How To Handle Food Pushers

We’ve all been there: you’re at a social event, you’ve made positive food choices without being excessively restrictive...

And suddenly you’re facing a food pusher.

You know, the person who insists—multiple times—that you have another serving or try just one more thing.

It can feel impossible to say no, and before you know it, you’re eating out of pure obligation.

Not only does this create pressure in the moment, but it often leaves you frustrated afterward, regretting a choice you didn’t want to make.

There are lots of reasons why food pushers do what they do.

Maybe they genuinely believe you’ll enjoy yourself more if you say yes to what they’re offering.

Or maybe your “no” makes them feel self-conscious about their own choices.

Either way, f*ck that.

If I offer you some food and you say no, my job is to respect what you said.

Here’s how I handle this kind of situation:

Food Pusher: “Hey Daniel, would you like some more?”  
Me: [smiling] “No thanks, I’m good.”  
Food Pusher: “Are you sure?”  
Me: [still smiling] “Totally sure.”  
Food Pusher: “Oh, go on, have some more.”  
Me: [still smiling, although I’d love to tell them to f*ck off at this point] “Oh, I WISH I could because that was DELICIOUS, but I’m TOTALLY full. Thanks anyway.”

Nine times out of ten, this does the trick.

You’re not really saying no—you’re saying you’d love to say yes, but it’s literally impossible.

Some food pushers may try to make you feel guilty, like, “But I spent so long preparing this!”

In that case, stay firm. Repeat your line: “I really appreciate that, but I’m just so full.”

And remember, you always have the option of looking the food pusher straight in the eye and firmly saying, “No.”

“No” can be a complete sentence.

Sometimes, that level of directness is all it takes to stop them in their tracks.

Stand your ground, and remember, your choices are yours alone.