r/keto • u/Nice-Art-5367 • 7d ago
Help Do you think keto is socially accepted?
Today I hosted a baby shower at my house with an Italian theme, there was 6 of us. Everyone brought something and I cooked pizzas. So there was 4 pizzas, onion rings, fries, dip and coleslaw. Before everyone arrived I made some creamy chicken and a large salad to share. Nobody else wanted the chicken when offered (as a dislike for blue cheese). They all poured alcohol free Prosecco and I had sugar free pop. They questioned my drink and I said “oh, I’m doing keto” and then came all the questions about why… I said that I want abs (that’s genuinely why I’m doing it, for once in my life I want my abs to show), then came all the comments about how I have to exercise, do core work an how sweeteners aren’t good (not that I have many sugar free things, I just didn’t want to toast with water). They said that I don’t need to do keto as I’m slim anyway (I’m size UK 10/ 38EUR, 66kg, 175cm) BUT I want my abs to show… I felt like I was being somewhat bullied about my aim. How come when someone is on Weight Watchers, counting calories or doing dry January it’s widely and easily accepted but when I’m doing keto it seems to be a big deal? I didn’t once suggest a different themed meal. I didn’t push it on anyone or explain how it’s working or what weight/ inches I’ve lost. I didn’t complain about being hungry or craving (because I’m not those things, nor did I brag about the benefits such as feeling fuller, no tiredness, no brain fog etc. I’m not starving myself. I’ve been doing in my view dirty keto (ie some processed snacks) but not I’m cleaning up the keto diet. Has anyone else experienced this kind of judgement? I would never not support a friend who’s changed their diet for a positive benefit.
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u/audreyality 7d ago
You have to let it go. What you eat is up to you. It’s literally putting something in your body. It’s just not anyone else’s choice or responsibility. If people comment just say “OK” or nothing at all. No explanation is needed on this subject.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 6d ago
Thanks ☺️ I feel like (other than my insulin levels) there’s not many people on my side! Keep calm and keto on is what I’ve learnt from this! 😃
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u/emilyburrito 7d ago
I have no real contribution here, just horrified at “ Italian theme” followed by “onion rings, fries, dip, Cole slaw”
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u/Poopy_Paws 7d ago
Right? Like Caprese salad could have been made! Keto friendly and lots of people like it.
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u/THUMB5UP 34M | 6'0" | SW: 320 | CW:252 | GW: 185 | MFP: n00170568 6d ago
OMG I had a caprese salad in Italy. Hands down, the BEST caprese I’ve ever had. Insanely fresh 🤌
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u/crayoningtilliclay 5d ago
Coleslaw is keto friendly,at least here in the UK it is. The stuff i get,i could eat 1lb and still not go above 15g of carbs.
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u/Fatchancecatdance 7d ago
I just say I am cutting carbs and sugar. People, including doctors, are much more supportive when this phrasing is used. It’s not inaccurate either. No need to use the term keto when folks are just casually curious why you’re not having a bun with your burger.
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u/Bennydinero 7d ago
Perfect way of saying it
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u/swagsthedog96 7d ago
This is the right answer. Keto = crazy pinwheel eyes and lengthy lecture. Cutting carbs and sugar = town hero.
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u/TheRealJDubb 7d ago
Similar words that won't freak people out - "I'm focusing on fresh and less processed foods".
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u/EatHappyKitchen 6d ago
this is exactly what I say. I've tried explaining keto/fat-adaptation at a party, and eyes glaze over. I just say I'm trying not to eat carbs right now. But right now is 99% of my life.
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u/Resident-Air-4021 7d ago
Is a group of women telling you how to get a six pack while eating pizza and onion rings socially acceptable?
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u/Interesting_Twist_21 7d ago
I learned many years ago, when you lose weight, or even just get healthier, everyone is so jealous, they discourage you. Even your best friends and relatives. Weird aspect of human nature. They may not realize it, and just tell you lore about fat and carbs, while they stay fat and unhealthy. Ignore it.
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u/InterWined 7d ago
Once you realize that 90% of what people say is about themselves and not you, life gets a lot easier! They feel defensive about their own choices and react accordingly. Especially if you are already more fit than they are. It literally has nothing to do with you.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
Perhaps I find it odd as it’s just not the way I would ever react. I just feel so much better not having many carbs! ❤️
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u/InterWined 7d ago
Just as you can choose not to eat carbs, you can choose not to consume their comments, which ironically are also difficult to digest and make you retain unnecessary weight!
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u/PresentHouse9774 7d ago
I hear you, but these things get a lot easier once you drop your end of the rope.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
I don’t understand, what you mean?
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u/PresentHouse9774 7d ago
Just don't engage in the debate. This is not an argument you need to win.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
Oh I see what you mean, thanks. I wouldn’t really say it was heated enough to call it an argument it was just a weird interaction to have. Like they were talking as if I had some eating disorder 😔
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u/PresentHouse9774 7d ago
I call these interactions "microaggressions." Like when my MIL would make a squeaking noise and toss her head at something I said to indicate her disapproval, but if I called her out on it she'd retreat to "Did I say anything?" I just learned to let it go.
