How to Persuade People to Eat Healthy

When you see your loved ones, coworkers and friends continuing on a path of self-destruction through unhealthy eating and a spoiled body image, you likely want to help them. Unfortunately, often they don't want to help themselves. Persuade people to eat healthy by presenting healthy foods as an easy and attractive option, and letting them know facts and statistics about what could happen if they continue their bad eating habits. Armed with the right information, you can help your friends and family to look and feel better through healthy eating.

Share facts and statistics that pertain to the importance of eating healthy foods. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 30 percent of Americans are considered obese, and the "Journal of Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases" points to obesity as the leading cause of heart failure resulting in death 1. These scary facts may be enough to help your friends and family members consider a healthier way of life. Let them know you want them to be around for a long time.

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Make healthy eating an attractive option by offering healthier meals that are tasty, and healthy snacks that are a quick and easy alternative to fattier choices, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Keep chopped fruits and vegetables on hand for a quick snack or salad, and try new recipes often that use herbs and spices for flavor, instead of sugar, butter and other fats.

Be a good example in the way that you eat. When at a restaurant, gently suggest better choices for your friends. Allow your family to see you making better choices when you sit down to eat dinner so that they can see you are concerned about healthy eating and that you practice what you preach.

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Institute a challenge or competition for eating healthy for everyone to participate in. Some companies will sponsor a healthier lifestyle or weight loss competition. Provide incentives for those who are eating healthy and seeing changes in their body and energy level.

Offer positive encouragement for healthier eating. Instead of saying "I don't want you to be overweight", say "You look so much healthier this way." Positive encouragement can help your friends and family feel better about themselves and continue on a path of healthier eating.