On discussing primal with non primals

[BMcD]

Would love to get people's opinions and experiences with talking about primal lifestyle to other folks. It usually comes up at a restaurant when I'm not touching the bread or asking for broccoli instead of the fries. First question is 'are you on Atkins?' or 'Watching your carbs? ' If I start describing the basic theories I either get eyes rolling, an argument on why it's bunk or just a polite changing of the subject. So usually I try to avoid the conversation unless I think someone is really interested. Yet because I believe so much in primal I want to share it with everyone! Still trying to figure out the best way to handle things, knowing that every situation is unique.

[livinghealthy]

This is a great topic! I feel exactly as you do BMcD... I always feel like people are curious at first... then after I present my beliefs, I get attacked! I feel like people attack me for these beliefs because they are trying to rationalize why they do not do it.

In the end, all of my conversations end like this "Look, I'd rather not have this conversation. We have very different beliefs, and sitting here, right now, you will never agree with what I say. If you are really interested I can recommend some books."

some bite, others don't.

At the end of the day, everyone does what they want. We Primals can't convince those that don't want to be convinced! I think being fit and strong is the best advertisement anyway.

[BMcD]

I think people get freaked out by the implications of a primal diet. YOUR choices are causing you to get sick. YOU are responsible for what happens to you. That's what most of us here love about primal living and what so many others don't want to accept. And I totally agree, being fit and strong is the best advertisement.

[BarbeyGirl]

My primal "elevator talk" focuses primarly on the impact of carbs on insulin, and the impact of insulin on bodyfat storage. I sum it up in about 3 sentences and end with, "So, I maintain a low carbohydrate intake while still eating a lot of vegetables. I feel great!"

If they want to know more, I'm happy to share -- but I refuse to make a nuisence of myself and/or cast pearls before swine.

[Posy]

I think people have to be in a receiving frame of mind and most times already exploring other options to get any where in a quick conversation. Otherwise a lot of people are more likely to believe what they read on say yahoo’s front page regarding “diet/food secrets“ or more into trying some odd concoction that did wonders for so and so.
I’ve offered books to check out in the past but maybe giving the forum link is better. That way they can investigate for themselves and also see others living it…I’ve noticed some think it would just be way to hard to do.
Haha yes, the polite change of subject…oh and also the blank stare! I can relate to that, but some times it’s the person I’m talking to and other times I’m the one with the blank stare (and/or jaw drop) at what I hear back lol! I loaned out my Neanderthin book to a relative and when I they gave it back and I asked what they thought of it, all comments kept coming back to the placement of the spear on the front cover. Ok har har I guess that’s kind’a funny but nothing else???…like "IN" the book sounded plausible, sheesh!:confused:
I don’t know how much room I have to talk though really. The first time I saw a mention about paleo in passing, it didn‘t click. I figured well if my problems had anything to do with food, and it were that easy a fix, my doctor would certainly know it and tell me…BAHAHA!!! :p doh!

[Kristine]

I couldn't be bothered with most of the people I know. God love 'em, but they're of the Sound Bite/Oprah Nutrition ilk. If they comment, I say that I'm "watching what I eat," "I was borderline diabetic," and "I'm pretty sure I'm gluten intolerant." It's all true.

[SassaFrass88]

You can't deny results. I just tell them that I eat this way because it finally relieved me of my eczema. People usually accept that. The stubborn/ opinionated ones just say "Well, that's for YOUR body, but I don't think it applies to everyone". I usually try not to argue this. I just state that upon my 'research' there is truth in the toxic 'lectins' and 'phytates' that do indeed cause inflammation for everyone, but I just don't push it beyond that.

Opinions are like a-holes....everyone's got one and they all stink!

[LivingPrimal]

It always amazes me when people question why I am not eating something. Like in a restaurant, I'll ask others if they want my bread (if it came with the meal) and always someone will ask why I am not eating it. As if I should eat it because it's on the plate! Some people I can carry on a conversation with, other times I just say, "oh, not really in the mood for it right now". And it seems like there will always be someone at the table that will make a comment or give me a "look" when I add extra butter to my veggies or order something with bacon....heaven forbid we eat bacon...all that fat!! I just keep the thought in the back of my mind that when the day comes when I am lean and mean, I will get so much enjoyment from sharing my story of losing weigh while eating butter, bacon, steak, avocados, coconut milk, and nuts.....all those "forbidden" fatty foods!