Why do people criticise clean eaters/healthy lifestyles.

mshannond

I eat clean 90% of the time.
I tend to eat low sugar (5-6 teaspoons a day is my max. Usually less), gluten free minus rye bread on Sunday, unprocessed foods & lots of vegetables on a daily basis, combined with gluten free carbs like quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato, fats like nuts olive oil coconut oil avocado, & protein like eggs chicken & pea protein.
I make raw brownies, healthy 'Nutella', sweet potato fries, healthy pancakes & indulge in healthy treats like raw cacao almond butter cups & cacao hot chocolate. I eat dairy once a day and choose goats & sheep.

However I receive so much criticism from normal people on how I eat. I'm boring, obsessive, fussy, extreme & must be on a diet to lose weight.

I personally argue that I'm not obsessive, just educated. Fussy? Well I'm allowed to be fussy about what I put in my body. Extreme? Extreme is obesity rates, diabetes & being addicted to sugar & fast food. And diet? I eat in a way that gives me clear skin, energy, balanced blood sugar levels, great weight, energy & concentration sustained all day until bed, no more ibs and overall happiness.

Is anyone in the same boat here? I'm the only person I know that eats to nourish and solve my health problems, so no one else understands- do you think my way of eating is extreme?
I do occasionally cheat. However my taste buds have changed and I love to indulge in quality dark chocolate & pasta dishes rather then the sweet stuff anymore. I'm not afraid to eat 'unclean' or 'unhealthy' foods I just see how good I am eating different foods and loving it.

RodaRose

Often when people criticize or talk you out of something, they do so because your new way is threatening them.
It makes them look bad.
==
Quit talking to these people about this part of your life. Seriously. Your food plan is private and not open to debate.
Come here where it is safe because most of us are on similar paths.
==
It is great that you are seeing progress. That is an amazing gift you have given to yourself and your future.

MichaelRobinson1994

I get a lot of the same from some people on the same course as me at Uni!

I eat a lot of quality food, bring it to lectures in tupperware boxes and have that for lunch, when everyone else goes to the pub and orders burgers and hotdogs - and im the 'weird' one who eats properly and isn't skinny-fat or just plain fat.

It irritates me when those people also call my lunches boring or too expensive! - I'd love to know what is boring about Brown rice, with peas, scrambled egg and bbq marinated chicken, or how it's expensive, compared to the £6 burger and £3 pint of cider with it that all my coursemates have!

rynep

Jealousy and ignorance on their part. As long as you're not being snobby about it, I see no reason to care. This is simply a "haters gon hate" scenario. Most people don't enjoy listening to those that are assertive either, so just be careful with how you discuss your healthy habits when it comes up in conversations. I learned this the hard way. The only way to avoid this is to surround yourself with people who share your lifestyle choices, but that's a boring route most of the time, and blocks out potential relationships... so suck it up and ignore the incoming flak whenever it comes around.

Miffylou

I'm hearing you loud and clear.

I often get told that I don't eat normally.

The only time it bothers me is when I go out to dinner and get treated as an out cast for what I choose to order because I don't eat red meat or chicken.

Now I've just learnt to ignore all the critics.

soozy_q

As long as you are not being condescending to people that don't eat as well as you then they hould be happy for you. I't can be hard to eat completely non processed foods all the time. I am encorporating change slowley and feel much better. I used to get ill all the time, colds and what not. Haven't been ill at all this year, fingers crossed. I assume it my improving diet, or cutting out alcohol.

Docbanana2002

Well, let's face it: "normal" in American culture means eating a lot of junk and not caring about how many calories are there, what's in the food, etc. I think this is especially the case in the social circles and families of formerly overweight or trying to become normal weight people like me. I had overweight family and followed their eating patterns...I gravitated toward overweight friends who shared my avoidance of exercise and love of pizza. Even my job is a sedentary job populated by brainy types like me, who would rather read a book than ride a bike. Now I'm trying to change myself in the midst of this, and I have to go against the grain, not just fighting my own tendencies but being different than those around me. If you are going to eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight though, you have to be a bit "abnormal" and pay attention to some things others don't. Like reading product labels, measuring portions, avoiding or minimizing certain foods, tracking intake. I eat healthy, lots of veggies, became vegetarian about a year ago, and I got a lot of comments at first, especially about the vegetarian part. Some outright rude. But once people adjusted to it, they eventually let it drop.

