To my brethren and sistren* converted from deep and woo

kgeyser wrote: »

I generally don't assume that people talking about health and fitness are looking for my input any more than I think parents talking about their kids are looking for parenting advice. If they actually want my opinion, they'll ask for it, but I don't go around telling people they are wrong or it's "woo" (I really dislike that term because I think people see it as a judgement about them as a person, so I don't use it).

I don't know someone else's whole story, so I'm not going to stick my nose in and pretend I know best, and when it comes to certain weight loss myths, there usually is some grain of actual fact in there, but usually not the proper reasoning. For example, don't eat after a certain time, people think that's because of metabolism or because their digestive systems stop when they sleep, when actually it's just another trick to get into a calorie deficit. Do I wish they understood the real reason? Sure. Is it really worth the battle if they choose to just stop eating at 9 pm because they think their digestive system clocks out at the end of the day? Nope, especially if it is helping them stick to their plan and improve their health. To me, that's more important than "being right."

Yes. And I too don't like the term "woo". Or "special snowflake". You can get your point across without insulting the person who believes differently than you.

kgeyser wrote: »

I generally don't assume that people talking about health and fitness are looking for my input any more than I think parents talking about their kids are looking for parenting advice. If they actually want my opinion, they'll ask for it, but I don't go around telling people they are wrong or it's "woo" (I really dislike that term because I think people see it as a judgement about them as a person, so I don't use it).

I don't know someone else's whole story, so I'm not going to stick my nose in and pretend I know best, and when it comes to certain weight loss myths, there usually is some grain of actual fact in there, but usually not the proper reasoning. For example, don't eat after a certain time, people think that's because of metabolism or because their digestive systems stop when they sleep, when actually it's just another trick to get into a calorie deficit. Do I wish they understood the real reason? Sure. Is it really worth the battle if they choose to just stop eating at 9 pm because they think their digestive system clocks out at the end of the day? Nope, especially if it is helping them stick to their plan and improve their health. To me, that's more important than "being right."

I also really dislike that term, largely for the same reason. So, even if I were to say something, first of all I would not use that term.

Generally, since I spend most of my time around coworkers they're the ones I hear the misinformation from. Wouldn't really promote a good work environment to tell them they're wrong. I've seen some Herbalife stuff there. Several people add chia seeds to their drinks, and I'm not exactly sure how they think it aids weight loss, but I know that's why they're using it. (I'm not against chia seeds. I will eat chia seeds sometimes, but for their nutritional content.) I know one coworker knows about MFP, but I'm pretty sure she doesn't use it. I did overhear her talking about counting carbs some time back (but she still hasn't lost weight).

A lot of coworkers exercise during our lunch break and I know some of them think that's what's needed for weight loss. Any coworker I've ever heard talk about weight loss thinks you have to eat "well" all the time, or maybe just have one cheat day a week. That alone discourages some of them. Unfortunately, one woman in our office has lost a lot of weight, but she does it by eating little and "healthy" during the week and having a cheat day. (I say this based on what I have seen her eat and heard her say - oatmeal or green beans or banana for breakfast, salad with protein for lunch. Obviously I don't know what she eats at home. But that's what we all see and hear.) She also works out like a maniac. I mean, really. It's seems almost like an obsession. She lost the weight fairly quickly. I think what we perceive her to have done to lose weight supports misconceptions. So, I'm surrounded by lots of misinformation.

Because they're coworkers, and it's a small office, I wouldn't help myself by trying to correct them. Unfortunately, I'm also still a bit overweight and I'm very much in the camp of losing slowly for two reasons - preserving as much muscle as I can and being fueled enough to make progress with my workouts. So, if I were to try to correct them, I could easily see them dismissing what I have to say.

None of it's worth it, so I just say nothing.

Wheelhouse15 wrote: »

Were they at least organic tabaco cigarettes? A lot of med students go in with funny ideas in their heads but they usually get straightened around, unfortunately not always and you end up with a Oz, Taubes or Mercola with chops. >.<

Luckily, in this case these aren't people studying to be doctors. I'm in a medical coding program, so no one will have contact with patients. But a lot of them have a medical background, so I guess I just assumed they would know better.

WinoGelato wrote: »

I try to keep my mouth shut, smile and nod, and extract myself quickly from the conversation... Then I vent to people on my FL!

The one exception I always make to that strategy above is when people bring up FoodBabe. Then I absolutely cannot keep my mouth shut.

Yes, there is a qualification to my keeping my mouth shut too. If a ridiculous person like Food Babe or Freelee or Gwyneth Paltrow is mentioned, all bets are off.

I believe the important questions to ask yourself are: is this person's woo belief likely to cause harm to them or others? If yes, do I know them well enough to try and change their beliefs? How likely is it that your providing other evidence will change their minds if they're invested in their beliefs (which is something I see in this forum a lot)?

If I think what they're pushing is dangerous to themselves or others (including me), I'll give them the facts but if it appears they're not going to budge I'll leave it at that. I've done my part. If it's not dangerous, I'll ignore it and walk away.

If someone tells me that a mixture of cayenne pepper, maple syrup and lemon juice has all the nutrition you need -- I'm going to call BS because it's a clear danger to her and others. If someone tells me that essential oils have healing properties, I'm going to tell her, that's nice, but don't stop going to the doctor.

rabbitjb wrote: »

juggernaut1974 wrote: »

prettysoul1908 wrote: »

Great anecdotes!! Some really funny stories!

My apologies to anyone offended by the word woo. I look at is as just... A word. For me it describes weight loss theories proclaimed as the holy grail. I used to believe them. I used to fail. I thought my metabolism was "broken". Recognizing "woo" pulled me out of a disappointing cycle.

And please don't misunderstand my approach. There's no jumping in strangers convos or butting in personal dialogues. I'm talking about discussions one might be part of.

No need to apologize. Woo is woo. There's no insult intended towards the person for calling out bad information for what it is.

In MY opinion, if someone is insulted that blatantly false information (nutrition/fitness related or otherwise) is called out as such, then perhaps he or she should look more deeply as to why that effects them so personally.

Today I shall be mainly following you around and agreeing with what you say

I've always wanted a pet rabbit

I can't help but be an *kitten*. It's in my genetic makeup lol.

I question - from a place of polite curiosity - all claims and counter with actual science. I always leave it up to them to put the pieces together, though. Unless it's someone close to me, then I call BS like I see it.