We’ve been over it a million times by now…no two people are a like.
I could honestly end this post right now and it would have the same meaning. This is nothing new but always a good reminder, even if just for me.
It’s crazy/confusing/annoying/amazing that we all thrive off different things. Different foods, sleeping schedules, exercise, hobbies, etc. No one size fits all. No manual for how to be the healthiest or happiest or most successful. In some ways it will never be easy to understand because, whether we mean to or not, we often look to others for guidance, motivation and inspiration. We even look to people we don’t know first-hand…I’m talking about you blogs, podcasts, magazines and celebrities (who are not always the best example).
I don’t think there is anything inherently wrong with this because it’s how we learn and try new things. I owe some bloggers my life for opening my eyes to the joy that is almond butter. But it’s not that easy. The comparison trap adds Instagram-like filters over someone’s life and makes every thing they do seem better, prettier or happier. One topic that always seems to be relevant: diet and exercise.
Paleo and Whole30 aren’t new concepts, neither are veganism and vegetarianism. All those buzzwords (plus more) evoke different feelings AND different physical results from people. When I was first diagnosed with celiac disease I remember being so confused that my friends could eat gluten without an issue. It just didn’t make sense to my middle school self that something so silly could make such a difference in my health. Because no matter if you’re 5 or 50, you don’t want to hear that you are doing something “wrong.”
Frankly, people have strong opinions on their respective ways eating that they will defend with science, studies and personal anecdotes. Even people I know. But if Whole30 is teaching me anything it’s that you aren’t wrong. Neither am I. Neither is your friend or sister or crazy neighbor. There is no wrong, only “right for you.” Meat, no meat, gluten, no-gluten, beans, no beans, almond butter or certified crazy no almond butter.
You can talk all day about the “drawbacks” or consequences of me or anyone doing Whole30 (or going vegan, for example) but it’s not for up to you to decide. I’m aware, and anyone making a change should be too. For me, it’s about me feeling happy, healthy and not sick. If anything, restriction like this is embarrassing for me, especially when everyone is #realgirlseatgluten, which I medically can’t eat.
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Obviously having a balanced, healthy and open mindset is a huge requirement for any experiment like this (completely different post), but it all boils down to finding your “why.” I believe we all deserve to feel our best, even if it means trying something that we once bashed or assumed was “wrong.” My hand is raised high because I used to think that about paleo/Whole30.
Just a week or so in and I’ve seen a profound (mental and physical) change that I hope others can acknowledge and respect. Just as I will with your lifestyle. Am I riding high on the shiny, newness of the program? Maybe. Will I continue eating Paleo afterward? I don’t know now. But I do know that I will be continuing the 30 days with an open-mindset.
PREACH!!! I 100% agree…It is easy to be confused and manipulated as to what we are supposed to eat, diet, not eat, eat, blah blah blah…It can go on forever. It my opinion we need to keep it simple. Listen to our bodies. Do what makes us feel our best. We don’t all need to do Whole 30 or Paleo or a juice cleanse…Just choose to do what makes you happy and helps you reach your goals…Now I’m done preaching! XOXO
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…What The Single Woman Buys At Costco Part V
I could go on forever too! I think keeping it simple and listening to what we need in that time of our lives is the best method. I don’t mind your preaching ;)
Diets are like parenting: everyone has their own method, and what works for some will not work for others. Respect other people’s techniques, and maybe even learn a thing or two!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Why ALL Runners Should Learn about Marathon Training Plans
Yes, exactly! But in the end, hopefully we are all strong, healthy, happy (and well-behaved) adults. I’ve learned so much from one week on this diet and I can imagine I would do the same with another “diet.”
100% agree with absolutely everything! Everyone has a different digestive system and everyone also has a different mindset and relationship with food. I do whole30/paleo and don’t have ONE intolerance to food so I’d probably be the prime candidate for judgement. But it’s all about my relationship with food. I honestly love removing or limiting certain things form my diet. It’s doesn’t feel restrictive for me and it keeps choosing the healthy things and the only thing people need to know is that I love it. Point blank.
