Being too into it?

I'm finding that I need to keep my passion for nutrition and tracking calories to myself... or at least keep it to other nuts on CC. (nuts in an affectionate sense).  I don't think many peeps understand how important it is.  I think they see me as nutzo.  Is there an appropriate way to share how important your nutrition is to you?  I feel wonderful and I attribute most of that to eating well along with a decent amount of exercise.

I`ve found it easier to phrase my concerns in a way more people understand and are able to relate: 'empty calories', 'overly processed' or 'refined carbs' make you sound like a nut job. Instead, I tend to say 'I prefer this instead of that because it has more vitamins' or 'This tastes better to me than that because it has less of those artificial colourings and flavourings' or 'This tastes nice but I find it doesn`t fill me up as much as that'.

Make sure to make it about yourself and what you like instead of stating general truths like some nutrition god, because people will generally feel criticised and offended if they catch even the slightest hint that their ways are wrong. Besides, that way, you won`t get into any heavy debates - tastes can`t be argued, right?

I deal with this every day- and am grateful I have a partner who shares my view point.  What a sick American society we have.  I am grateful also that I have decided to veto TV- the ads drive me nuts every time I am in a motel- eat this crap and eat that junk!  I am a sugar junky and don't need more persuasion.  So be proud of yourself.  Sometimes its like I am the only one who doesn't smoke and am not hacking my guts out cause of making that choice.  Somehow it has got to be me who is not the 'normal one.'  Ha to that.  You have much to be proud of so walk tall! I also garden in a community that mostly flat lawns their properties.  Its good to have an attitude.  Keeps you young.

well, i like to learn about nutrition too but one thing i've learned is that just because you're excited about something doesn't mean other people are. and since everyone has their own issues with food and nutrition it might be a sensitive topic with some people. i know when i was recovering from an eating disorder i didn't want to sit at the work lunch table and listen to the ins and outs of what diet was good versus bad etc.

however, people might be more receptive about it if you talk in terms of delicious and healthy food you've tried and enjoyed, recipes you love etc.

in a related way, i have a really hard time not going on and on about the benefits of eating healthy meals and snacks and nut restricting calories or using many diet foods because after my treatment i learned so much and felt so much better that i just want everyone to understand that they can too! buuut, most of my family is still on weight watchers, which (although it is one of the more responsible diets) i still consider a diet.

I don't bring it up unless someone asks me about it. The last thing I want to be is the food nazi at the dinner table. I've overheard enough cringe worthy food related conversations in restaurants to not want to go there. You can tell if someone is interested. The desire to change has to come from within and evangelizing about a healthy lifestyle can be more alienating than helpful.

Original Post by ily51:

Make sure to make it about yourself and what you like instead of stating general truths like some nutrition god

 Wow ily, I just had a light bulb moment! Great advice!

Thank you

I know what you mean.  If I say "too many calories,"  or "got my fibre in" I get not too polite giggles, etc.

I usually say now:

"My body can't handle all the starch.  I'm glad yours can!"

"I actually get sick from eating all that sugar.  I must have a weak stomach."

Strangely once I started to word things differently, people started noticing the weight I have been loosing.  They also don't make fun of what I eat anymore.

I don't think there's anything wrong with being a nutrition nut. It's a good thing, and I'm sure that's why you are feeling great - you're giving your body what it needs. As long as you're not preaching it or pushing it onto an uninterested crowd, I don't see any problem with your lifestyle.

I, on the other hand, have pretty much little interest in nutrition. I eat healthy when the option is available and good-tasting, but I don't choke down anything just because it is healthy. Cutting calories to lose weight is pushing my buttons, if I tried eating healthy on top of that, I'd be miserable :)

My favorite things are meats and chocolate (not together lol!)

Glad I could help, judy!

Original Post by bananc:

"I actually get sick from eating all that sugar.  I must have a weak stomach."

I was once out with a friend who, after downing a whole pack of dried dates (200g!), then bough himself a package of chocolate biscuits (with chocolate filling) and a chocolate milk. I used something along those lines to excuse myself from participating in his indulgence, and for the next half hour I proceeded to hear about how healthy and remarkable his stomach and digestion are. *rolls eyes*