How do you deal with other people's comments on your diet. Mostly comments of people that don't approve with what you do and either want to prove you wrong in any way they can, or embarrass you, or just plain out pick a fight. And how do you deal with a family that constantly picks on you? I am not the arguing kind of person and I do not want to always have to justify myself. I'm not a walking book, but it seems they always expect an answer to everything.

i think the best way to deal with it is the way that all public speakers deal with it--being polite and noncommittal.

here's the thing, if you nkow that someone is being contentious, simply say "this is an inappropriate time to speak on this subject, but if you're interested in someone who can better answer your questions, you can always read X book and comment with that author."

if you don't know the answer to a question, you can say "i really don't know the answer to that question, but if you read X book you may discover it or i'll try and find an answer to that question."

usually, by the time they or you has found an answer, they've forgotten the question anyway.

Also, it is acceptable to tell people that you do not like your diet to be the subject under scrutiny at every meal or occassion. Point out that there are many other interesting topics to discuss, and that you would prefer to discuss those. Tell them that your diet is a "closed" topic, and you will not entertain any more questions or comments. If they would like more information, suggest research sources for them.

GOod luck!

How do you deal with other people's comments on your diet. Mostly comments of people that don't approve with what you do and either want to prove you wrong in any way they can, or embarrass you, or just plain out pick a fight. And how do you deal with a family that constantly picks on you? I am not the arguing kind of person and I do not want to always have to justify myself. I'm not a walking book, but it seems they always expect an answer to everything.

1- develop a "thick" skin.
2- ignore it/them. Some people just have this disorder and pick on anything.
These people pick on anything that is different from what they do or think.
"I just can't believe you bought a toyota...it's just plain stupid...everybody knows a yugo is the best you can buy" (sigh)
3- The "counter attack": Well, I can't exactly say how much more calcium there is in broccoli than in a big mac, do you remember how many calcium there is in a big mac?

How do you deal with other people's comments on your diet. Mostly comments of people that don't approve with what you do and either want to prove you wrong in any way they can, or embarrass you, or just plain out pick a fight. And how do you deal with a family that constantly picks on you? I am not the arguing kind of person and I do not want to always have to justify myself. I'm not a walking book, but it seems they always expect an answer to everything.

Education. Educate yourself. Don't be afraid to extensively research your diet. It's good for you in all aspects. Once a conversation comes to the point of absurdity (aka raw foodism is a mental disorder, you'll die without X in your diet, god meant for us to eat X, etc..) then you treat them as anyone with special needs. If you're passive about your diet they will continue to pick on you because most people enjoy cruelty, it makes them feel less insignificant because they're promoting something shared with their peers. Remember you're not at fault for their dietary choices. Whatever you do don't be apologetic. You've done the opposite of wrong. Sometimes it's also best to say exactly what you feel, not in an all encompassing argument ending insult, but simple and direct answers.

"I don't benefit from eating dead bodies, so I don't"
"I think killing for pleasure is wrong"
"Am I in poor health?" (I use that a lot, I'm fairly atheletic, so I see a lot of 'i uh'.. resposes)

It might take a while. I can usually end a confrontation with a simple statement, but I've been at it for over a decade. Of course the best response is one that makes them think. I'm still working on that. It seems like an impossible task with some people.

The great thing about hanging out with nurses in allopathic medicine is that most of them don't know enough about nutrition to be concerned about protein in my diet. They do, however, know a lot about bowel movements. So, most days the first comment made to me about my food is how well it will move through me.

My responce is that I'm not old enough to be obsessed with how often I have bowel movements.

How do you deal with other people's comments on your diet. Mostly comments of people that don't approve with what you do and either want to prove you wrong in any way they can, or embarrass you, or just plain out pick a fight. And how do you deal with a family that constantly picks on you? I am not the arguing kind of person and I do not want to always have to justify myself. I'm not a walking book, but it seems they always expect an answer to everything.

Being polite and nonconfrontational yet firm in your beliefs and proud of yourself requires skill and experience. Knowledge is power, you should know your arguments and those of your "opponents" equally well.

You can also challenge them by asking them the same or similar questions. For instance, after giving them the breakdown of your protein intake, you can ask omnis to do the same for you. Also ask them if they know that just like with everything else, one can have too much protein. :)

"I like eating this way." and leave it at that.

The more I watch interviews with Kucinich and the Robbins, the more I admire these guys for "walking the walk." They are incredibly informed and compassionate, and it shows in their kind, generous and educated responses to challenging questions. I believe it's the best way to go in these circumstances.