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Life & Running Update + Benefits of Running with Others
You are so right- it’s about your relationship with food. As long as you are healthy (physically and mentally) no one is to judge for how you live your life.
Once again, you nailed it. I definitely used to feel like I had to explain why I did or did not eat certain things and deal with people’s reactions even when my reason was “because it makes me feel really sick/in pain.” Now, I eat what I eat and don’t eat what makes me feel bad and don’t owe anyone an explanation because of exactly what you said above.
Thanks, Sami. I’m so glad you can relate, but more importantly, I’m glad you eat what makes you feel your best!
I like that we all thrive off different things because that means we can eat more of what we like without worrying about shortage lol. I’m glad I like, say bananas and my friend likes apples so that means I can have more bananas and she can have more apples. I think it all works out. You do you! I’m glad you’re getting healthier 😊
Ellie recently posted…Flourless Chickpea Blondies [3 Ingredients, gluten-free]
Ha I totally understand. I say that with avocados…more for me if you don’t like them. Thanks, Ellie!
Love this post and am happy you’re finding your way to what’s right for you (here’s hoping!)
Thanks, Alyssa! I hope the same for you with your diet experimenting.
I am convinced that there is no one size fits all when it comes to eating. It is everyone’s life mission to find what works best for them.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Meal Prep Made Easy with Perfect Fit Meals
There is no one fits size. Kind of like DNA…everyone is different. (Lame example but I know you’ll get it).
It’s easy to compare your diet to someone else’s, but it won’t get you anywhere. As with pretty much anything in life, we’re all just trying to figure out what’s right for us. (That said, the fact that you’re feeling so much better is making me reconsider whether or not I want to give Whole30 a try. Totally not immune to comparison.)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…My Hotel Home
You’re right, comparing won’t get you anywhere in life, but I’m not immune to it either lol. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions!
I’m glad you have an openness to what you are learning about nutrition. I tend to be somewhat stubborn about it, and I could blame it on disordered eating habits, but I’m also just learning that there are SO many different ways of nutrition that work for different people. I LOVE that every body is different, and I’m learning to appreciate that even more. :)
Emily recently posted…Why I Can’t Follow My Heart
No, I understand what you mean. I think it’s just accepting that so many different ways work for people that means the most to people. It doesn’t have to be a perfect understanding of the eating habit, but simply acknowledging that everyone is different is enough for me :)
Glad to hear it’s going well for you! Just keep doing what makes you feel best and don’t worry about what other people think (I know it’s easier said than done!)
Looking forward to hearing more about your experience with Whole30!
Lauren recently posted…10K and 10 Miler Race Recaps
Thanks, Lauren! It is easier said than done, but it’s helpful to have all of this blogging support :)
LOVE this. That’s all :)
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…BBG: Weeks 1-2
Love you (and your support) :)
Preach it girl. Do what makes YOU feel good in the long run, not whatt someone else is doing. Everyone is so different that what works for some people may not work for others. It is all about finding what works for you in the end.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Garlic Lime Chickpea Salad
Thanks, Brie! I’m learning that how I feel is way more important than what other people think of my diet.
This is all so true and I agree completely. Love what you said about everyone being right since we all have different things that work for us. I know if I did the Whole30 at this moment in my life, it would be the “wrong choice”, but that’s not to say it isn’t the right choice for someone like you who needs it to feel good. I feel like it all boils down to that we should stop judging each other and support each other in whatever makes people happy and healthy – something I myself am guilty of doing but want to do less of!! I hope you continue to feel better each day and thanks for being real with us! <3
YES. Less judging more supporting. Don’t knock yourself down- you do a pretty damn good job at lifting people up (myself included). xo
This is a great post. I always think you should stick to a diet that works for you. Maybe it will work for others but maybe not and you know what? Who cares, you know that is working for you and that is all that really matters.
Hollie recently posted…Training: Taper and 13.1 PR
Thanks, Hollie! It really is becoming a “who cares” situation for me. After months of pain I’m just grateful for some relief.