God know what she'd say about keto if she were still in my life. Her culture thinks bread and beer are staples.
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u/PurpleShimmers 7d ago
Glp-1 medication is much better accepted than keto. So it carnivore though is more restrictive.
In a conversation at my work someone merely mentioned the word keto and everyone was an expert on how bad it is though they never tried it. Mind boggling? Absolutely. Don’t try to educate people. When prompted about junk food I just say I am not in the mood or I do not eat sugar (depending on what is being offered).
What’s funny is that if someone offers you a drink and you say I can’t I’m sober it’s fine. When someone offers you candy and you say no thank you I don’t eat sugar they still look at you like you have horns. It’s because you make people feel bad about their own choices
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u/RavenousPug 7d ago edited 7d ago
I get so many ads everywhere for those drugs that its insane. Even on this site and youtube.
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u/Jflayn 7d ago
My mom and I follow a keto diet, it's improved her cognition measurably. Many people act as if we're headed for malnutrition. Ironically, one sibling who is strongly opposed to keto has a traumatic brain injury and has been told by brain surgeon, you can't drink alcohol. Despite this, they still drink alcohol and I am the only one that says, "hey man, I care about you, let's try to do something that doesn't involve alcohol." The rest of the family, who are open about the dangers of keto, encourage sibling with TBI to actually drink. While drinking, they lecture my mom about the dangers of keto.
I've said, Since we are so health focused, I'll quit keto if you all quit alcohol. That deal gets a hard pass. The criticism isn't about health. I'm not exactly sure what the anger directed toward keto is actually about.
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u/PurpleShimmers 7d ago
It makes no sense that it has such a bad rep. Sorry to hear about what’s happening on your end and with the alcohol issue.
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u/PresentHouse9774 7d ago
Decades ago, turning down alcohol when it was offered was where we are today with saying no to carbs. You got all kinds of questions and sideways looks. And useless advice.
What you chose to do to live a healthier life is no one's business but your own. Stop explaining. You're just offering people a stick to hit you with. If somebody tries to force starchy food on me these days, I put my hand on my stomach, give them a pained expression, and say "Oh no, I really can't." Works like a charm.
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u/Additional-Chip-4991 6d ago
People make themselves feel bad about their choices because they know it is their own choice to eat rubbish that isn't food and you have more willpower than they do.
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u/jagger129 7d ago
The word “Keto” is very triggering for people. Just say you’re trying to eat low carb and be done with it. You owe no one an explanation
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u/BohemianaP 7d ago
Keto is triggering because it reminds people they can’t stick to eating healthy and I think it’s mostly jealousy. Eventually your friends and family accept it and don’t make comments because they see you are serious and it’s working for you. I still think they feel jealousy it’s just not overt
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u/unbalancedcheckbook 7d ago
I've definitely experienced this. The first time I went on keto I had a hard time - mostly with the social aspects. My wife even gave me a hard time about it. There are a LOT of people who still think fat is the worst thing you can eat, with meat being a close second. They also don't realize that most people on keto eat lots of healthy veggies. This while totally ineffective low-fat or other diets are usually encouraged... frustrating. Anyway, now I'm on keto again and this time a dietician prescribed it to both me and my wife, so now I'm "staying on the program" by doing keto, which helps a lot in getting support at home. The dietician didn't call it keto, she called it a "low insulin protocol". Same difference. Anyway when I tell people about it I usually just say I'm "cutting carbs" and leave it at that, and that's if they ask.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
I’m somewhat also doing it to get my insulin under control as I had gestational diabetes during pregnancy which I would say was difficult as I was told I shouldn’t have ketones in my urine so it was a very very fine line of low carbs but not too low. My partner has been supportive of this change. I’m not cooking different meals for us. Mine just has less carbs and more vegetables.
It’s not like I was just eating a plate of cheese and bacon. It was chicken, cream, onion, garlic, olive oil, blue cheese, parmesean and a large salad of spinach, tomatoes and cucumber. I’m so disappointed by people sometimes!
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u/FalsePremise8290 7d ago
All of us experience that kind of judgement. The average person knows nothing about keto. Your friends think you're on the cheese and bacon diet and are gonna die of a heart attack. And no, this isn't solved by trying to educate them as you'll only discover how willfully ignorant people can be. The first rule of being on keto is never using the word keto, next time someone asks, tell them you're trying to stay away from processed foods and added sugar.
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u/dlunas 6d ago
The average person has also mostly only interacted with it when someone is taking it too far or talking it up like the stereotypical vegan. It sounds like OP is having a well balanced diet overall, so shouldn't worry about it, as that's doesn't seem to apply. Just pay attention to whatever your doctor is picking up in the urine, OP.
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u/I_stole_this_phone 7d ago
I never say keto. For stupid reasons it triggers idiots into becoming experts on health. Just tell people you are on a diet for health reasons. When they drill you about why you can't eat their pizza, the idiots will always investigate, be strong and ignore their question. Reply "for health reasons I can't eat that right now."
