We all know better than to talk about politics and religion. Why? Because politics and religion are hot button topics for most people. That’s because most of us are passionate about our beliefs or disbeliefs on either topic, and often disagreements can turn ugly since for some reason, when someone disagrees with our beliefs, we feel compelled to convince them to see things our way. And most of us refuse to change our beliefs, no matter how persuasively or convincingly someone may try to get us to change our views. So it’s just better not to even go there.
I’m beginning to notice that the same is true for diets and the foods we eat. Like politics and religion, many people are equally passionate about the foods they love or the diet they choose to follow, and often feel compelled to convince others to enjoy those same foods as much as they do, possibly even taking offense if others don’t like those foods. When it comes to diets, I’ve noticed that many people who I’ve had conversations with strongly believe in one particular diet or another, regardless of whether the diet is healthy or sustainable, and they try to convince me of the merits of the diet. I’ve learned that like politics and religion, when people have strong beliefs in a particular diet, they disagree with anything that contradicts their beliefs and are not likely going to change their beliefs around food and diet.
While I believe wholeheartedly in all the health and weight benefits of a whole food plant-based diet and would love to see everyone switch to this diet, all I can do is share my knowledge and experience around food and diet to help others make more informed choices. I know from all the books and studies I’ve read about as well as my own experience that this way of eating is healthy and sustainable. It works. Can you say that about your diet?
I’m beginning to notice that the same is true for diets and the foods we eat. Like politics and religion, many people are equally passionate about the foods they love or the diet they choose to follow, and often feel compelled to convince others to enjoy those same foods as much as they do, possibly even taking offense if others don’t like those foods. When it comes to diets, I’ve noticed that many people who I’ve had conversations with strongly believe in one particular diet or another, regardless of whether the diet is healthy or sustainable, and they try to convince me of the merits of the diet. I’ve learned that like politics and religion, when people have strong beliefs in a particular diet, they disagree with anything that contradicts their beliefs and are not likely going to change their beliefs around food and diet.
While I believe wholeheartedly in all the health and weight benefits of a whole food plant-based diet and would love to see everyone switch to this diet, all I can do is share my knowledge and experience around food and diet to help others make more informed choices. I know from all the books and studies I’ve read about as well as my own experience that this way of eating is healthy and sustainable. It works. Can you say that about your diet?