One of the most common struggles I hear from clients—especially women trying to shift their nutrition and lifestyle habits—is this:

“I want to eat healthier, but my family isn’t on board.”

Sometimes it’s the kids refusing anything green unless it’s gummy bears.

Sometimes it’s a partner who rolls their eyes at your quinoa salad while ordering pizza.

Or maybe it’s roommates who bring home chips, soda, and fast food while you’re trying to keep your nutrition in check.

Let’s be honest, trying to make lasting changes when the people around you aren’t on the same page can feel hard. But it doesn’t have to derail your progress.

Here’s how I coach my clients through this situation - three things you can put into practice starting today:

1. Accept That Their Habits Might Not Change—And That’s Okay

This is the hardest step, but it’s also the most freeing. Your family or housemates may not be ready to make changes—and no amount of kale evangelism will speed that up.

That doesn’t mean your efforts aren’t worth it.

It just means their choices likely serve a purpose for them right now.

Your partner might unwind from a stressful day with a pint of ice cream. Your teenager might be craving autonomy (hence the refusal to touch anything green). Your roommate might just love their Friday night takeout ritual.

Here’s where Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory comes in.

Trying to change other people is exhausting.

Let them eat the chips. Let them order the pizza. Let them opt out of the walk.

You don’t have to like their choices, but you can let them have ownership of them—without letting it derail your own.

When you stop resisting what others are doing and start focusing on your own goals, things feel lighter. You don’t have to drag anyone along. You just keep showing up for yourself.

Try shifting your mindset from judgment to curiosity.

Instead of “Why won’t they change?”

Ask: “What are they getting from this habit?”

Or even better: “When have I struggled in a similar way?”

When you choose empathy, not only does it reduce tension at home—but it makes your own journey less frustrating. Let them do what they need to do. And you keep doing what’s right for you.

2. Be Persistent, Not Pushy

Here’s the truth: When people resist your healthy habits, it’s often rooted in fear.

“What if this food tastes gross?”

“What if your changes make me feel bad about my choices?”

“What if I lose the version of you I’m comfortable with?”

So if your family pushes back, don’t push harder. Instead, model consistency.

That means:

✔️ Keep making a veggie side dish—even if no one touches it right now.

✔️ Keep inviting them on walks or to try that new healthy recipe.

✔️ Keep showing up for yourself—with compassion, not control.

When they feel safe (not shamed), they’re more likely to eventually get curious.

3. Focus on “Doing You”

You can’t control anyone else’s habits—but you can control your own.

Stick with your morning walk, even if your partner stays in bed.

Pack your nourishing lunch, even if your coworkers hit the drive-thru.

Set boundaries that support your well-being, even if they seem inconvenient to others.

Because here’s what often happens:

As you become more energized, confident, and joyful, people notice.

And they’ll start asking, “What are you doing differently?”

That’s your opportunity to inspire—not force—change in those around you.

So, here’s your mini challenge for this week:

• Choose one thing you can do for you, even if no one else joins in.

• Practice curiosity over control when a loved one makes an unhealthy choice.

• Offer an invite—without pressure—to something healthy you’re doing.

You don’t need a perfectly supportive environment to thrive. You just need the right mindset, a little persistence, and a whole lot of self-compassion.

You’ve got this. 

And if you need more help navigating this in real life, let’s talk. 

Set up a free nutrition consult here.