What can we do when we don't get support from the people around us?

The way the people around us (mostly family and friends, but also co-workers or anyone else, for that matter) support us—or don’t support us—on our healthy lifestyle journey is often a deal breaker (or maker). Unfortunately, I have met so many people who simply couldn’t keep up with eating healthy because they had to cook unhealthy food for their family (and couldn’t resist eating it too), or because friends convinced them that red meat is crucial for their health...

This way or another, the bottom line is: it’s YOUR choice. And I’m happy to share with you my personal story:

Up until the age of 40, I was certain that I was eating healthy. I ate the Standard American Diet (also known as SAD—and funny enough, it is sad that this is what so many people are eating every day). When my thyroid got sick and I searched for a natural way to heal it (after the doctor promised me that I’d have to take pills for the rest of my life!), I started to learn what healthy food choices truly are.

My family (my husband and four kids) loved the (not-so-healthy) food I cooked for them every day until then. They were not ready for a change! Especially not my husband and oldest son; both of them loved meat (and ate it almost every day), dairy, and many other processed foods. There was simply no way I could stop having meat and dairy at home!

On top of that, my third son was only 3 years old, and my youngest daughter was just a baby. I was terrified that the new diet might not be good enough for them. Would they get enough protein, calcium, and whatever else they needed in order to grow? I had many questions, so I read many studies and learned until I got all the answers I needed.

And it wasn’t just the family, of course! We also had many friends and endless social events and dinners where food was the center of everything. And not exactly healthy food, thanks for asking.

I started my healthy journey by myself, and at times I felt very lonely. My second daughter was the only one who happily gave up meat and later even joined my daily salad celebrations. My younger kids grew up with this lifestyle, pretty much, so it’s natural for them now.

It took me almost two years to reach a point where most of my family understood me completely (and I preached A LOT about healthy food!), and then it was OK to stop buying meat, dairy, and other processed foods such as chips and candies of all kinds. It was only my oldest son who never gave up meat, but he respected me and stopped having it at home.

After my husband saw how my new lifestyle helped me heal my thyroid, he understood how powerful it is and changed most of his habits himself. Even my friends started to love my new healthy dishes! And over the years, I expanded my circle of friends to include new people who also chose a healthy lifestyle.

You see, it’s a choice—even when it’s very difficult to make it!

Yes, getting support from family and friends is important, but even when you don’t get it, be strong! After all, it’s your health and well-being on the plate. Taking the time to prepare food only for yourself is a great act of self-love! Always remember that self-love doesn’t mean you are selfish; it’s actually the opposite. Choosing a healthy lifestyle means that you don’t only care for yourself—you also care for your family. Your family needs a healthy mother/wife/grandmother/sister/daughter—whatever you are for them, they need you to be healthy and happy!

You are welcome to join my private support group, where you can connect with like-minded people and get support, tips, tricks, recipes, and ideas. You will also be able to share your personal experience and inspire others!