How do I not just scream at all my clearly unhealthy friends?

(Jeffry Lauder) #1

I have so many friends that could and should benefit from keto. I am frustrated watching them attempt to lower their fat intake, following traditional dietary instructions, and failing. So I guess my question is how can I give unrequested advice that also allays their fears of fat?

(Desiree) #2

Iā€™d say find relatable documentaries and share them with these friends, possibly FB?

(Meeping up the Science!) #3

The truth is that all of us only change when we want to. The best way to give unrequested advice is to live it, actually. Your success and health will inspire them, and they will change - or not - as they wish. Post and talk about things that excite you, but also donā€™t be discouraged if they donā€™t immediately jump on the bandwagon.

#5

I do things like put obnoxious amount of butter on my steak, or spoonfuls of mayo on my plate, to the point where they are about to faint. Itā€™s a good ice breaker and certainly becomes topic for discussion.

Iā€™m crazy that way :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

#6

I so hear you!!!

I am having a hard time with this latelyā€¦ my best friend starting meds for high blood pressure, my dear brother suffering from diabetes and my aunt living with dementiaā€¦ yet because I am still overweight, I feel that until I get to healthier weight they wonā€™t see the benefits or listen to me. I am impatient to help them because I really care about them!

So frustrating and painful, even though you all are right ā€“ no one changes until they are ready. That was true for me, too. Still hurts to watch them suffer.

At least I am extremely grateful that my husband doesnā€™t laugh me off the planet and has taken to this way of life.

(Pinar Ertekin) #7

such a good point! I too feel irritated when people I know well tell me what a good day they had eating low fat food - mostly processed!! I have said something at times but only to the ones that are interessted are worth my knowledge - the others look at me as if I am mad asking them to convert eating stones!! I noticed only when I loose weight people are interessted in how it was possible. Iā€™ve been on a weight stand still for some months now and when they see me eating keto-style I get weird looks like ā€˜no wonder you are the weight you are with that kinda foodā€™!!
so therefore my advise would be - if they show honest interest refer them to certain well known informative book, youtube channels. I am alway happy to discuss and share my knowledgeā€¦ however no one has asked in a genuine manner so far ā€¦ which is a shame! keto-on!!

(Jeff Ryan) #8

I also feel the way you do. Keto is a very hard diet to get people on board but alternative diets thatā€™s similar or that can lead to a ketogenic diet is to get them on board a paleo or an Atkins diet.

(Cathrine Helle) #9

I find this very difficult as well! My mother in law is diabetic (T2) and overweight, but still follows the guidelines from the health authorities. Sheā€™s more knowledgeable about physiology than me, sheā€™s a nurse and midwife (retired now, but still). I feel uneasy trying to educate her on nutrition, especially as Iā€™m not medically trained in any way.

I think the main issue in this matter is the second half of my first sentence: ā€œbut still follows the guidelines from the health authoritiesā€. The health authorities has a tremendous influence on the public regarding what is considered healthy! And they keep giving the same faulty advise every time they make a statement. ā€œNo red meat, no saturated fats, more whole grains and fruitsā€. Bah! Iā€™m loosing what little faith I had in the system because of this :frowning:

(joseph) #10

whisper so they have to come closer and demonstrate by example, NSVā€™s and results. Best debate answer yet. :slight_smile:

(Keto in Katy) #11

Excellent advice @Donna.

Itā€™s hard to watch people struggling when we know that carb restriction could be their key to improved health. But they have to genuinely seek change and be open to something new (and possibly quite scary for them). Be the example and give encouragement where you can.

#12

Agreed. Itā€™s even frustrating when I go see my doctor, who knows from my blood tests, how much healthier I am since Iā€™ve been eating saturated fat, bacon and eggs, cheese, red meat, etc., yet she refuses to accept that it is the Keto lifestyle that has been the catalyst for my improved health. She is overweight and says that she canā€™t give up sugar. To top it off, her husband is a cardiologist. Go figure.

(Sophie) #13

My dad always told us that, itā€™s not what you say, itā€™s what you do. You have to lead by example, because actions really do speak louder than words, always!

(eschor) #14

gatitaā€¦hear your situation. agree when people are ready they will ask/learn. wonderingā€¦for your aunt,living with dementiaā€¦could you supply tasty coconut oil fat bombsā€¦as a special treat? know rest of diet is important butā€¦coconut oil helps with brain circulatory issues (i think)

#15

Thank you for thinking of this! I gave her a jar of coconut oil to cook with and then she stopped cooking pretty much. But she loves chocolate! I could make some cocoa-coconut fat bombs ā€“ great idea!!

(joseph) #17

:laughing:

(Suzanne Barton) #18

I totally get it Jeffry. I have one friend who complains CONSTANTLY about her health yet every time I try to talk to her about keto she gives me a bunch of excuses why she ā€˜canā€™tā€™ do it. I have talked to a few other people about it but they just ignore it too, so I just decided to stay quiet and let my results speak for themselves. Saves wear and tear on my nerves. Lol

(eschor) #19

you are so right. i know i probably did the same thing to others butā€¦the excuses. some time they will seeā€¦or not. there are no magic words to persuadeā€¦just walk the walk and rejoice at your improving health. blessings

(Heather) #20

After two months eating this way, itā€™s hard not to be an evanglist and want to convert everyone I meet to this way of living. But the best advice I can give anyone is to not tell anyone what you are doing unless they ask. For defending this way of living after the may years of ā€œlow fatā€ programs that are out there is impossible. Now living the dream is the only way to go and if asked then share.

(Michelle) #21

Totally agree here. So hard to not get frustrated with my friends who eat poorly and donā€™t really care about their weight or their health. I certainly donā€™t get it. But, also, not my problem. I canā€™t dwell on what they are doing to themselves. Just have to live my own life and stay in my swim lane.

(Togipeidia) #22

My mother in law is type 1 diabetic and she does low carb and low fat and low calorie and is always exhausted. I feel so bad for her but she chose her woe I talked to her about keto about but she said it was unhealthy and not interested.