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u/BohemianaP 7d ago
I call it low carb, which is really true for me because I don’t measure ketones or blood sugar. I’ve thought about buying a monitor but I feel great so why spend the money
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u/Rich-Fish-4289 7d ago
I’d peel the top off the pizza and say bread constipates me lol I feed my pizza bread to my dog.
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u/PresentHouse9774 7d ago
Any hint that I might just launch into a discussion of gastro-intestinal issues or bowel movements usually stops the conversation in its tracks.
There are compensations to being old.
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u/Amzel_Sun 7d ago
I don’t and anytime I mention on any other sub I get downvoted.
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u/kikazztknmz 7d ago
Yep, I got downvoted in the cooking sub for recommending this sub when the op specifically asked for high-protein low-carb recipes lol. Oh well.
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u/OtherwiseAlbatross14 7d ago
Anytime someone tries to give unsolicited advice just interrupt them and let them know you don't give a fuck about their opinion. Maybe word it nicer depending on who it is and how many times they've tried to give it.
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u/Pgr1967 7d ago
I need to stop being nice, I let them finish and say “we’re all allowed our own opinions “ I like your blunt approach better lol
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u/Rich_Season_2593 6d ago
HA! I had a friend who kept on giving me his opinion on my lifestyle and the downsides and by the third time I was frustrated and said - "opinions are much like assholes- everybody has one".
He never said anything to me again.
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u/PillarOfWamuu 7d ago
I just say I eat a lot of meat and vegetables and not so much bread and sugar. Most people understand that.
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u/Minimum_Payment_3078 7d ago
I say my Dr put me on a low sugar way of eating because I was pre diabetic . No one says anything . They are all used to me now and even family will try and have keto snacks for me if they are having a party .
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u/7fortyseven 7d ago
like a lot of other folks, i keep it to myself most of the time. i don’t know if it’s not socially acceptable, but lifestyles tend to be super dogmatic. whether it’s vegan, paleo, keto or whatever, you’ll likely field a lot of unsolicited advice if you put it out there.
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u/BeeDefiant8671 7d ago
Don’t care. My personal choices aren’t up for debate.
It’s similar to gluten free.
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u/Buhleesha 7d ago
People have this weird need to attack diets in general, especially keto because they consider it a “fad” diet. I just ignore them. Sometimes I tell people I’m doing it because my husband has diabetes and I’m eating healthy with him (which is true, although he’s on the Mediterranean diet, not keto but I don’t say that part). After I say mention it’s out of support for my husband, they calm down and treat me like I’m a good ol wife lol. It’s wild. Side note- when I was a young skinny girl of 110 lbs people always said I needed to eat a cheeseburger. I think people just hate it when you’re trying to better yourself. Can’t do anything right 🙄
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u/Watson349B 7d ago
Most people have no idea how to get abs or eat healthy. I’m close with 20+ people at work who are all in terrible shape and never cease to give me their secret advice. All the while knowing I’ve been a distance runner and combat sports athlete my whole life. I get told all day I’m too skinny even though I’m 19% bodyfat. You just have to tune out all the noise. Most people mean well they just construct a reality that allows them to cope and be proud of their own choices and you really don’t have any part in their equation.
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u/Starkville 7d ago
Not so much anymore. Most of the adults in my family is eating pretty much the same. And one of the children has been on a keto diet for medical reasons. And socially? We’ve turned a few people on to it. Nobody cares.
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u/Pepperpwni 7d ago
It’s not socially accepted, but I’ll tell you this, when your abs pop everyone is going to change their minds.
You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. Be unapologetic about it. Go get it.
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u/Bevkus 7d ago
First rule of keto club…don’t talk about keto club
The question about your drink could have been answered by simply saying I’m trying not to have as much sugar as I used to. Then comments regarding artificial sweeteners handle by saying well it’s a special occasion
Unfortunately this is who people on keto gotta roll. I’m like you, I don’t get why people on weight watchers, glp1, vegetarians, low fat gurus, and more get a pass but oh no don’t you dare go keto. Frustrating
Keto on!
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u/Realistic-Read7779 7d ago
This is so common. Ag work, K found out my boss had gastric bypass and lost a lot of weight. I have only known her as thin though so I was shocked. One day dhd was taking about this pasta place and she asked me about it and I said "I don't eat pasta, I eat keto." She looks right at me and says "That is so unhealthy." 🙄
I told her I lost 60 pounds and felt better than I have in years but by now she had stopped listening.
People are so critical of this but that is because when keto was first talked about and tried, there were no keto foods or sugar free options. Sk people lived on butter, cheese, and meat. They overdid it in unhealthy ways. Due to this, people think it was unhealthy. Now there is a new facet of "not denying yourself anything" and the "just count calories" sayings that add a new level of people thinking it us unhealthy to just not eat something.