I have seen changes over time....Now people tell me I am inspiring, how they want to eat better too, etc. Ask me questions about how.

In my case I've been careful not to talk about my eating, only when asked about it. I don't comment or appear to notice what others eat. I don't evangelize or say negative things about food my friends like or make an outward show of measuring/tracking/scrutinizing my food unless there is a reason (eg, asking the waiter if the beans were cooked with pork). No inconveniencing others by expecting them to accommodate or change for me. I just do my thing and try to be a good example without preaching. If there is a potluck, I don't insist on healthy food...I just bring some to share. I don't tell others to exercise...I might ask if they'd like to join me on a walk, to chat and get some fresh air. These things are generally well received.

I believe my approach has let to people around me being more supportive, because my diet doesn't affect them or make them feel like I am judging them. I just live my life and appear happy with my food and they can see the results from looking at me.

If you are continually getting a lot of negative comments, ask yourself if you are coming across in a way that could explain this. Do you outwardly display your disgust at their diet, making them feel judged? Are you "evangelizing" in a way that makes you seem obsessed? Have you made a radical change that has changed your personality in ways that make people want the old you back because the new you is preoccupied with food and physical perfection? Do you measure and weigh and log and scrutinize everything you eat in front of them, appear to be anxious about eating something "bad" or having a perfect diet, or act anxious about food not being right, so that you are giving off a " disordered eating" vibe? If so, maybe they are telling you something you need to hear.

If none of these are the case, then just hang in there and let your results speak for themselves. Could be that you just have people around you who don't share your priorities in this regard and they will need to adjust. You might need to be assertive to let them know that critique of your diet is not okay.

MaryJane_8810002

Lets be honest, there is only one reason: Because they can't "stick with it"

CharleePear

^^ Can we refrain from assuming we are all American...thanks I am from New Zealand for a start and that other guy used pounds as his currency.

I find in the country i live in it's actually a bit more encouraged, we are a little hippy I think, but I do get the "aww one plate of hot chips won't hurt." or the "Come on fish n chips on the beach, it's a kiwi tradition bro!" But if people know you are trying to eat clean they applaud it for the most part as long as you don't seem obsessive.

3dogsrunning

Wow. There are an awful lot of pots in this thread.

thesupremeforce

"Clean eating" is a vague term that tends to get thrown around by people trying to make it sound like their lifestyle is "better" than everyone elses. Since eating clean is rarely defined the same way by any two people claiming to do it, it gets annoying. Therefore, people make fun of it. Even your title tries to suggest that clean eating is the same thing as a healthy lifestyle.

Anyone who claims that his or her way of doing things is THE way to live is inherently wrong and deserves ridicule.

ChrisM8971

For the same reason that some clean eaters criticize those who are willing to incorporate processed foods into their diet, the same reason some criticize low carb diets, vegetarian, vegan and vice versa.

Because many do not accept there is another way that may or may not be better or worse than their current beliefs.

Frank_Just_Frank

For the most part, everyone thinks they're eating properly and "clean" for the most part. When you eat in a different way, they think it's wrong. That's human nature. They insinuate you're too strict for the same reason you insinuate they're uneducated in the subject.

Galatea_Stone

I think it's mainly because of terms like "jealousy and ignorance" and "can't stick with it." It presumes that people who eat one way are somehow better than people who eat a different way. It's asinine and condescending.

Also it might be because it cannot be clearly and concisely defined. One person's clean eating is another person's reason to look down their noses and say that it isn't clean enough. Says who?

I don't tell other people what to eat, but I think that my athletic performance and body speak just fine for me. I don't label my foods as clean or dirty. I just eat a diet that contains nutritional foods with a good macro balance and good micronutrient content, and I treat myself whenever I want without worrying whether something is "clean."

Why is it self-proclaimed clean eaters start threads to accuse people of criticizing them? Do they want to be criticized? I mean, if you don't start a thread seeking it, it is far less likely to happen. In the real world, stop telling other people how you eat and calling their food dirty and I'm pretty sure they will stop rolling their eyes at you and stop saying "oh, great. Another clean eater."

Jim1960

I like to look at it as an opportunity. Let's face it - eating healthy is obsessive - from their perspective. Eating the way you do WILL be noticed. And most people do what most people do and criticize those who don't. And actually, I'm not sure it's criticism in most cases. So stand up and proudly proclaim that you aren't normal. You're living better than normal and they should too!

