Should I concern myself with others' eating habits?

stephaniemejia1671

I've been thinking for the past few days since I started eating better those around me haven't really done the same. I was at a family bbq this past weekend and all the meat that was cooked was the first to go, the salad that was made went untouched(except by me). I notice that my family's version of "healthy" means completely cutting off a food group(just an apple for breakfast, no bread, no rice etc) which after a while I learned isn't good. This said, should I bother myself of telling those around me to eat like this instead, or eat this instead, or would I sound like that "health nut" person? Have any of you guys tried if so how did it go?

vicrandom

Nah... lead by example until/unless they ask you how you're making your health journey work.

3dogsrunning

Nah... lead by example until/unless they ask you how you're making your health journey work.

I'm going to vote for this answer. As helpful as you want to be, it often doesn't go over well. And many people have different ideas of what "healthy" really is.

Cr01502

I would say just keep it to yourself unless asked.

And even when asked just give vague answers that don't seem to have any real concrete meaning.

This way you remain a mystery . . .

BurtHuttz

I would say just keep it to yourself unless asked.

And even when asked just give vague answers that don't seem to have any real concrete meaning.

This way you remain a mystery . . .

"How does one eat healthy? Like the wolf, I would wager. Become the wolf and health will consume you."

DavPul

it's a barbecue. unless your family does something weird and grills the lettuce then meat should be the first thing to go. the entire event is named for how the meat is prepared.

"hey guys, it's labor day and i'm inviting you all to my backyard salad party" is NOT going to get you a whole lot of rsvps. and being the downbeat simpson at the bbq tsk tsk-ing all the people trying to enjoy themselves isn't going to win you many friends either.

AllonsYtotheTardis

not sure what's wrong with eating meat...

bringing this up to your family will not win you any points. Lead by example, and when they *ask* how you got your great results, *THEN* you tell them.

pastryari

No. Mind ya business.

And it's a BBQ, the meat is kind of the point...

If there's a bunch of awesome meat being bbq'd, I wouldn't go near the salad either.

MinnieInMaine

not sure what's wrong with eating meat...

bringing this up to your family will not win you any points. Lead by example, and when they *ask* how you got your great results, *THEN* you tell them.

Yup this. Keep it to yourself unless asked, and even then, don't get preachy.
I'm not sure why some people think meat is unhealthy either...

3dogsrunning

it's a barbecue. unless your family does something weird and grills the lettuce then meat should be the first thing to go. the entire event is named for how the meat is prepared.

"hey guys, it's labor day and i'm inviting you all to my backyard salad party" is NOT going to get you a whole lot of rsvps. and being the downbeat simpson at the bbq tsk tsk-ing all the people trying to enjoy themselves isn't going to win you many friends either.

cwolfman13

I've been thinking for the past few days since I started eating better those around me haven't really done the same. I was at a family bbq this past weekend and all the meat that was cooked was the first to go, the salad that was made went untouched(except by me). I notice that my family's version of "healthy" means completely cutting off a food group(just an apple for breakfast, no bread, no rice etc) which after a while I learned isn't good. This said, should I bother myself of telling those around me to eat like this instead, or eat this instead, or would I sound like that "health nut" person? Have any of you guys tried if so how did it go?

What's wrong with meat? It is generally considered a healthy part of a well balanced diet. And I generally hate salad...especially at a BBQ where the point would be to eat all the meat. I don't even allow salad at my BBQs unless it is of the potato variety.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Seems like you're saying meat is unhealthy, which it isn't.

At any rate, I would definitely not make a point of telling other people how to eat. If they notice you making changes and having success and they ask, then you can share your wisdom.

DopeItUp

Who brings salad to a BBQ?

Meaganandcheese

Think back to before you committed to MFP and getting healthy. If someone in your family had approached you to tell you all about what you were doing wrong, how would you have felt and reacted? Probably not very well. No one likes an evangelical weight loss expert.

You are still in the position to live by example. Do your best for you, and eventually someone else will catch on or it will snowball with your family. You can bring healthy foods to family functions, maybe ask people to join you for things like walks or other activities, and otherwise I think it's best to keep unsolicited advice to yourself.

cmcollins001

Nevermind, someone stole my answer.

