Why do people insist on telling you what they don't eat and why?!
By mommyboo
@mommyboo (13174)
United States
May 20, 2012 9:27am CST
Just a simple question this time 
I debated posting this on facebook but then I realized this would be better. I have some friends in both places and you might appreciate why.
Ok... we have the people who are just flat out rude about what/where you might eat. I went to McDonalds - so I get these comments 'oh gross' or 'did you know that stuff poisons you'... blah blah. First of all, it's not gross if I actually wanted it, second you can make eggs, bacon, and chopped peppers and stuff them in a tortilla or put yogurt, fruit and granola in a cup yourself but it is cheaper and faster at McDonalds.
Then there are the people who talk about carbs. OH... I can't eat that, it has carbs. That has carbs too. WHAT are you doing eating that?? It makes you fat. I'm health and fitness minded, yes, but I'm still a foodie.
Last of all.... we have 'don't eat this, do you know what's in it? Rat pee. Or cow dung. Or worms'.
ARGH.
Ok. I don't care what is in something or not in something. I'm not afraid of artificial sweeteners, rat pee, or cow dung or the fact that the steak I ate used to be a cow. I myself am trying to alter the way I word the reasons I give when people ask me why I prefer diet soda. It IS because I just prefer to not drink my calories unless it's a protein shake or a smoothie or a latte but I don't want to make it sound like I'm judging other people for doing so, also I just like the TASTE better. Other people clearly have no issue with judging others when it comes to what we eat and don't eat. I'm just fed up with it. If you don't want to eat cow dung, DON'T. But don't ruin something for someone else if they didn't even know what they were eating might have had trace amounts of it within FDA allowable recommendations, for example.
I also understand if you're allergic to something or lactose intolerant or whatever but don't act like I'm some freak because I'm NOT and I WANT TO EAT IT.
My PSA for today is think about what you spout off in response to what others choose to eat. People who hear you may be nice and civil and courteous but they may really NOT appreciate your unasked for 'words of wisdom'.
I debated posting this on facebook but then I realized this would be better. I have some friends in both places and you might appreciate why.
Ok... we have the people who are just flat out rude about what/where you might eat. I went to McDonalds - so I get these comments 'oh gross' or 'did you know that stuff poisons you'... blah blah. First of all, it's not gross if I actually wanted it, second you can make eggs, bacon, and chopped peppers and stuff them in a tortilla or put yogurt, fruit and granola in a cup yourself but it is cheaper and faster at McDonalds.
Then there are the people who talk about carbs. OH... I can't eat that, it has carbs. That has carbs too. WHAT are you doing eating that?? It makes you fat. I'm health and fitness minded, yes, but I'm still a foodie.
Last of all.... we have 'don't eat this, do you know what's in it? Rat pee. Or cow dung. Or worms'.
ARGH.
Ok. I don't care what is in something or not in something. I'm not afraid of artificial sweeteners, rat pee, or cow dung or the fact that the steak I ate used to be a cow. I myself am trying to alter the way I word the reasons I give when people ask me why I prefer diet soda. It IS because I just prefer to not drink my calories unless it's a protein shake or a smoothie or a latte but I don't want to make it sound like I'm judging other people for doing so, also I just like the TASTE better. Other people clearly have no issue with judging others when it comes to what we eat and don't eat. I'm just fed up with it. If you don't want to eat cow dung, DON'T. But don't ruin something for someone else if they didn't even know what they were eating might have had trace amounts of it within FDA allowable recommendations, for example.
I also understand if you're allergic to something or lactose intolerant or whatever but don't act like I'm some freak because I'm NOT and I WANT TO EAT IT.
My PSA for today is think about what you spout off in response to what others choose to eat. People who hear you may be nice and civil and courteous but they may really NOT appreciate your unasked for 'words of wisdom'.2 people like this
11 responses
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
20 May 12
I think we all have our eating preferences. I am a very health conscious person who is on the other side of this argument. First of all, I keep my opinions to myself unless I am asked. I go places with people (like McDonald's) knowing I will have a difficult time finding what I consider to be a healthy alternative and I don't say a word. I am not the "food police"! lol! But when I do not choose to eat what others eat I get all sorts of scorn from others. They get a hamburger and I get a parfait because I do not eat meat. I get this snarled up nose and they say, "you don't eat meat?" Like I am committing some grave sin. SO I get the same reactions you get only from the other direction - because I do not eat like others do! lol
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
20 May 12
I think you have hit on the issue--that no matter what your food preferences are, there is always someone out there that thinks his or her choices are better than yours--and isn't shy about saying so! Unless there's an issue with a food allergy, I really think people should not comment on what others around them are eating--just because I am eating a hamburger and you are eating a salad (or vice versa) does not mean one of us is smarter, or more enlightened, or healthier, or more normal, or anything other than that we have different food preferences! Although I do have a tough time watching people dump ketchup all over their eggs. . .
!
!1 person likes this
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
21 May 12
For sure. I always tell people that I eat for how it makes me feel and I don't really care what anyone else thinks. When I eat meat I do not feel well - but this is just what works for me - I encourage others to do whatever works for them too!
But I do not think I could try ketchup on eggs! lol.. salsa - sure or tabasco you bet!! lol.