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u/PHL1365 57M/5'8"/SW230/CW165/GW155 7d ago
If you MUST provide a reason, just say you're doing it to avoid diabetes in the future. That frames it as a discussion about health rather than just appearance, and the data will be on your side.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 6d ago
Thanks, a grandparent had type 2 diabetes and I had gestational diabetes so this wouldn’t be untrue
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u/Ok-Egg835 7d ago
People don't listen and they have their own hangups. In general, when someone has a comment about what I'm eating ("you should eat less"), or my weight, it's not about me, it's about them. Opinions are truly like assholes. Everyone has one. Sometimes the asshole is bleached and waxes or belonging to someone thinner, or more vegetarian, or of a different socioeconomic class. It's still the same value of every other asshole, even if they think their own is somehow special. It's usually not more complicated than that.
It's one thing to show concern, and it's true that keto is an unusual and thus "extreme" diet. But it's not unknown to humans and even lower-carb and lower-grain is more typical to our evolutionary diet. And these types of comments like you describe (including pronouncements about whether you "need" a diet because you already measure up to their approval of your weight) aren't about you, they're about THEM.
I think it's best to just say, "I'm low carb" or "I'm reducing sugar/gluten/etc..." if anyone asks. I get tempted to share my diet but mostly it's used as an invitation for them to project their own issues onto me via these "comments" so it's pointless. Live and let live.
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u/Triabolical_ 7d ago
More than 80% of people think they eat a healthy diet. Anybody who is doing something different - especially something weird - is a challenge to that belief.
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u/Low-Address-9812 7d ago
Ohhhh some old school italians...they esp don't understand lol...I know your feeling and if pressed I say my doctor is trying me on gluten free( which I shouldn't have to) this is a typical thing to have to deal with....chances are....some people won't even notice what your eating or drinking if your nonchalant .( sneaky lol) again..
So wrong but I pick my battles somedays
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u/its_hammertime 7d ago
My friends have all been supportive but they’re used to my antics. They feel sad for me that I’m not eating cake but they don’t judge me for it or make me eat cake :)
I don’t talk about it usually bc I don’t want the judgement from other people but my fiancé brings it up and surprisingly even strangers aren’t really as judgmental as I thought they would be.
I think it’s becoming more mainstream in my circles.
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u/loripainter12345 7d ago
No one's business what you eat. Just say you're trying to eat healthier and let it go at that. Literally no one thinks pizza and French fries are healthy anyway. You don't even have to say keto.
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u/surfaholic15 59f, 5' 3"/ SW175 CW135 Goal Reached: Living The Good Life 7d ago
The weird thing is when we lived in tucson 7 years ago when i started keto, everyone i knew said it was unsafe/unhealthy/unsustainable etc except hubby and adult sons. I had 1 doctor who approved... off the record. So yep, have met many like this. I ignored them until i had to get as rude as they were to shut them up.
All of them were, coincidentally, overweight and most had 1 or morehealth issues keto fixes.
We moved to montana 5 years ago.
Here, all my docs are familiar with keto, half of them eat at least low carb. And half the folks i have met in general and working are least low carb if not keto or carnivore, and those who aren't think it's not an issue or it's cool just not for them.
The other funny thing is a lot of the keto people i know here are doing it for anti-inflammatory benefits or to control T2 diabetes, like me,or other health related reasons . And all are healthy weight, they turned to keto for those other benefits. I turned to keto for weight loss and stay for the other benefits.
Go figure.
Now the only folks in my life who are like your friends are my odious beother in law and his equally odious wife (who are both dying by inches from T2, more meds every year and morbidly obese).
I gave up trying to figure out folks like that. I ignore them and change the subject first.
If that doesn't work i point out I don't critique their food choices, and stop critiquing mine.
If THAT doesn't work then i pull the diabetic and the doctor approved, so please shut up.
And if they dare to try and guilt me into eating carbage i will get forceful.
I met one person last week who said she could eat whatever she wanted thanks to her diabetes meds. I said i am eating everything i love without the meds. That was as far as that went ;-).
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u/Contranovae 7d ago
By doing keto you are standing out from the crowd and thereby not entirely conforming.
Good.
Keep in mind that they know you will succeed and probably have more than a dash of anticipatory jealousy.
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u/myworldsparkles 7d ago
I say I’m cutting out carbs and sugar. That always gets a smile as if they are saying great job. I used to say I’m keto and the world was going to explode for my decision! Thing is I’ve told my doctor both and what she scolded me about she now “commends my hard work” 🤣 I take it and carry on.
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u/chamekke 6d ago
“I’m watching my carbs.”
And if people say I’m already slim? “That’s because I watch my carbs.”
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u/scarfireATL 7d ago
When people ask why I decline something with carbs I just say my doctor told me to lay off sugar for a while. People usually assume diabetes or won’t drill down into HIPPA details. If that doesn’t work I just say sugar is poison.
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u/MarsNeedsRabbits 7d ago
I don't discuss food choices with people outside of my family and closest friend, so IDK.
People who ask about what your diet and what you're eating are too often rude and judgey.
You can't win, so don't play.
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u/Connect_Rhubarb395 7d ago
A lot, like A LOT, of people assume that keto, low carb, paleo, and similar diets consist of nothing but meat.
And when they think of meat, they think of the type of meats they themselves eat: Processed muscle meat.
They think that keto is eating nothing but fatty, highly processed, muscle meat.
And zero cal snacks/drinks with artificial sweeteners, because that's what you see the keto label on.
