Why do people criticise clean eaters/healthy lifestyles.

Some people maybe will do this, especially if all they ever know is "normal" foods like for example, my coworker--the average American as she likes to call herself. She likes quick and easy meals like hamburger helper, canned vegetables and fast food. I eat very different from her and whenever she looks at my food, she'll shake her head in disagreement and tell me I need to eat "normal people's food." But I equate her criticism to her personality since she's stubborn and pretty much disagrees with anything that is not considered "normal" or "logical" to her; she's very ethnocentric too. Those type of people, they'll always criticize if something strays from the "norm" however, for the most part, in general, I don't think most people would criticize in the first place unless you give off a I'm better than you vibe when you talk about your food habits or you consistently make comments about nutrition or calorie content, etc. Most people don't think about all that and they probably don't care either.

Have done it, believe it or not...in fact I was excited about a new recipe for salad that I made last week. A friend said "Your food is what my food eats for dinner"...did I say that his way of eating isn't as healthy as mine? No. I laughed it off and said that it was hitting the spot because it was so hot outside and veggies sounded good.

*sigh*...but you'll fight tooth and nail until the end so...have at it and enjoy sitting on that high horse. Just don't stay up there too long..you know...don't wanna get saddle sore.

The problem is that people feel entitled to comment on your food, especially when you are going out - and especially if it is a bunch of friends who choose to target your eating choices as lunch time conversation every single time. I dont comment on theirs? I guess would be much worse if i was a vegetarian, THEN I would get it.

Only if you act in a way to encourage people to do it. And it they do, tell them to stfu and mind their own business. If they do not, get new lunch dates.

http://evidencemag.com/clean-eating/

When I read your post this is what stuck out...

"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."

If this is what you argue about...well...it sounds a little condescending.

"educated"...as if the person you are speaking to is not
"fussy about what goes in to your body"...as if the person doesn't care about his

Your attitude whether intended or not comes across as...superior to those that don't "eat clean".

One word ' Pretentious'

Ordering a salad = Pretentious
Ordering a burger = Normal

Normal beat the hell out the the Pretentious. The end.

Maybe you just need new friends?

Sometimes I'll order a burger. Sometimes I'll order a salad. I've never gotten a reaction on way or another from anyone.

And quite often I'll have a burger with a salad on the side. :drinker:

I love a well made salad. So long as they don't overdo the lettuce. I don't want to eat a crap ton of lettuce. I like variety and protein in my salads.

Because they think they are automagically 'healthy'

'Automagically'

I WILL find a way to use this word in a sentence at some point today.

DEFINITELY because they wish they had a healthy person's willpower and motivation. The only reason I can think of as to why people interfere or criticise is because they feel threatened by their success or feel guilty about their own lifestyle.

However, there is an exception for the stuck-up and judgemental "clean eaters", and yes there are many of them. The ones who look down on others for choosing to not follow the same lifestyle as them. Tbh they p*ss me off just as much.

That is exactly why you get criticized> I am better than you and I know better BS>

I could not care less if you are a vegan, a vegetarian or a meat eater. But if all the table need to adapt because of your "needs" then you will hear it.

Personnaly I find a lot of preaching "clean eater" to not be healthy at all. And to start with, define healthy? I am overweighted and I know it and i know why. I do not have diabetis, no cholesterol, not diseases of any kind. I can do lasting efforts without problem (2h tennis or soccer games). I consider muself healthy. If people do not like the way I look, I could not care less.

I have been reading through the thread and really have no idea what you must be doing to receive such reactions.

I eat as I choose, have never been obese and maintain a healthy weight 95% of my adult life. If I want a salad I eat it, seafood....I love . Nobody ever says anything....ever.

I have seen bashing from both sides here but I will say it normally starts with someone believing their way is the only way and that they are better than someone else. In just this thread, multiple people state.....no will power, no dedication, its healthier....blah, blah, blah. They are full of it. I have many on my friends list that have diets that I would criticize if they started spouting off that their way was the only way or that somehow it made them better than others but the people I surround myself with respect others and if their diet is brought up it is only if a question is asked or for cause, like looking for a special recipe or advice within their restrictions. Be respectful of others and they will be of you.

Also for all those spouting lack of will power, kiss off. Without medical reason limiting my sugar is up to personal discretion. I found out by logging that I eat relatively low carb...40-50 grams on most days. I don't mean too, I don't restrict....I am just not really a fan. Should I be condescending and look down on others for what comes naturally for me? :noway:

No matter your diet or mine....neither makes either of us a better person.

For starters.... Nobody really knows what "clean" is. It means something different to everyone. But the criticism is usually about the attitude behind it. Assuming that those who don't (according to their definition of clean) is uneducated, uncommitted, not serious about their health or losing weight, jealous, or are lacking in willpower. The attitude of "the reason you're fat is because you eat xxxx. If you just ate clean you wouldn't have this problem." It's the same reason low-carbers, juicers, etc get criticized. It's the vague air of superiority around it. I won't comment on your way of eating... So long as you afford me the same courtesy.

I've explained to people countless times that I do this for my health.
Having bloating due to ibs, a string of re occurring illnesses, pcos, constant tiredness at a young age isn't normal.
I do not care how others eat, I simply get annoyed when I'm criticised for doing something to help myself no longer be sick.

Issue is, you did not mention this in your OP - and the fact that you have found a way to help your health problems is great....but, see all the condescending (and inaccurate) comments that your post has brought about. All the people throwing the words 'jealous' and 'can't stick with it' and 'educated' and concepts that people who do not 'eat clean' eat junk and garbage.

You eat like you do as it helps you. Others do not need to do that, yet all of these responses assume that people are 'lacking' somehow...when it may be as simple as the fact that they just do not need to do it to be healthy and feel good.

I cannot see that people would criticize the way someone eats if it improves their health - it's all about the way that you address the topic.

Regarding threads here - there are as many threads where people call what I eat 'crap' and 'junk' as there are ones where 'clean eaters' are being ribbed. If people stopped calling other people's food cr@p, their diet unhealthy and that they lack willpower just because they do not 'eat clean' and eat some fast food, then others will be less likely to diss clean eaters.