But I do not think I could try ketchup on eggs! lol.. salsa - sure or tabasco you bet!! lol.
@firstteamm (26)
• Singapore, Singapore
26 Feb 16
I like the word you use; " food police". First time I came across it. Makes me think some. As for my eating habit, generally as in five days a week I eat very healthily as I know it is good for me. I eat Teochew porridge one meat or fish with two vegetables. Then other time I sort of take what I like, even if it happens to be unhealthy (= fried oily stuff like Cha Quah Teow , Teochew for fried noddles with egg, add black sauce). That is done with the "intro". I agree that it is good to be sensitive to the need of others, if they need some advice ( me think- some old English I dig out of my mind, not sure it is in use or not) I'll give it gently as I can, if not I shut up.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 May 12
First of all, I have to say that we did have McDonalds for dinner tonight because Paul had a late baseball game and that left me without time to cook dinner and we hadn't had fast food in a while, so we got it as a treat for the kids (in addition to the baseball game, tomorrow is also the last day of school for Kathryn).
Now, I'm not saying that I eat fast food all the time and I definitely don't judge people for what they eat, because I don't really think that is my place.
However, I absolutely hate when people give me a hard time about what I decide to eat.
@34momma (13882)
• United States
21 May 12
LOL!! i totally hear where you are coming from. My clients are always asking me what they should and shouldn't eat. and my answer is you can eat whatever you like as long as you don't go overboard.
I personally don't care for McDonalds, but i love Wendys. and Yeah i am in the health and wellness business, but i love to treat myself to a little something every once in a while.
I don't pay folks no mind when they have their comments. I love food and to hate food because you think it's not good for you is silly. Damn, now i want some KFC..... 
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
21 May 12
Oh there are many reasons why people really tend to be like this. The clearest reason sis that there are going to be a lot of times where people just like to prop themselves up as something better, while putting the tastes of others down. I'll be honest, no one should really care what others eat. Worry about your diet and your own health.
And I'll worry about what I really want to eat. It is getting to the point where I think that no matter what you look at, everything is really unhealthy. I think the point that people fail to see is, I don't really care. I have a feeling that the air that we breath is slowly poisoning us, so everyone better hold their breath, because that oxygen is dangerous. I could die from what I eat. I can also die being run over by a car when I get the mail tomorrow or be shot in the face. Such is life.
@almond24 (1248)
• Hungary
21 May 12
I don't think they do this out of malice, rather they want us to stay healthy, but I agree it can be too much when you try to enjoy a meal. I've been on both sides. It kinda shocks me when I find out how some foods are made, but eating and preparing healthy foods only are very hard to afford sometimes.
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
21 May 12
I know so many people who do this, and you want to know something: I'm an adult, and I will eat what I want to eat. I know what to eat and what not to eat. I know what I like and what I don't like, and if people don't like it, then I don't care.
Hey, we all have different taste and we all eat different things, and other people had just better get used to it.
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
20 May 12
Some people think it's good to communicate and share information like this..but if they don't know when to stop or use tact where it might be required,somebody might be considering sharing a knuckle sammich with them in return...
Working in a restaurant,I've seen people with wheat allergy ordering pastry based items,or those with Nut allergies actually having the food in FRONT of them before they'd think to ask or mention the fact they might actually have an allergic reaction if they ate it..and who'd get the blame?
Working in a restaurant,I've seen people with wheat allergy ordering pastry based items,or those with Nut allergies actually having the food in FRONT of them before they'd think to ask or mention the fact they might actually have an allergic reaction if they ate it..and who'd get the blame?
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
20 May 12
I don't know. There is a lot I cannot eat but I never bother or care to tell others about it.
I do meet a lot of people who feel the need to tell me each time why they don't eat meat or food bought at the supermarket etc. Perhaps they like to get me that far to do the same? Or they need someone to tell them it's a good thing they eat that way?
@rewardsinlife (1132)
• United States
20 May 12
Some people in life just like to hear themselves talk, and offer advice. Maybe this is what these people are trying to do to help you out but more in an offensive way than they thought. I am lactose intolerant, but have never told someone that they would benefit without dairy! Actually, I am on the opposite end and kind of am sad when people ask if I would like a piece of pizza or some icecream. I have just learned to say no, and if they insist say I am allergic, but they are more than welcome to have some. Sorry people are offering more advice than you would like.
@freqspaz (220)
• United States
20 May 12
Oh I agree with all of my heart! And I have lived with it for years, in highschool I had the most amazing friend whom was always there for me, we did everything together, but when food time came I wanted to punch her in the throat, repetedly. We didn't have a standard caffetiria, we had restraunt outlets in our school, that was free for those whom couldn't afford it or very low cost for those whom could. McDonalds, tocobell and pizza hut were our 'fast food' choices then there was a subway and a local cafe that offered a bit of everything else. And my favorite was and still is tacobell. But every time I would sit down with my 7 layer burrito, with nacho cheese and a salad the cafe my friend would just start making comments about the fat content of the 7 seven layer, the contamination of the beans, the blah blah blah and I found myself eating MORE tacobell just to watch her turn green. To this day I will randomly 'check in' on facebook when I go to tacobell, just because I know she is squirming when she reads the post.