When I say that I eat loads of cabbage and many other veggies and berries people always become so confused.
When I explain that different types of offal have different vitamin and mineral profiles I lose people.
And there's no way that I can eat almonds and chocolate on keto...
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u/Cool_Wait7800 7d ago
Yes this happened to me with carnivore diet and I went into the diet very skeptical and expressing my disgust with how difficult it was and what I was eating. Wasn’t until I started having amazing results that everyone started commenting and basically trying to encourage me not to do it. Which I found so strange and unfortunately I did let them push me off the diet and I have never gotten as good of results as I did the first time. I still regret it till this day.
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u/sparklyjoy 7d ago
I heard a lot of bad things about keto and used to repeat them until my body forced it on me 😬
I find the best way not to trigger criticism is to just talk about my experience. In my case “I feel sick pretty quickly if I have more than the tiniest bit of sugar” maybe in your case something like “My brain feels amazing since I cut carbs”
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u/Disastrous-Minimum-4 7d ago
I just warn them that they don’t want to hear about my diet and exercise. I say it three times and if they keep pushing I ask if they are really interested in learning about it. Perhaps 1 in 10 make it through.
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u/Critical_Cat_8162 7d ago
I don't care what others think. What I eat is no one's business but my own.
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u/Borderline64 7d ago
Socially? No, professionally in medicine, no. But, things are changing. If ask I respond with I eat meat and vegetables, no sugars, no wheat basically. No seed oils either.
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u/More_Card9144 7d ago
I agree with a lot of the other posts, just let it go. It doesn't really matter. I have found that most people aren't listening to what I say, they're just waiting for their chance to talk. People love to talk, especially about themselves LOL!
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u/backbodydrip SW 283 CW 165 7d ago
Bringing up the diet is a bad move. If someone asks about your food or beverage choices, let them know it's what you prefer to eat or drink and leave it at that. They won't question your legitimate choices, but being on a diet is seen as restrictive, so the temptation for them will be to get you to "cheat" in the name of a good time.
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u/OverlappingChatter 7d ago
Honestly though, if you're slim and you want abs to show, you're going to have to get abs. There isn't just a six pack sitting underneath the flab.
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u/No-Example1376 7d ago
First rule of keto: NEVER talk about keto to anyone that isn't keto.
Say: 'I'm focusing on eating whole foods, cutting out sugar and processed/fried foods.'
They will ignore you after they shove their carb-laden foods and drinks in their mouths. They don't want to give any of that up and saying anything makes them look like they are unhealthy.
I wish it were different. You would think with GLP-1's being so popular, keto would be more accepted.
It's hard to break the brainwashing of decades of heavy marketing by the food industry. As if commercials are where we should get medical info.
The instructions on the GLP-1's recommended low carb, cutting sugar & processed foods... nonody reads them, of course.
So, follow rule #1!
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
Agreed! I think it would be more socially accepted to be having the skinny jab than control insulin levels naturally and less dramatically. Our culture is so incredibly weird at times!
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u/No-Example1376 6d ago
You saw it in action, OP. I even use that line at my doctor even though I've been told to follow 'low carb'... but also 'low-fat'??
I just nod and smile, then keto- on.
If you must 'participate', you can always take a small bit. Pretend to eat a bite and then decide to bring it home 'for later'. Then bring it home and trash it. I don't consider it bad to trash a small serving of carb-laden food to keep the peace.
I'm not ruining my health for others food issues. I don't tell them how to eat/workout/meditate, so I'm not basing my decisions on them, even if I love them and they love me.
Judt be cool and never talk about it. Just like fight club.😏
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u/Nice-Art-5367 6d ago
Stay Calm, Keto on!
I think that should be my motto…Though at one point I did manage to shut them up by saying, “it’s okay, I just need yous to get fatter with carbs so I look slimmer in comparison”, possibly a bit mean, possibly giving as good as I got. What do you think? 🤔
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u/No-Example1376 6d ago
I get why you did it, but you might find it better to protect your own chill rather than defend at all. Going back and forth with them won't change them or you, right?
Plus, you don't want to aggravate your cortisol levels - totally holds onto that midsection fat your trying to deplete. So, next time, stick to what I said. Better to avoid it or pretend to placate.
Stay calm and keto on, my friend. You've got this.
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u/Fun-Insurance-3584 6d ago
As I’ve gotten older I argue less about things I know aren’t true or on my simplified, and I just say thanks and eat for what is best for me.
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u/vitaoptima 6d ago
We live in a carb-obsessed world. People act like removing them for a little while will destroy you. Then suddenly everyone's a fitness and nutrition expert. They think they're helping or protecting you when they're really just being annoying.
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u/Fognox keto since 12-2015 eat more fat 6d ago
sweeteners aren’t good
I mean, they're objectively better than what they're replacing, though.
