*for my friend “slim” Jim.
CONCERN
Here we are minding our own business and along comes a colleague who just has to ask questions. I don’t know if it’s out of curiosity, envy or concern, but it always seems to put ya on the defense of your choices.
What am I talking about? You know, “THOSE” questions.
Why are you eating THAT?
Why all the butter? Are you sure that’s ok?
How can you eat steak on the “diet”?
I thought you were on a diet…how are you eating cookies?
You need to eat more… here have some Doritos.
You must be deprived. Does your doctor know you are losing weight?
Doesn’t your body need carbs and sugars?
This doesn’t seem sustainable…
As I lost weight throughout my keto journey, I had several people stop to voice concern. Some of the ways people show concern are different, most just said I looked great, others said I must be doing something different and everyone said they noticed a change. While those comments are welcome… it was usually followed up with questions about keto and weird looks about me putting butter in my coffee.
I’m use to the look of worry and concern when I teach them exactly what keto entails. I usually just smile and brace myself for the whiplash of question and scolding remarks about how it sounds unhealthy.
I am here to give you advice on how to handle these remarks.
PROOF
First, I know people are coming from a loving place. Second, I know that I have a deeper understanding of my own body than they do… also, I have spent three years educating myself on the science of ketogenic living.
They are exactly where I was three years ago- overweight, unhealthy, sluggish and duped into thinking that healthy eating was adding corn to the side of a hamburger instead of large french fries. I also had been a victim* to the Standard America Diet and the advertising propaganda about the fat free lifestyle that was pushed on Americans by the FDA in the 80’s and 90’s. I remember that way of thinking all to well, choosing the products that said “fat-free” because, well, basically I didn’t want to be fat. BUT I WAS. I was 50 pounds overweight!
The proof that eating keto was right for me was standing right in front of the person with all the questions. How can they think that I choose the wrong diet plan when they see me looking energetic and slim?
I recommend that you don’t try to educate them on the science of keto… leave that to me, but here are a few things I say to help ward off the snarky comments. I reply; “The path that I was on caused me to feel sluggish and carry more weight than I wanted.” They usually can relate at that statement. If they keep remarking about my food choices I simply reply; “My body showed evidence that I was not eating correctly due to my weight gain, food cravings, inflammation and fatigue. I was spiking and crashing during the day and now I no longer rely on snacks every few hours to make it to the next meal.” This is great success to me.
If you are someone who has also used keto to resolve other medical problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and\or diabetes, then consider the following comeback statement.
“I know I was heading down an unhealthy path by eating junk food, fast food and processed food. My doctor confirmed this by prescribing me pills to fix ___________________. (fill in the blank)”
“Now the pendulum has swung and keto had medically reversed my need for _________ prescription medications. My doctor confirmed this by taking me off my medication for ___________.”
“The need for these medications are an indicator of an unhealthy lifestyle. Adjusting my need for them is a marker of good health. I will continue to stay on the course that has provided me with improved result.”
Most things that Americans are prescribed now are for aliments that can be controlled by diet and diet alone. We need to grow up and realize that what we eat directly effects how we feel, look and live. Period. Making the change of what one puts in their mouth is taking full responsibility of their health and won’t have to rely on the expensive healthcare system here in America. Cutting dependency on medications frees up money to buy better quality food.
BACKLASH
Truth is, that some people just won’t “get it”. The idea of keto is hard for some people to understand. Others just fear change and seeing you change makes them uncomfortable with themselves. Try to encourage others by example and when\if you get an opportunity to have a meal with them, show them the food choices that you make and maybe they will be more open to learn.
If anyone here is starting their keto journey, or just wants to help a friend with the “basics”, consider my beginners guide. It can be found on Amazon. Here is the link….https://amzn.to/2LgYb1Z
VICTIM* = I DON’T CHOOSE THE WORD VICTIM LIGHTLY. I CLEARLY FEEL STRONG THAT WE ARE PURPOSELY MISINFORMED FOR FINANCIAL GAIN TO LARGE CORPORATIONS HERE IN THE UNITED STATES.