? How much energy do I have now that I’m eating wholesome, complete meals? How has my body changed for the better? How confident am I feeling now?

However, you may be also asking yourself these questions: how come my friends and family are judging me? Why won’t they support me in my decision to live a healthy, fit life? Why do they keep saying “just live a little”? Why did they accept me more when I was heavier and unhappy?

This is something we sometimes face when we bring our own meals to an event. It can also happen while out at a restaurant, when someone may roll their eyes and say to the waiter, “here we go again” or have the nerve to apologize to the waiter before you start to order.

I have dealt with this for quite some time now, and I’m sure most have. So this is what I say to my friends and family: who cares what people say or think? If I cared, I would be a miserable person. So when someone tells me “you only live once” or asks why am I on a crazy diet, I do or say the following:

• This is a lifestyle I have chosen and it makes me happy. Who can argue with what makes you happy? In my opinion, someone who doesn’t support that isn’t someone who cares and loves you for who you are.

• Do not care what people say or think if it’s negative. Since we were little, our parents taught us that if you do not have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Well, some people still do not get it. So be the bigger person let it go in one ear and out the other. Say nothing but positive and keep on eating your little healthy meals. Then smile at them while eating it. They’ll eventually get the point.

• Learn from those who do not support you. While they sit there and roll their eyes, simply explain how it affects you and ask them to please support it. While dining out, let them know you are an adult and they do not need to explain to the waiter, “Sorry, we have a picky eater.” After all, you are paying to have the food prepared exactly how you want it. If they do not understand this, then it’s time to re-evaluate who your true supporters are.

I have been blessed to make so many new friends along my journey to being healthier. I still have those who have been near and dear since day one, but finding friends that share your same way of life makes it so much more pleasant. So whether you have the support from others or not— this is your life. We have one precious life to live. Live it to the fullest, have fun and even add a few extra years to it with your healthy ways.