AglaeaC

Everything is how one words it. I would focus only on how something makes me feel (less bloated, better skin, etc.) rather than evangelising like someone said earlier. You might not be aware of it, but how you write something may be perceived as intolerant (of "unclean" food) even by other people, who eat "clean" like you do.

Think about how you've worded yourself when a response has been negative in some way, make adjustments to avoid confrontations, and don't respond if people still want to take stabs at your choices. What matters is how your food choices make your body feel and that's it; the rest is irrelevant.

A healthy lifestyle defined by yours truly is "everything in moderation". While I rarely eat processed food, I still do that sometimes. And I enjoy the occasional ice cream or whatever without guilt. I don't wax lyrical about this, though, unless someone is interested in the topic. If someone shows a need to criticise whatever I do and it isn't harmful to anyone in any way, it speaks volumes of them, not me, so I don't get my knickers in a twist.

kgeyser

Perhaps it is not so much how you eat, but the attitude you project to others. Obviously, I don't know you or how your interactions are with others, but in your post, you said "I'm not obsessive, just educated" at one point. Comments like that can be divisive. While you may have meant "I've done research on food and nutrition and found that for my own personal body and my health issues, these style of eating is optimal for me and me only," other people may interpret it along the lines of "if you weren't such an uneducated ignoramus blindly following the herd, you'd eat this way too." You also talked about the improvements you've seen to your health since switching your diet, but depending on how you word it, it can come across as the only way people could possibly see these improvements is if they eat the way you do. Sure, they might be reading more into your statements based on their own personal biases or feelings, but you might also not being communicating your thoughts in an effective way that makes your position (this is my thing and my thing only, not an example of what everyone should do) clear and leave them to infer that you think they are unhealthy for not eating the same way.

My advice is to not make a big deal about it (not saying you do, again, I don't know you) and if people bring it up, don't get defensive about it. Just say that you've found this way of eating works well for you and your lifestyle. If they persist, ask them how something that doesn't affect them in any way is any of their business, and point out that you don't question their eating style or food choices because you respect their decisions as an intelligent, independent adult. If they still continue, simply tell them you've already given them an answer and the matter is not up for further discussion, then walk away.

Remember that it's not necessarily about clean eating or healthy lifestyles, some people just feel a need to stick their noses into other people's business and share their opinions no matter what the topic. Don't make assumptions that they are jealous, threatened, etc, because that is just as bad as them assuming that you are eating a certain way because you are obsessive, controlling, have body issues, etc.

nomeejerome

Wow. There are an awful lot of pots in this thread.

this

AglaeaC

Perhaps it is not so much how you eat, but the attitude you project to others. Obviously, I don't know you or how your interactions are with others, but in your post, you said "I'm not obsessive, just educated" at one point. Comments like that can be divisive. While you may have meant "I've done research on food and nutrition and found that for my own personal body and my health issues, these style of eating is optimal for me and me only," other people may interpret it along the lines of "if you weren't such an uneducated ignoramus blindly following the herd, you'd eat this way too."

Yes, this. Insinuating stuff about education etc. is just plain unecessary. It doesn't create an inviting and non-judgmental atmosphere at all.

Alluminati

Does being smug burn lots of calories?

invisibubble

Because a lot of clean eaters are preachy. It's like why people criticise the religious, or vegetarians. A lot of people who undergo a certain big lifestyle shift feel the need to convert others under the label of "educate". I like everyone, so long as they keep their opinions away from my throat.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Wow. There are an awful lot of pots in this thread.

George_Baileys_Ghost

While the style of eating is often critiqued, and sometimes mocked, it is typically the underlying superiority complex that many have, as evidenced by several posts in this thread, that is castigated.

AglaeaC

Because a lot of clean eaters are preachy. It's like why people criticise the religious, or vegetarians. A lot of people who undergo a certain big lifestyle shift feel the need to convert others under the label of "educate". I like everyone, so long as they keep their opinions away from my throat.

