There are real diets and then there are politically correct diets. The difference between the two is how committed you are. I don’t know why this happens, but whenever you start to eat healthier, it feels like people are out to sabotage you.

I used to work in an office and I would bring a few pieces of fruit to eat every day. One of my pudgy co-workers pointed it out every day. Seriously. Every. Day. Being on a politically correct diet means you eat bad foods when under peer pressure or as a social courtesy. This article will look at 4 places where your real diet might turn into a politically correct diet.

Politically Correct Diet - Office

It always seems like you work next to THE junk food king or queen. They bring in a bag of Ruffles or Milky Way Mini-Bites and they’re always offering you some. Or there’s a woman in the office who’s a baking wiz; she brings in batches of cookies every week. She comes around to your desk, insisting that you try her latest recipe.

Politcally Correct Diet - Business lunches

Someone always orders an appetizer. Chicken wings, potato skins. It’s difficult to stick to your diet when eating lunch at restaurants 5 days a week. At my last job, most of the guys walked to this greasy diner every day for lunch. If I didn’t go, then I was stuck eating lunch at my desk and answering the phone.

Politically Correct Diet - Home

Whenever you visit home, your diet goes to crap. Happens to everyone. Mom cooks comfort food, none of which is on your diet plan. Man, I love that food. But after a week at home, I have to find new pants. Turning away food made by your mom sucks; you don’t want to hurt her feelings AND it’s usually one of your favorite foods.

Politcally Correct Diet - Bar

Ever since college you’ve been drinking on the weekend. But now you’re on a diet and you want to lose your gut. This is especially tough for men. Are you still one of the boys if you stop drinking? Is bar-hopping still fun if you’re drinking water? Every time you drink alcohol, your body stops burning fat until the alcohol is out of your system.

No one really cares about your diet. And no one is sabotaging you. It’s that your old way of living is in conflict with your new diet.You alone have to take responsibility for what you eat and drink. Are you going to be polite and have a slice of pizza or are you going to say NO?

Z.D. Zimmerman is a private personal trainer. When designing workouts for a new client, Turbulence Training is one of the few resources he uses. Visit his excellent health and exercise site and read a review of Turbulence Training.