I love this post so much. I’m so so happy for you that whole 30 is taking away the pain you’ve been having for so long. It’s so true that there is no such thing as a wrong diet. It is so hard to hear the judgement. People at my office always joke about how much “crap” I eat and how lucky I am because they see me eat a bagel at breakfast. Personally, I don’t find bagels unhealthy but that’s because they don’t effect me any differently than any other food. People have such a hard time understanding that diets are so personal (myself included sometimes) and they’re not going to affect everybody the same way. This post is so spot on.
Whether you’re eating a salad or a bagel someone is going to (annoyingly) find fault with it. Diets are such personal topics but some people don’t realize that on the surface!
:) Brilliant post! Like most things in life, diet is something that requires experimentation and learning before we can figure out what really works best for our own body. Even the same ‘diet’ so to speak will often be different for each individual.
I’m still looking for my ‘ideal’ diet but by trying out a few things over the past year, I have begun to understand what my body responds well to and what I need to avoid.
Hope you continue to feel better.
xx
Charlotte recently posted…TOL…Take two minutes to remember
It really does require individual experimentation. I’ve read stories about people in pain for years before figuring it out for themselves. Good for you for continuing to find what works best for your body. It will pay off :) xo
Not sick, but healthy for YOU… that is ALL that matters always and forever!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…What To Avoid With A Shellfish Allergy
Healthy and happy are my only goals :)
Love this Emily! You said everything perfectly. No two people should eat the same, we have different needs and therefore must eat differently to sustain those needs!
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Jelly Donut Mug Cake {Paleo, GF + Vegan option}
Thanks, Rachel! Even within the same household I’m learning that people are different.
I think it’s so important that we all find what works for US – not Martha down the street or what X magazine tells you that you HAVE to try.
Every single one of us has different needs – and it’s a lesson I definitely learnt after I was first diagnosed with coeliac disease. I thought all my problems would disappear when I eliminated gluten – but I was left feeling awful. It took months and months of investigation to find that I had a heap of other allergies and intolerances as well – and they didn’t fit any of the usual “boxes”. The FODMAP diet didn’t work because the safe foods were my stomach’s enemies and the unsafe foods were often the only things I could eat, nightshades were fine and even the “hypoallergenic diet” didn’t work because somehow this girl is allergic to one of the friendliest foods out; pears :P
If I had have tried to stick myself into a box, I never would have gotten anywhere. I had to find what worked for me. It was random, there wasn’t any pattern – but I had to do what was right for me!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Starch, Yeast & Grain Free Paleo Bread
Very well said, and I’m sorry you had to go through the struggles of figuring out your intolerances. Good for you for figuring it out yourself!
I have never “dieted,” just sometimes tried to make myself cut back on crap and/or incorporate more healthy foods. But I do this because I want to feel better and run better, not because I feel any pressure. I am thankful I grew up in a household where food was just food. I don’t ever feel the need to classify a food as good or evil, and I don’t ever feel like I’m good or evil for eating something in particular.
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon Training: Week 2
I grew up in a similar household and all things were allowed in moderation. However, over time I definitely learned the difference between foods that made me feel stronger compared to bogged down.
Loved this post and completely agree with you. Every person out there is different and we all require our own things. Different foods/meals may make one person feel great but another person horrible. When we stop comparing ourselves to others, we are able to recognize what is best for us.
Alyssa recently posted…WIAW 1/20/16: Back to dorm eats!
Your last sentence…gold!
Love your views on this topic! Following a specific diet plan like Whole30, paleo, vegetarian/ vegan isn’t about restriction but instead is about feeling good! I love eating to fuel my body and obviously as a fellow celiac, would feel horrible if I ate gluten. I think people tend to think that their method of eating is best because that’s what works for them, but they fail to realize it may not work for everyone else.
kerri mcgrail recently posted…Running in My Underwear?!?!
Exactly! This is all about feeling good. People ask me if I “miss” regular pizza and pasta (the gluten-filled variety) and I say no because of how awful both made me feel. I don’t for one second feel deprived living the way I do.
Glad that it’s working out for you and (most importantly) that you are HAPPY. It’s unfortunate that you have a diet restriction that other people (including myself) dont fully understand the entirety of the situation. Must be very challenging sometimes and i respect that!!