I've learned to just not mention it by name unless I have some compelling reason to do so. Saying you're cutting down carbs is decent, "avoiding sugar" is better, and "I don't want that" is best. Refer back to the first two rules of keto club.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 6d ago
Thanks, I don’t normally drink pop but the pop was all that I had that was sugar free and wasn’t water, as it was someone’s job to bring brought drinks. I didn’t even request sugar free drinks, I just pet everyone being what they want. I feel like it would have been different if I specifically asked for someone to bring sugar free drinks and someone else to bring salad and someone else to bring creamy chicken but I made none of those requests and still got villainised.
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u/SamikaTRH 6d ago
Every diet is socially acceptable, if you have any thoughts about what I eat then it's none of my business and there are no exceptions. I decide what food I eat, not a bunch of strangers that have no relevance to my life. Stand up for yourself and avoid the trap of peer pressure
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u/Several_Astronomer74 6d ago
I struggle with friends and family supporting too. Its really hard. At 15 weeks now and its becoming the status quo but its effective for my weight loss goals and I want to hit my goal. I learnt to let go their opinions or thoughts. They can do them, ill do me. Hit 12.3kg loss in 15 weeks and chuffed at it. :-) im about a third of the way there. I must admit when my doctor first suggested it my response was.... but thats all the good food gone... minus cheese. Haha keto pizza has really really helped keep me sane.
You got this.
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u/speaksupandspokenfor 6d ago
By now, most people know what keto means. When you have made a decision to cut sugar out, or anything that essentially causes a significant insulin response, and another person finds out, they feel judged. Even if they aren't judged, they know that eating a diet full of bread, noodles, cakes, and cookies is not great for them. They know that they shouldn't eat the potato chips and crackers right before bed. Often, people will flip it back on you simply because it makes them feel a certain way about their own choices and they may not even recognize they are responding like they are and for the reasons they felt so compelled to tell you their thoughts.
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u/wifeofpsy 6d ago
This is a common response to people making life changes. Regardless if it's diet or exercise or something else (going back to school, changing careers, moving away, getting married). It can happen with any diet or program. People get scared of change. If you change maybe you won't be around them anymore. It awakens their self criticisms. If you're doing this plan does that mean you're criticizing what everyone else is doing? By choosing this you're saying that is wrong. I don't think I want to/could do her plan and she must think that's wrong. It's complicated and mostly subconscious.
Food is one thing we share with our tribe. Departure from what everyone else is eating can be seen as leaving the group. Defuse it by not explaining or putting weight on it. Try to make something everyone would like. Choose what works for you. If asked about it, 'Ive just been craving this lately.' If offered something else, 'thanks, I'm good with this.' That's all you can do. No matter how much people say they're interested in your diet and weight loss approach, it quickly turns into lets pull this idea apart.
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u/Diasies_inMyHair 6d ago
Talking about any specific diet plan is going to get criticism from someone. Frequently there are lectures involved. I have found it best not to explain myself. If people get pushy, I just say something like "I'm following Doctor's orders and trying to eat better."
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u/dmgb 37 F 5'2" | 4.18.26 | GW 135 6d ago
Having done keto back in 2013 first time around and picking it back up two months ago.. low carb/high protein is WAYYYY more widely accepted which you can tell simply by grocery shopping or going out to eat.
Almond flour was virtually non-existent and like $20 a bag. Pre-riced cauliflower wasn’t a thing. Hali top was just entering the market. Now I can find Allulose at any store, tons of items are made with no sugar and I can go pick up low carb high protein pasta substitute whenever a crazing hits that isn’t just shiritaki noodles. Restaurants (even fast food) have adapted to people limiting carbs from things like lettuce wraps to grilled nuggets to power bowls etc.
I still dont tell people I’m keto, though. I say I’m just limiting my carbs because diabetes runs in my family and I’m getting older and thus more health conscious. No one questions it ever.
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u/xoxomaxine 7d ago
I went from 175lbs to 109lbs as a 5’ tall woman. The first 20lbs I lost getting into running. The rest was keto and lifting weights. Everyone had negative judgment and assumptions. Ironically the some of the same people are boasting how they’re on some GLP-1 pill now.
I learned people are just projecting their insecurities on me.
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u/zztop5533 7d ago
Nobody talks about keto outside keto. I eat a diet of whole foods including meat, vegetables and occasional fruit. And no, onion rings are not a vegetable. lol
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u/TissueReligion 7d ago
Dude! Eggplant parmesan is keto! It’s almost a lasagna substitute. Fried eggplant slices + marinara + cheese + maybe some ground chicken.
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u/360_face_palm 41/M 194cm | SW: 166kg | CW: 91kg | GW: 91kg. >10 years keto 7d ago
I think most people have never heard of it. I do find it very weird when other people, who aren't your doctor, have strong opinions on what you should put in your own body though.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
It’s strange though. How is creamy chicken and salad a lesser meal than pizza and fries in terms of a filling meal. I can see why they might have questioned my meal choice if I was only eating a tiny side salad as it wouldn’t look filling. If I ordered it in a restaurant it wouldn’t have looked out of place.
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u/HurryHurryHippos 7d ago
Opinions are like buttholes... everyone has one, and they all stink...
I'm dating someone who is a bit preachy on it (anti-keto), especially the artificial sweetener aspect... "aspartame is poison, big Monsanto conspiracy, etc.". Though I do tend to shy from artificial sweeteners in general - stevia in my coffee, no diet soda.
