Do you bother?

[BedHead]

I joined Curves recently. I enjoy the workout. But the propaganda is starting. They're trying to convert me to 'eating healthy'. Of course I do eat healthy, but it's certainly not THEIR healthy, which is of course based on counting calories, limiting fat, eating Special K bars etc etc. I'm getting the impression they figure I am a waste of time since I am so misinformed about my eating practices.

I have no problem just ignoring it all, going in, doing my workout, and leaving. But I am wondering if you guys ever take advantage of a situation like this to try to explain why you eat the way you do, or do you just smile and nod?

[FairyRae]

I smile and nod.

If asked (by folks who don't really seem interested in TF--like my friend's 'nutritionist' sister in law who is all about fat free everything) what kind of food I eat, I say almost all homecooked from scratch, lots of veggies and fruits, and high quality meat...all true. I just don't go overboard sharing my beliefs on fats etc. unless in the presence of someone I think might *really* be interested. I am not looking for a debate, ever, and esp. if I were at a place like curves where I'm betting low fat, margerine, and diet coke is the way, I would do what I could to stay out of any convos about food (again, unless someone seemed honestly interested in hearing about/open to TF.)

I've been at dinner w/ folks and just mentioned things like, "oh, I think butter is way better for us than margerine b/c it's a 'real' food" when my cousin mentions how bad it is for you etc., and gotten really positive feedback. I lost a lot of weight changing my diet, so friends and family are often asking me what I eat, and I do share a lot more info w/ them, but keep it simple still. Some are very interested and I've sent them links to WAPF and other tf sources that I think they'd like. I think there is a time and place to talk about TF (for me), and I usually choose to do it in a 'safe' place where I can have a discussion about it--not a debate or argument. I don't do confrontaion well, and don't really feel the urge to!

I just don't think anyone is open to 'new' ideas (like TF) until they are ready for them, you know? When I started looking into all this stuff, the info just popped up before my eyes. But when I was vegetarian and whole-heartedly believed in it as the healthiest way to live (while being somewhat overweight and often sick), I was just not ready for info about TF, even though I'm certain I came across it a few times and just disregarded it as ridiculous and crazy...

Just my thoughts!

[crunchy_mama]

Smile and nod!

[lindsayjean]

LOL- I guess I am a pot stirrer, but I would explain away. But I guess it helps that I have an exercise physiologist and have training in nutrition (although the training SUCKED- all food pyramid type stuff, bleh). I would do it in a "this is just the way I do things based on research" way and not a "this is the best way for everyone" way (even though I *do* think it's the best way for everyone lol).

[bwylde]

I had a good opportunity today that I missed. I go to T-Zone and I got weighed and measured. 23.5 inches and 17lbs in a month and a half . They asked if I changed how I ate but I only mentioned that I recently had to go gluten free but I should of expanded more about eating healthy fats, meats, ect... since I made the whole shift in this time frame. I think when the proof is in the results, you shouldn't worry about what others think!

[ursusarctos]

I don't bother explaining, especially about the fats. I just emphasize that I like to include as little processed food as possible in my diet. I'll also emphasize the flavor aspect - nobody can argue when you say that you use butter because it gives a better flavor Let people think I put my taste buds before my health - it's their loss for thinking the two are mutually exclusive, and I know they're wrong anyway

[Elizabeth2008]

LOL.. anyone who thinks Special K cereal bars have value are not in a position to dole out nutritional advice. Have you seen the ingredients on those things? I usually just say, if asked, that I eat "whole food, cooked mostly from scratch and avoid processed foods." But I don't try to convert people as it just doesn't seem worth the energy. I did try to explain to someone once why "fat free foods" can make you very fat indeed. But that too ended up being a waste of time.

[blueridgewoman]

I used to, but I'm done now. I'm sick of being looked at with that "oh, poor, ignorant thing, she's going to drop dead of a heart attack" look. Screw it.

[abharrington]

yeah...i tend to just smile and now.