Beverley @ sweaty&fit recently posted…Butternut Squash & Egg Breakfast Tacos + The Best & Baddest Taco Round-Up
I’ve had celiac for 8 years and some of my extended family members still don’t understand my need for restricting gluten so severely. Although intolerances and the choice to eliminate other foods (for however long) are both slightly different, it doesn’t make it easier to explain.
I tried Whole 30 because I was just feeling like crap allll the time. And although I failed after 2 weeks (lol) during that time I felt great, but I wasn’t enjoying what I was eating, which is very important to me. My approach to my diet and health is eat whole, real, good food, and cook at home as much as possible.
Christina recently posted…Simple Vanilla Protein Overnight Oats
Good point! If I am miserable eating what I am (or have lost the joy of food), there’s no point in continuing. I like your approach and fully agree :)
This is such a great post with so much TRUTH, Emily! I’ve been thinking a lot about the comparison trap recently, because it infiltrates so many areas of our lives, including our thoughts on food. It’s so true that there’s no one size fits all approach, and that we each should just seek the way that makes us feel our best and the healthy eating plan (or lack of plan) that we can stick with!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…MLK Weekend
Thanks, Liv! Honestly, I think about the comparison trap a lot (which I shouldn’t do because then I’m just thinking about comparison even more haha). As long as we can find what fits us best, nothing else should matter.
i. love. this.
that’s what i’m trying to do now. eat the way i want that makes me feel best, without anyone else telling me what i *should* be doing or guilting me to eat something i’d rather not.
masala girl recently posted…Edamame Spread (& W30 musings)
Thank you :) Finding what works is trial and error but I’m glad you’re trying!
Yes girl! You do you. I think you are an amazing healthy role model and that you exemplify balance.
sarah recently posted…Currently: January 2016
This is great Emily! I think unfortunately some people latch on to the hype that is eliminating certain foods because it becomes a trend, and there is no thought or reasoning behind going “gluten-free”, or “dairy-free” or whatever the food group may be. Most don’t dive into the WHY aspect of it, and just jump in because others are doing it. Good for you for trying to figure out what’s right for YOU. And I agree with Katie, start with simple and see what works and what doesn’t!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bars [enter for your chance to win!]
With all the fad dieters out there I will admit I’m prone to feel alarmed when the next blogger [or person but I don’t know anybody who did in real life] announces the start of their Whole30. However, I’m all for doing what works for you even if it’s not for me. We don’t have the right to judge others’ lives or habits doubting their claims of thriving on a certain lifestyle unless it’s completely evident they don’t [as is the case with EDs].
It’s by far not the same but I personally don’t do too well eating bell peppers [hello, flatulences – TMI!] and bread will never fill me up. Others chew away on a whole bell pepper without so much of a stomach reaction and swear by their daily sandwich. If Whole30 makes you feel happy and better than before that’s awesome! Keep doing what works for you.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Healthy 5-Ingredient Snickers Truffles [vegan, paleo, refined sugar-free]
Oh my goodness, the reactions one gets when you say you are doing the whole30. It’s crazy! I think I like it so far but boy do I miss my chocolate :)
We haven’t kept it in the house for that reason. Kind of “out of sight, out of mind.” Same with wine!
is #realgirlseatgluten a thing ? UGH. so many things wrong with that. I like this post ! one thing i struggle with is comparing myself with others a bit. i like learning what others are doing for tips/tricks/etc but when it crosses the line into real comparing you are totally correct….it doesnt do me any good ! wise words!
Such a real article!!! You do you and what works for you may not for someone else and that needs to be respected!!!! So underrated these days but we need to be supported of each other’s ways of life!!!
On that note, I love the whole30 and am doing an elimination diet right now to figure out what does work for my body truly… such an eye opening experience and really allows me to tune into my body/stomach after meals!
Thanks girl!
Amylou McBride recently posted…Supplement Spotlight: Natural Calm Magnesium
It really is an eye-opening experience! I’ve always been gluten-free (well, for 9 years) but never experimented with other foods. It’s such a controversial topic…one I always hesitate to talk about because EVERYONE has an opinion. I hope you have been able to learn more and figure out what works for you :)