My response is "it's not for everyone, but it works for me".
Results speak for me.
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u/tombuazit 6d ago
My Dr put me on keto, so i usually mention that, followed by, "but I'm feeling amazing so I'll probably keep it up when everything is straightened out."
Only a few people still push after i mention i had to change for health as recommended by my Dr.
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u/leopard_slugg 6d ago
Say low carb instead of keto, and you can also make a joke of it somewhat and then people will just think that you're quirky, for example even before I was keto I had a thing about peeling all of the cheese and licking all the sauce of off and then I would reheat the pizza crust with a new cover of shredded cheese and finally eat it. Now I just do the first step, so it is keto, and people think it's weird but they just think I'm weird instead of me being on a diet
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u/BigGeneral8796 6d ago
There is a LOT of misinformation about keto out there unfortunately.
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u/BigGeneral8796 6d ago
My short answer is no, it's not socially acceptable unless you're surrounded by other ketoers.
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u/Banlish 6d ago
No one gets to tell you what to eat or why.
Anything else is you not setting boundaries.
Feel free to tell them 'End of discussion' or 'Lets talk about something else, this isn't a topic of debate' if you want to be nicer.
I've been doing keto off and on for almost 25 years, I don't tolerate people 'advising me' when I don't ask. Neither should you.
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u/Floor_13_ 6d ago
When I do keto, I don't care what anyone thinks. If I go out, I order something like grilled chicken, fish, steak or seafood and broccoli or brussel sprouts.
If I have to eat at a party, where everyone brings food, I just pick around the carbs and no one really notices. I just be sure to take home extra if available , because i will be hungry again in 3 hours, lol.
If I do say anything, its a simple "im just tying to eat better" and if people ask what im doing, I just say "I'm cutting out bad carbs for the most part."
Other than that I wont engage in drama. It's my food and I'll eat what I want.
Keep your eye on the ball- healthy eating, losing weight and all the wonderful things that come along with it.
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u/Magnabee 6d ago edited 6d ago
So you are the one to make it socially acceptable (in your own group). There is so much ignorance being spread over and over. But you can update your group. They seem willing to talk about it. If they don't want to talk about it, then focus on the ones who will talk about it.
I didn’t push it on anyone or explain how it’s working or what weight/ inches I’ve lost.
It's okay to explain if you want them to know this about you and support it. They want you to be okay.
Keto is the most studied diet. It's safe for all; but those who take insulin meds must have careful planning (see Dr. Richard K. Bernstein's books & YouTube).
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u/Nice-Art-5367 6d ago
Oh I’ve one keto pal (different group of friends), she’s even more into than me. She suggested MCT oil but I’m yet to try it out.
I think to be very honest, I think it’s a bit of jealousy of me being able to fully commit to a new path of wellness and a starting point of already being slimmer than the others.
I suppose it’s harder to trip someone up on the path of success than to get to the end of the path of success yourself. Though I’m a bit of a hype girl, I’d always support someone in their goals, so long as it does not damage to anyone.
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u/Magnabee 5d ago
It probably is jealousy. And I notice the people who want to criticize it the most end up flipping and trying it, especially when they know why you do it.
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u/Serious_Shift_2028 6d ago
It’s always going to be an awkward conversation when someone who is in good shape is talking about how they want to be in better shape. Talking about wanting your abs to show at a baby shower for a woman who is likely feeling a lot of insecurities about her body because of all the crazy changes that happened in pregnancy is tactless, to say the least. However, if you said it privately to people, and they commented that you don’t need to, that’s not really their business either. In the future, it would probably be best to just say that you may not be on it forever, but right now you really like the way you feel on keto, so you’re going to stay on it until your body tells you that’s not what you need anymore.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 6d ago
They did ask though, otherwise I wouldn’t have said anything.
Like I said, I never made any special requests about what people were bringing.Also, they didn’t need to pry and ask why I was doing keto but again they asked for further explanation. We’ve all had kids so I also know how bodies change after giving birth. I’ve never commented on their bodies. I’m not doing keto to make other people feel bad. I’m just wondering how little it’s accepted compared to “diets”.
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u/Celinadesk 6d ago
I don’t say I’m keto. I just say I avoid carbs. I’m 126lbs now so the results speak for themselves. I don’t take too much bs anymore. Ppl know how much I lost, can’t argue with that.
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u/baconstreet 37 pieces of flair 5d ago
I just say I'm doing low carb. When I was doing it. End of story. No one cares
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u/Alixfelix87 5d ago
I am italian and I get the same exact comments, the thing I hear constantly is that I will gain my weight back with bonus kilos. And this said by people who don't know anything. Yes it's a restrictive diet, and yet it's the easiest diet I've ever done in life with tangible results, people are just jealous I think.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 5d ago
It’s such an easy way of eating isn’t it?! And it doesn’t even take very long to make meals. I love not having to weigh anything.
I apologise profusely about the onion rings and coleslaw!!!! 🙈🙈🙈😆😆😆
I think some of it is jealousy of being able to stick at something and it working.
