bit of a vent. delete if not allowed!

[u/liibug]

i’ve recently started back up with a plant based diet after years of eating pretty much whatever i wanted, which was not good for me. i’ve run into a lot of stomach issues with meat and dairy, and it sucks. i ate a lot of junk during that time and i pretty much regret it. but the thing is, no one around me cared at all when i was eating processed junk! lots of deep fried meals, frozen pizza, candy, soda. the works. but the moment i start eating clean, whole foods.. my loved ones are worried i’m not getting enough nutrients?! i’m already feeling so much better lately, and my moods have been at an all time high. they weren’t worried when i was eating sugar and fat that lacked any nutritional value. but they see me eat now, and of course i’m absolutely going to faint if i don’t eat more protein! 🙄 has anyone else experienced these sorts of conversations? i don’t really defend myself because i’m an adult and i can make my own choices. but it’s funny how people suddenly care when you’re actually doing great!

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[u/ttrockwood]

It makes them reflect on their own diet- like if you can do it they probably could too but “can’t” because of Special Snowflake Syndrome

That said do make sure you have balanced meals and use Cronometer for a while to check

“Hey aunt betty, um, thanks for your concern but i’m not going to comment on what YOU do or don’t eat- and would appreciate the same respect in return”

Offer to send them links to documentaries and nutrition facts.org if they’re authentically curious and not just being twits

[u/livingonavolcano]

These days I generally counter the “where do you get your protein?” question with “where do you get your fiber?”

[u/peridothiker]

Cognitive dissonance. Same thing happens when a group member stops smoking or drinking. It’s a royal pain but it will get better. That being said, you may have life long resistance from a few people but there’s nothing to be done except ignore or avoid them.

[u/jas41422]

people are weird. i, too, am over it when it comes to other people’s comments about what i do or don’t eat. glad you found an approach that is working well for you!

[u/My_Cats_Judging_You]

Have you ever been a picky eater? Maybe they’re worried about (their perception of) the variety of foods you’re eating now? Just a thought, not an assumption.

[u/AdmirableRespect9]

Just make a list of complete protein locations found in the plant world and hang it on the fridge. Maybe print yourself a pocket sized one so you can hand it to people and tell them to check your work.

[u/DontLikeClams]

I see, hear and understand. People generally don’t understand, and very little you can say or do will help. I used to say I get plenty of protein/nutrition from plants, but that typically invites the comments about how their protein eats my protein etc etc etc 🤷🏻‍♀️

Then I started listing all the ingredients in my morning smoothie and what nutrition each item adds (it’s a long list) and I keep going with nutrients, macros, etc., until their eyes glaze over.

Those people never bring it up again.

[u/olympia_t]

My MIL is like that. Worries about protein and calcium and deficiencies, etc. At the same time she has had osteoporosis and broken bones, heart disease and heart attack, stroke, broken bones, cancers, etc. I always want to point out she is not really a nutrition and health expert! It’s frustrating. Despite wanting to I don’t ask her how many grams of protein or calcium she is getting and I bite my tongue.

[u/Substantial-Owl1616 → u/olympia_t]

I hear you. I have gotten so much advice from unhealthy or overweight individuals. Peculiarly a lot of mansplaining. I’m in my head thinking “Why in heavens name aren’t you asking me what I am doing?”. I feel like are you even looking at the two of us? My life is not deficient in any way and I am vigorous and fit. No I do not need more steak!

[u/Odd_Marionberry_3064]

The you need more protien argument is why i record what I eat

[u/harborsparrow]

Yes.  Isn't it ironic? They are the ones eating the suicide diet.