What to tell people?

[dreamrawalwz]

I only work with a select few people, but they already think raw has to deal wtih an eating disorder. I'd really like to fast and my body is calling me to. I would like deeper healing physically, mentally, and emotionally. I just don't know what to say when they say "eat something" or "are you going to eat?" "have you eaten yet?"

I also assume I'll have some weight loss naturally through the fasting. What do I say if they notice that!?

I know they'll be concerned if they don't see me eat for a while. I'm there almost every day now. Any suggestions or advice!?

[LoveLife]

I would be very kind..and thank them for their concern but u don't have an eating disorder...and if u are on a fast..tell them the truth..that u are doing this for your own physical and mental health..and if it is spiritual to u too then I'd tell them that too...I mean there are sooooo many people who fast..heh even Jesus fasted for 40 days:eek: ...if u explain it so that they see it's not about food it's about healing and health..then I'm sure some will understand...and for those who don't it's not your problem really...not everyone will agree with us always and that is fine...let how u look and feel (your happiness) shine thru and they will eventually see that:) ...and on the positive side..at least they do care enough about u to be concerned about your health and well-being;) ....I know it makes things harder when u have opposition to what we know is best for us...but that's what's great about life..everyone's different:D ...good luck love

[misslinda]

chuckles.

first of all, why do you feel obligated to explain yourself Dream?~

no matter what, those who are not familiar with raw eating or fasting, is going to make assumptions alot of times. All that matters is what you believe it to be.

When I did my lenghty fasting, and ended at 75 days, you bet it was a catastrophic event for everyone from day one (as it became physically obvious) more so, b/c of my past with anorexia.

Everytime the issue came up, although I did stay away from alot of stimuli during fasting, I allowed them to speak but if I felt it wasn't neccessary, I walked away. There's a fine line between people expressing their concern and those that want to control you whether familiar with you or not.

Again, all that matters is what you feel you are doing is to be the right decision. If you are not certain or ready, you WILL be hindered by these people.

;)

[hypnocmt]

I find that using the words "internal cleanse" or detox are less "freaky" to people. Fasting seems to imply denial and religious ritualism to some/many people and in so doing, touches nerves.

Good luck and best wishes on doing the best, most healthy thing.

[andypdx]

RULE #1: Who gives a flying f*&k what other people think.

Seriously. I've wasted so much of my life trying to explain my dietary decisions to rude, obnoxious, ignorant, abrasive people that it's not worth my energy anymore.

Sure, if a person is sincerely interested in what is going on, then I will share with them, but I'll be darned if I waste my time passing a gauntlet of biased questions from a co-worker while she defiantly jams another Big Mac down her piehole.

Remember, this fasting process is for YOU. You are under no obligation to justify your actions to satisfy the ignorant preconceptions of the backward eaters in your life.

If you are offered food, politely say, "no thank you."

If they comment on your weight, simply smile and wink.

:D

[LoveLife]

He he..I love everyone's answers:D ...I was trying to say be nice at first..specially if someone really is interested or cares..now if they keep pestering or being rude..then I totally say who gives a flying f*ck...people who pester nonstop about me being vegan...usually just ended up with no responses to anything they said and a cold shoulder..:D

[RaisingAlex]

I am with you Andy, I love the bit about the Backwards eaters, I"ll have to use that, My hubby will get a good laugh from it.

When I fast I do not tell anyone except my hubby, because it is not any ones business what I am doing. Don't feel like you have to explain yourself to anyone either. If you feel you need to tell them why you are not eating tell them you are healing your body. If you add the mind, soul thing they will probably call you a fresk or something. Yea I have heard them all. Funny people are.

Good luck in your fast, you will love it!!

Raw Love
Melissa
www.rawbabyalex.blogspot.com

[misslinda]

RULE #1: Who gives a flying f*&k what other people think.

Remember, this fasting process is for YOU. You are under no obligation to justify your actions to satisfy the ignorant preconceptions of the backward eaters in your life.



:D

OMG, your words are ingenious Andy :D LMBFAO (!!!!)

[SuziS]

Very well said Andy! Still laughing at that one!

[dreamrawalwz]

Thanks everyone. I'm learning how to put up a shield. Not to be rude, but just so I dont internalize everything and care so much what others think. If that makes sense! I won't see the one that really cares about what/how I eat until Friday so that should give me some time!

LoveLife - I do have a history of eating disorders and I am still struggling, but that is not the reason for the fast. The person I'm referring to above knows of the eating disorder, which is why I am a little worried at what shell think. I mentioned once (after being pestered by her) that I dont do well with fat and she gave me that "i know it's the ED talking" look. She also doesn't believe I have all the food intolernaces I do and thinks they're an excuse to not eat certain things.