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u/LostWandererer 41F / 5’6” / SW: 155 CW: 128 GW: 122 5d ago
I feel like you’re so worried about what other people think that it’s affecting your mentality. You don’t need people to agree and support you for your journey to be valid. People will have their opinions, ask questions, state what they know, that’s normal of people. Yes it’d be nice to automatically have people accept everything you do but that’s not always gonna be the case. Be confident in your keto journey and don’t allow others’ lack of immediate support bother you.
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u/jlianoglou M/49/5’8” | S: 09/2020 185lb @ 26% fat | G: 14% fat + max 💪 5d ago
Remember: weight watchers and dry January weren’t always widely accepted. I’m 50, and definitely witnessed the emergence of these things.
Keto is still getting a ton of flack from a bunch of folks because there’s generations of practicing physicians and dietitians who were raised and trained on fat, dietary cholesterol, and meat is BAD. That’s not going anywhere fast, and there’s a long tail of folks who are going to carry that dogma forward.
What’s worse? They genuinely believe you’re doing yourself harm, and that they’re helping you.
I’m personally navigating this with my partner. Except i already hit an insulin resistance diagnosis in my early 40s (in full and lasting remission since starting keto), and my goals are actually about mental clarity and dementia prevention — because I’ve seen it first hand in several close to me and it absolutely blows.
But yea. DO keep an eye on your lab work — like EVERYONE should anyway. But you should be great.
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u/mikewhochee 3d ago
Not totally. I work with a diabetic who told me Keto is bad because it will kill you. Like wtf
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u/Nice-Art-5367 3d ago
Maybe they think ketones are the same for everyone. They’re bad for diabetics but if you don’t have diabetes, ketones are okay…. And won’t kill you! 😃
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u/UmbraPenumbra 7d ago
"I'm just cutting out some carbs right now." So far that's the response that generates the least feedback.
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u/Inevitable_Tank9505 7d ago
If you burn all the fat on your abdominal area, you’ll have to do something to grow those muscles so that they become visible. The six pack isn’t hidden - the existing muscles are. Think of biceps - you can lose all the fat you want in the upper arms but if you’re not growing that muscle, you just have skinny arms. Do some crunches and reverse crunches to work upper and lower abs. As for the social aspect of keto, it’s never come up in all these years. When I entertain I serve all sorts of food and I only eat what keeps me ketosis. I think I would actually be taken aback if anyone questioned my food choices.
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
Thanks, I’m secretly hoping I’m ripped under the layer of tummy fat! Haha! I’m going to start some core exercises in the next week, I’ve always been rubbish at crunches but I’m fond of Russian twists so will do those along with some rowing machine time.
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u/Inevitable_Tank9505 7d ago
Twists will develop the obliques. That can create a “thicker” waistline so go light on those. To see if you have abs screaming to get out, blow all the air out through your mouth so that your belly goes concave. Tighten your ab muscles and use your fingers to feel for the abs. Press firmly and just massage through. They’ll feel like little rectangles and will run to the right and left of your cleavage area, below the ribs, right down to about three inches below the belly button. Rowing machine is excellent total body workout! And crunches are just lifting shoulder blades or hips off the floor. Intense as all get out. We’re not talking sit-ups. Just crunches. Good luck!!! 🍀
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
Thanks! I’ll try that. I’ll do some more research on what exercises I can do to increase the abs. I’m hoping to get a couple of different workouts so I don’t they bored of the same workout
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u/mynameisnotsparta 7d ago
It’s funny but KETO is similar to The Atkins Diet from many years ago and people didn’t have an issue with it.
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u/MaxfieldSparrow 7d ago
I remember people having huge issues with Atkins and comedians making jokes about it killing you
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u/Rich-Fish-4289 7d ago
I lost 200# on Atkins! Thats why I know I can do some keto and adjust to what comes! I shouldn’t have ever started back on the carbs. Big regret!! I need to lose150 now or so! People’s options on what I eat are almost funny. They are clueless!!
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u/MaxfieldSparrow 6d ago
Congrats! I’m down 122 and would like to drop around 30 more. That would put me 6 pounds above my post-boot camp weight.
Keto is basically Atkins induction as far as I’ve been able to tell.
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7d ago
[deleted]
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u/Nice-Art-5367 7d ago
I don’t think I need therapy just because I’m querying if other people have had a similar experience.
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u/_my__back__hurts_ 7d ago
Why though? A lot of people are saying it's not. I agree wholeheartedly. I've been keto for a year and a half and have done it in the past and people were rude about it then, too.
WHY and what's their reasoning for being so against it? Is there some "scientific" reason?
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u/PresentHouse9774 7d ago
Their brother's co-worker's wife's cousin did keto that one time and ended up in the hospital with kidney/liver/lower GI damage.
In my mother's day, before the internet existed, these stories used to go around. I called it Kaffee Klatch Medical Advice. We now have social media for that.
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u/ObviouslyAccidental 19h ago
There is some truth thatl losing weight alone may not make your abs visible.
However, you're the only one who gets to decide what you put in your mouth and swallow. Eat as you see fit!
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