Heh, I just read an article on when one can call oneself yogini and while it was written humorously, I totally agree with the criteria "Once you've stopped evangelising and do it only for yourself". Our egos are surprisingly large and passive-aggressive often stems in the scenario of this thread, when someone doesn't even realise that's what they're doing.

nm212

I eat the exact same way and I feel good about myself as well! People are just jealous or insecure about their own bad eating habits so they may make comments or not understand or try to persuade you to eat the crap they are eating. Misery loves company! Be strong and just ignore them or distance yourselves from negative people.

I try not to talk about my healthy eating habits or persuade others to eat that way unless they ask and genuinely want to know. There's no reason to. I feel happy, healthy, more balanced, and in control of my eating which is a good thing! You are putting nutritious foods into your body! No need to be ashamed of that! Just smile and know that you are doing something right. You don't need other's approval.

Leana93412

People tell me healthy food is yucky.

And I'm like... :huh:

...You don't like nuts and honey?? (My favourite treat)
...Or dark chocolate covered bananas?
... Or steak and real butter?

They must think potatoes are evil.

RunnerStephe

I get that, and don't care, as they eat their big mac. I eat healthy for me not them.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

I eat clean 90% of the time.
I tend to eat low sugar (5-6 teaspoons a day is my max. Usually less), gluten free minus rye bread on Sunday, unprocessed foods & lots of vegetables on a daily basis, combined with gluten free carbs like quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato, fats like nuts olive oil coconut oil avocado, & protein like eggs chicken & pea protein.
I make raw brownies, healthy 'Nutella', sweet potato fries, healthy pancakes & indulge in healthy treats like raw cacao almond butter cups & cacao hot chocolate. I eat dairy once a day and choose goats & sheep.

However I receive so much criticism from normal people on how I eat. I'm boring, obsessive, fussy, extreme & must be on a diet to lose weight.

I personally argue that I'm not obsessive, just educated. Fussy? Well I'm allowed to be fussy about what I put in my body. Extreme? Extreme is obesity rates, diabetes & being addicted to sugar & fast food. And diet? I eat in a way that gives me clear skin, energy, balanced blood sugar levels, great weight, energy & concentration sustained all day until bed, no more ibs and overall happiness.

Is anyone in the same boat here? I'm the only person I know that eats to nourish and solve my health problems, so no one else understands- do you think my way of eating is extreme?
I do occasionally cheat. However my taste buds have changed and I love to indulge in quality dark chocolate & pasta dishes rather then the sweet stuff anymore. I'm not afraid to eat 'unclean' or 'unhealthy' foods I just see how good I am eating different foods and loving it.

Maybe you're coming across snobby because of statements like the bold. If you say something like "I'm just educated" then people may feel you're implying that those who don't eat like you are not. Even if that's not what you mean, it can rub people the wrong way. Likewise if you call their food "garbage," "junk," or "crap" it sounds like judgment (you didn't say those things in your post, but a lot of clean eaters do).

I'd recommend not discussing your food choices with other people. I'm not personally open to criticism or advice so I just don't allow that to be a topic of conversation.

I think that your way of eating would be extreme to me. However, if you're happy doing it and it doesn't seem extreme to you then that's what matters.

sculli123

Most people I come in contact with don't criticize me at all. But in the past the ones who did were usually women I was either involved with or trying to get involved with. They felt insecure as if I were going to judge what THEY ate because of the way I eat and workout. Even though I don't judge anyone. But I guess it's an insecure thing. Next woman I date will either need to be very secure or also very into fitness.

UpEarly

It's probably a combination of two things.

1) They feel threatened, jealous or inferior to you. Many people wish they were putting more effort into their health, and seeing/hearing others making the effort just makes them feel bad about themselves and they get defensive.

2) You might be smug or condescending about your diet. Whether they mean to or not, many clean eaters make comments/statements than can easily be construed as preachy and superior. For example, I have an acquaintance who is always making a big deal about how all her produce is grown locally and all her meat is local, free-range organic.. She always making a big deal over how much better her food is than the grocery store food the rest of us eat. It's annoying.

I think the best way to go about eating healthy is to do it but don't blather on about it. No one likes to feel like they're being judged and no one likes to have their failings pointed out.

weightliftingdiva

People are calling you extreme? IMO, whether or not you are extreme depends on

1. Whether or not you look down upon other people who do not eat like you do.
and
2. Whether you have a sustainable relationship with food that does not cause you mental duress.

If you are doing one of those things, reevaluate.
If you are doing neither of those things, don't worry about what anyone else says.

Edited for clarity.