Starting a carnivore diet or a meat-based diet might feel like being on an adventure, and while the benefits could be great, probably you’ve already subjected yourself to one strain in the form of critics. Whether friends, family, or coworkers, people can get loud about your choice to eat differently-sometimes due to pure curiosity, sometimes out of concern, and most times because it’s against everything they believe to be right about food.
You’ll hear statements such as, “Eating so much meat will kill you!” or, “That’s so extreme; it can’t be healthy.” Some might even say, “I’m worried about you” or dismiss your choice altogether as “stupid.” It’s not cool, especially when you’re purely trying to do something good for your health and well-being. Truth is, most of the comments are out of love or deeply ingrained beliefs about nutrition. They are not trying to do any harm; they are just either worried or confused.
So, how do you deal with these moments? How can you tastefully hold your ground without everything devolving into a debate at every meal? The key is to maintain a calm demeanor, be upbeat, and stay kind, even if what someone says blindsides you. Having the response come from a place of empathy can diffuse the conflict, and, perhaps, it may stir a seed of curiosity into why you choose this way of eating.
To assist you, I put together ten straightforward responses to use when someone asks about your diet. These are more meant as a way of explaining your choices, compassionately and politely, while managing to keep the conversation going. Let’s dive into it!
1. “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve done a lot of research, and this feels right for me.”
- Why it works: Acknowledges their worry while calmly affirming your decision.
- Example: “Thank you for caring about me! I’ve looked into this a lot and feel confident it’s improving my health.”
2. “I understand why you might think that—it’s a common belief. But I feel amazing eating this way.”
- Why it works: Validates their perspective without agreeing, then shifts focus to your positive experience.
- Example: “I used to think the same, but my energy, bloodwork, and overall health have improved so much since I started.”
3. “I’m experimenting to see what works for my body—so far, I feel fantastic!”
- Why it works: Frames it as a personal experiment, making it harder to argue against.
- Example: “This is just something I’m trying for myself. If it stops working, I’ll adjust.”
4. “Actually, my doctor is keeping an eye on me, and my health markers are better than ever.”
- Why it works: Cites professional oversight, which reassures them without inviting further critique.
- Example: “I’m monitoring everything closely, and my cholesterol, blood sugar, and energy levels are all improving.”
5. “I totally get why it sounds extreme, but it’s been a really positive change for me.”
- Why it works: Acknowledges their skepticism while emphasizing the benefits you’ve experienced.
- Example: “It probably sounds unusual, but honestly, it’s made me feel healthier and more balanced than ever.”
6. “I did my homework, and I feel confident it’s safe. I’d love to tell you all about what I’ve learned.”
- Why it works: Redirecting conversation to sharing knowledge rather than making excuses for yourself.
- Example: “It’s for these reasons that I am not worried about it, though I’ve read a lot about it. If you’d like, I can explain my rationale.”
7. “Thanks for your concern; I’m listening to my body and just taking care of my health.”
- Why it works: Shows gratitude for their concern while reinforcing your self-awareness.
- Example: “Thank you for looking out for me, but I’m feeling great and keeping a close watch on my health.”
8. “I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s working really well for me.”
- Why it works: Puts it in the context of a personal decision rather than an expectation for everyone else.
- Example: “I get how from the outside it might look odd, but it’s been the best option for my particular health, so I’m going with that for now.”
9. “Not as crazy as it sounds, actually; people have been eating this way for thousands of years!”
- Why it works: Adds historic context easily and non-combatively.
- Example: “Yeah, this may be different from what we’re used to now, but for centuries, humans thrived on animal-dominant diets.”
10. “But it really is about us talking about things we both enjoy, more than it is to do with me defending my reasons.”
- Why it works: Battler but with a shift to connection.
- Example: “Let’s talk about something we both enjoy; I’d rather connect with you than focus on our differences.”