So, I'll throw this out there instead:

thisismeraw

Don't bother yourself with anyone else. Don't judge anyone elses diet. You need to be concerned with you.

Even if you did talk to them, they most likely won't listen to you, most likely won't change their diet and most likely will end up angry at you. People have to want to change for themselves. They may not have the knowledge on what is best or better or even how to change what they are doing properly.

Keep doing what you are doing. Some people may come to you for advice should they be ready to change their lifestyle. Until than, don't say anything.

Cr01502

Who brings salad to a BBQ?

People that don't get a second invitation.

Cre8veLifeR

Nah... lead by example until/unless they ask you how you're making your health journey work.

Agreed.

Jonesie1984

Nah.. you had your "ah ha" moment let them have theirs.. Unless it's your child or something. When they want to get healthy they will use you as a resource

iulia_maddie

Nobody likes salad. Not even Daryl, and i bet he was pretty hungry, with the zombie apocalypse and all..

usmcmp

Telling them they eat terrible is a great way to never get invited over for family events.

"Birthday party! Should we invite her?"
"Nah, she won't eat the cake and she'll just tell us how unhealthy it is to eat cake. Let's invite someone who will have fun and won't judge us."

bcattoes

This said, should I bother myself of telling those around me to eat like this instead, or eat this instead, or would I sound like that "health nut" person? Have any of you guys tried if so how did it go?

For those you care about, I'd say the asnwer to all is yes. I tell my family how to eat better all the time. They call me a health nut. But sometimes it does sink in a little (empahsis on little). I have seen a few small changes but not many, and usually only when faced with some health problem.

But, I am the one they ask when they have a nutrition question. It usually starts with "You're the health nut, can you tell me ..."

ctpeace

The only person whose eating habits I'm really concerning myself with now (aside from my own) is my 1yo son, and even that is 90% leading by example! In trying to get my hubby on board with the new healthy lifestyle, I've basically kept my mouth shut. He's already thanked me for not judging him and told me that I'm inspiring him to start making changes. Silence and results will be the best "conversion" technique for your family. Also, bbq is awesome and I hope you had at least a sensible portion of meat with that salad!

Sweet_Potato

"hey guys, it's labor day and i'm inviting you all to my backyard salad party" is NOT going to get you a whole lot of rsvps.

Depends on where you live I guess. I once had a bunch of people over for backyard grilling. I didn't know any of them too well, and didn't feel like getting into a discussion over food preferences, so I just made vegetarian stuff like I normally would for me and my girlfriend. As it turned out, one of the couples were vegetarian, another wasn't eating animal products as part of a religious fast, and the other two loved my cooking so much that they asked for a recipe later. Here in DC meatless food goes over better than you'd think.

bcattoes

Telling them they eat terrible is a great way to never get invited over for family events.

"Birthday party! Should we invite her?"
"Nah, she won't eat the cake and she'll just tell us how unhealthy it is to eat cake. Let's invite someone who will have fun and won't judge us."

I think you have a skewed idea of what eating healthy means. Birthday cake can be part of a healthy diet.

DesDawn24

Nah... lead by example until/unless they ask you how you're making your health journey work.

I definitely agree with this as well, although if their choices are affecting you directly you need to make sure that they respect your healthy lifestyle!

Unknown

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Thorbjornn

For me, bread and rice are unhealthy. I do best physically and psychologically on meat, leaves and berries, i.e. paleo.

usmcmp

Telling them they eat terrible is a great way to never get invited over for family events.

"Birthday party! Should we invite her?"
"Nah, she won't eat the cake and she'll just tell us how unhealthy it is to eat cake. Let's invite someone who will have fun and won't judge us."

I think you have a skewed idea of what eating healthy means. Birthday cake can be part of a healthy diet.

I don't. This is something I've ran into. Many people who have found out I've lost weight think because I eat healhier now I won't eat things like cake. I have a cupboard full of pop tarts waiting for me after this competition is over.

jessilyn76

I wouldn't give any advice unless I was asked, and even then, I wouldn't put too much stock in anyone listening!!

redheaddee

Nevermind, someone stole my answer.

So, I'l throw this out there instead:

hehe, this ^^^