Rude & Negative People Along The Way....

As a long-time vegetarian, I've heard similar comments. Try not to let it get to you. Strictly speaking, a hummus and veggie wrap isn't 'normal', it's BETTER than normal! Deviating from the norm can be a very good thing.

They are probably self-conscious about the way they eat and rather than take control of themselves they choose to pick on you. I am lucky to work with a group of women (and 1 man, poor guy) who always make sure to have at least one or two healthy items when doing group lunches. Next time just say, "And what I had yesterday was just as delicious! You should try hummus sometime, you might be surprised by how normal it is".

Op, while I do not necessarily agree with people telling you to 'just brush it off' or 'they were just joking', I will say that the most important thing to remember is the issue is with the person that said it to you. Not you. In other words, something is going on inside of them that is making them be snide to you. Almost 100% of the time it has nothing to do with anything you've done. That is the most important thing to remember.

So in this case, they probably feel some huge pressure internally about eating healthy or something. You don't (and probably can't know) where it stems from. For all you know, the person had a mother that constantly put pressure on them to be thinner and scrutinized their food choices. Doesn't matter what their issue is, the important thing to remember is it is their issue!

With that said, I highly recommend an excellent book. May be one of thebest you will ever read. It is called The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz. Esentially the four agreements boil down to this:

Be Impeccable With Your Word
Don't Take Anything Personally
Don't Make Assumptions
Always Do Your Best

But the read and explanation is excellent.

Within that, both the fact that it is their issue and that you can become a little more detached in your observation and reaction to their comments, that is not to say you do not have the right to set boundaries with people! You absolutely do and should. The important thing is to set the boundaries in a clear, direct way that are consistent with your own integrity as well.

So, for example, after her comment here, I might have asked her why she thought that was a normal lunch and if she thought I was eating abnormal lunches on other days. Depending on what she said, I might have simply stated 'I feel really good about my new culinary expansion and experimentation phase I've been exploring, but I admit I'm uncomfortable with you commenting that it is somehow abnormal. If you are saying that because it is something you are unfamiliar with, but interested in, I'm happy to swap recipes with you'. (Depending on my past experiences with the individual I might add), 'But if it is my lifestyle choice in relation to food that you are commenting on, I'd prefer you keep your thoughts to yourself as I'm quite comfortable and happy with my current lifestyle'.

Anyways, sorry you had to deal with a jerky coworker. Unfortunately there are unhappy people in the world that like to spread their unhappiness. But, there are always happy people too, don't forget. And her actions will become apparent to all sooner or later. Just make sure you keep your own integrity in your interactions, that is the most important.

This happens everywhere; the rumor around my workplace is that I lost 100 lbs snorting coke. I am not going to chase down that rumor and stamp it out. Instead, I will act shady every time I go to the restroom and make them all cluck like the little hens they are. Have to have thick skin and just go with it. These aren't people that I hang out with outside of work, so I am not really concerned what they think.

I know this sounds like a broken record of what the majority of the responses are/ will be- but don't let it get to you! Whether it's a friend, relative, co-worker, or complete stranger- people are human and have flaws. The motivation for their comments may come from envy, from their own unhappiness, a good place, or a multitude more- it's not our job to figure it out.

Just last night I was telling someone I've known for a while and thought was a friend that I was having pop chips, because for a healthier 120 calories I could give in to a craving a little bit. He said "haha, looks like your fatty gene won". I have no idea where this came from, since he seemed glad of my success prior- but I let it slide and only said a positive rebuttal, that my "fatty gene" has lost me 40 lbs and built me a good bit of muscle.

Either way, like many other members have also said, don't worry about her thoughts on your lunch and enjoy your healthy journey!

The most successful people in the world wouldn't have been successful if they listened to what negative things others say on a regular basis.
Get thick skin like a rhino.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Around my job we mess with each other all day, I would venture to say the person didn't really mean anything by it , they just didn't realize how important it is to you. If you didn't know this person then that might be a different story. Just joke back and take it for what it is.

“Be kind to unkind people – they need it the most.” - Ashleigh Brilliant, artist and writer.

Op, while I do not necessarily agree with people telling you to 'just brush it off' or 'they were just joking', I will say that the most important thing to remember is the issue is with the person that said it to you. Not you. In other words, something is going on inside of them that is making them be snide to you. Almost 100% of the time it has nothing to do with anything you've done. That is the most important thing to remember.

So in this case, they probably feel some huge pressure internally about eating healthy or something. You don't (and probably can't know) where it stems from. For all you know, the person had a mother that constantly put pressure on them to be thinner and scrutinized their food choices. Doesn't matter what their issue is, the important thing to remember is it is their issue!

With that said, I highly recommend an excellent book. May be one of thebest you will ever read. It is called The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz. Esentially the four agreements boil down to this:

Be Impeccable With Your Word
Don't Take Anything Personally
Don't Make Assumptions
Always Do Your Best

But the read and explanation is excellent.

Within that, both the fact that it is their issue and that you can become a little more detached in your observation and reaction to their comments, that is not to say you do not have the right to set boundaries with people! You absolutely do and should. The important thing is to set the boundaries in a clear, direct way that are consistent with your own integrity as well.

So, for example, after her comment here, I might have asked her why she thought that was a normal lunch and if she thought I was eating abnormal lunches on other days. Depending on what she said, I might have simply stated 'I feel really good about my new culinary expansion and experimentation phase I've been exploring, but I admit I'm uncomfortable with you commenting that it is somehow abnormal. If you are saying that because it is something you are unfamiliar with, but interested in, I'm happy to swap recipes with you'. (Depending on my past experiences with the individual I might add), 'But if it is my lifestyle choice in relation to food that you are commenting on, I'd prefer you keep your thoughts to yourself as I'm quite comfortable and happy with my current lifestyle'.

Anyways, sorry you had to deal with a jerky coworker. Unfortunately there are unhappy people in the world that like to spread their unhappiness. But, there are always happy people too, don't forget. And her actions will become apparent to all sooner or later. Just make sure you keep your own integrity in your interactions, that is the most important.

I think i'm having "de ja vous" from this morning

Love your attitude by the way

to the op do what you want to do,relax it will all happen in time good luck even though i know its not luck

"You cannot control the people around you, but you can control how you react to them"

"No one can MAKE you feel bad about yourself without your permission"

"Life is hard, get a helmet"

I seem to say one or more of these to myself or someone else on daily basis. To heck with what others think, do your own thing for your own reasons.

"Lions mustn't concern themselves with the opinions of lambs"