If you’ve ever been “the fat kid” somewhere you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. In the fourth grade, I was the “fat quiet girl” that it seemed like nobody wanted to be friends with. I kept telling myself “looks aren’t important” and while of course I fully understand that to be true now – back then it was devastating. I was teased relentlessly all the way through fourth grade until high school.

We get all sorts of negative comments and looks – and while some people might in a sick twisted way think that will help someone who is overweight, it usually only achieves hurt and resentment.

Negative People are the kinds of people who don’t do you any good when you are trying to overcome an obstacle or reach a goal. They’re the ones who say “I don’t even know why you bother with that low-fat crap” or sarcastically snide “YOU workout?”

I wished for a long time that I could be one of those people with a snappy comeback. Unfortunately, I’m just not that good at thinking on my feet. I’m one of those types who hours later will think to myself, darn it, I should have replied [insert snappy comeback line here].

Instead, I’ve learned a few other ways to deal with negativity in my life, and thought I’d share a few of those here with you.

Walk Away: So much easier said than done, sometimes ignoring it is the easiest solution. This one works especially well for those you don’t need to see or deal with on a constant basis, such as the sneering stranger who gives you dirty looks.

Ask Them to be Supportive: Sometimes people are just completely ignorant that what they are saying could be hurtful. If you are surrounded by negative family members that you’re stuck with, this could be a good option to try and help the situation. Often though if you explain what they are saying is making it worse and give them some suggestions on what will make everything better then you might just find it could make a difference.

Be Positive: When life hands you lemons? Make lemonade, right? Every problem has the ability to become an opportunity. To a caveman, having no light was a problem – but such a wonderful opportunity to create fire. When a negative thought enters your heard or someone says something negative to you about your weight or your goals, try to rephrase it positively.

Get Out and Exercise: I don’t know about you, but one of the best things I can do when I am angry is have a “work it all out”. That’s the equivalent to a workout, except while you’re exercising you’re also burning off that negativity. Put on some angry music or join a kickboxing class. Turn that negative energy into a way to burn calories!

It’s frustrating when people say and do hurtful things, especially when we are working so hard to change ourselves. I hope my tips above will help you with this hurdle in the battle to lose weight – and if you have any tips for overcoming negativity I’d love to hear your thoughts & suggestions in the comments below.