Tell Me About Your Health Journey Without Telling Me About Your Health Journey: Holiday Edition
How to Share Your Health Journey Without Overwhelming Others
When clients start their health journeys, excitement usually follows. They feel incredible, and naturally, they want to share their transformation with everyone. I totally get it—when I began my own journey, I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. The energy and joy I felt were life-changing, and I couldn’t stop talking about it.
But here’s the thing: while spreading the word about health is a wonderful idea, it’s not always received the way we hope. Not everyone is ready for change—or even open to it. Some people are perfectly content where they are, and that’s okay.
So how do you navigate sharing your health journey with others, especially acquaintances, distant relatives, or coworkers who might not fully understand your new habits? Here are some gentler ways to inspire curiosity without feeling pushy.
1. Invite People Over for a Meal
Food has a magical way of connecting us. Hosting a meal allows you to share a part of your health journey in an approachable way.
Ask about dietary restrictions: Simply asking if guests have any allergies or food preferences can open up conversations about healthier choices.
Serve dishes that reflect your health values: Share your journey by serving delicious food without making it a lecture.
For example, I love dessert, and people are often surprised when I serve gluten-free, lower-sugar versions of classics like chocolate cake or apple crumble. The secret? I don’t make a big deal about it. If someone compliments the food or asks for the recipe, that’s my chance to share more about the healthier swaps I made. Let their curiosity lead the conversation.
2. Use the Holiday Season for Healthier Gifting
The holidays are perfect for introducing healthier options to loved ones.
Chocolate lovers: Gift them a bar from your favorite healthier chocolate brand.
Baked goods: Bring a batch of cookies or treats made with better-for-you ingredients to share at the office or family gathering. Include a small note if they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or refined sugar-free, so people can enjoy them worry-free.
Exhausted loved ones: Know someone feeling burnt out? Gift them a week of prepped meals. A simple gesture like this can create ripple effects. One year, I gave my brother a week’s worth of healthy food. That small change jump-started his wellness journey, leading to over 50 pounds of weight loss and getting off several medications.
3. Make Friend Time Healthier
You don’t have to choose between a healthy lifestyle and spending time with friends. Instead, find ways to integrate your health goals into your plans.
Dinner plans? Suggest a restaurant with options that fit your lifestyle.
Weekend hangouts? Opt for a hike, a yoga class, or a smoothie date instead of the usual brunch or cocktails.
Alternate activities: Take turns picking restaurants or activities that suit both your needs and theirs.
If you know a restaurant won’t have many gluten-friendly options, eat a snack beforehand and research the menu. Sometimes, I’ll even join friends at places where there’s nothing I can eat. Why? Because the connection matters more to me than the meal.
Respect the Journey—Yours and Theirs
Getting healthier takes time, energy, and effort. You should be proud of the strides you’ve made! But remember, not everyone will take the same path—or any health journey at all. That’s their choice, and it doesn’t have to strain your relationship.
The key is respect. Respect their preferences, and don’t let health become a barrier to spending time together. Ultimately, your loved ones don’t need to fully understand your journey—they just need to know you value your time with them.
Final Thoughts
Your health journey is yours, but it can also inspire those around you when approached with kindness and patience. Share your excitement through actions, not lectures. Bring people together with food, thoughtful gifts, and shared activities.
By focusing on connection rather than conversion, you’ll find that your health journey can deepen your relationships—not divide them.
Ready to embark on your own health journey? You don’t have to do it alone. Join our Un-Perfect Collective, where you'll find the support, tools, and inspiration you need to transform your health and thrive. Let’s take the first step together!