[misslinda]

Thanks everyone. I'm learning how to put up a shield. Not to be rude, but just so I dont internalize everything and care so much what others think. If that makes sense! I won't see the one that really cares about what/how I eat until Friday so that should give me some time!

LoveLife - I do have a history of eating disorders and I am still struggling, but that is not the reason for the fast. The person I'm referring to above knows of the eating disorder, which is why I am a little worried at what shell think. I mentioned once (after being pestered by her) that I dont do well with fat and she gave me that "i know it's the ED talking" look. She also doesn't believe I have all the food intolernaces I do and thinks they're an excuse to not eat certain things.


Curious Dream, "Why do you care so much of what she cares of you?" that would make you wanna really spend time thinking about this and have a explanation. what self assurance is this if at all?

Do you think that you may be fueling the situation Dream? What I mean is, do you think that the "concern" gives you some resistance that may offer some strength to actually fast this time since it has been difficult for you lately? Something subconcious?


one thought at a time,

;)

[FirstGarden]

Dream, I am from California, not Virginia. So it's easy for me. I may bandy words about like, "fasting" or "raw vegan" and no one flinches. It's more like, "Oh, I've heard of that" or "I need to do that too." But ya hafta remember, California is where the hippie movement began and LA & Frisco are the capital of so many extreme things. California is even mentioned in the Bible.

In Song Of Solomon 6:11, it says, "I went down into the GARDEN OF NUTS... to see the fruits of the valley..."

Virginia is likely more conservative where roots grow deeper down into tradition rather than shallow & outward. The mindset is far more expansive out here. People will go for just about anything. :cool:

I agree with all the advice given on this thread.
Sometimes I just say "I'm on a special diet for my health." (Dr. Alissa's orders - haha).

For fasting, you may need to be just a little more discreet. Be creative. Use your imagination. In the case of troubled relatives, here's one nice trick that may take the wind out of their sails:

Have some books handy in your car about Fasting and Raw Food Diet. Choose the ones written by doctors, with the title MD emblazoned after his/her name, and 1/2 dozen other degrees. They're out there, mostly in inexpensive paperback. (Or more easily found on the internet). They may not respect your knowledge or convictions, but they do tend to respect the word of THE DOCTOR.

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."

_ Albert Einstein

You go girl!

[Kate]

Hey Dreamrawalwz,

I get the same spheel from all of the ''backwards eaters'' in my life. lol!
F*ck 'em.
What Miss Linda wrote about eliminating negative vibes (people, places, objects, etc., etc...) is soooooo important. Especially during a fast!
To fast is to abstain from all which is toxic or harmful.

I am on day 5 of the MC and have been given some serious flack b/c I am ''already too thin to begin with.'' (lol! I feel strong and look great, btw:))

Fasting may begin with healing the physical body, but if you hang in there long enough, you will soon realize that it is above all a spiritual practice. We are not our bodies, we are not our minds

"Only connect'' -- E.M. Forster

OM Shanti

[misslinda]

To fast is to abstain from all which is toxic or harmful.

Fasting may begin with healing the physical body, but if you hang in there long enough, you will soon realize that it is above all a spiritual practice. We are not our bodies, we are not our minds

"Only connect'' -- E.M. Forster

OM Shanti


BEAUTIFULLY SAID KATE ! A TRUE AWAKENING ;)

[PATH301]

Like so many here have said, it does not really matter what others think. What's vitally important is what you think of yourself? It's important that you feel comfortable with your own choices and allow others to think for themselves.
No matter what you do - do it for you! :D
Enjoy your fast, enjoy your journey.

[dreamrawalwz]

Thank you everyone so much. I may have made a mistake today, but I will not dread on it. It was a mistake. Move on.

I told my raw buddy that I was on a fast and she seemed ok with it. Didn't scold or lecture. As we were in the back room of work she and another coworker (one of the 2 that "attacked me" about my protein, etc.) were eating pepper and Jess offered me some. I said no and Alex was like "what? not HUNGRY Tracey?" in an odd tone. Jess slipped out "she's on a fast." Alex asked why and I coudln't respond! I ignored her. I was speechless and didn't know what to say. She caught me off guard. I know why she was asking. Later Jess appologized and said she realized right as it slipped out that she shouldnt have said anything. Now this will definitely get to the manager (the other one "attacking me" and honestly concerned). Oh well, I can't worry about it. I have to let my mind be at peace.

We'll see what happens. As long as I look healthy, have energy, and feel strong than it shouldn't matter right?

Maybe I should put this in another thread, but....would it just mess up my digestion and healing abilities if I alternate with water and juice? Like 4 days juice, 2 water, and repeat? Should I just stick with juice?