How To Have A Judgment-Free Plant-Based Lifestyle

plant based transition May 16, 2022

I’ve noticed a pattern in humans. Once we learn certain facts or rules about the “best” way of doing something, we tend to start judging others when they don’t comply with our beliefs.

For example, my mom is an interior designer. With her help, I have learned a lot about design. It is an art to balance little details with the bigger picture. The problem is that because I understand more about good design, it is really easy to spot homes and rooms that don’t conform to modern design rules.

The same can be said about religion, exercise, clothes, parenting, etiquette and you guessed it….food. Once you learn certain rules, it is natural for humans to notice when others may not be making the “best” choices.

When I became a pilates instructor, I spent hundreds of hours learning the perfect form for each exercise. It is my job to spot bad form and correct it where possible. But I also learned that some people don’t want to be corrected. They just want to move, and they may have different reasons (like former injuries, etc) as to why they can’t conform to the rules.

The same goes with plant-based eating. After learning all the reasons why eating too many animal products can damage your health, it is really easy to judge others. It can be hard not to stress when you see a loved one bathing their steak in butter. Thoughts of future heart attacks, or cancer may flood your mind. And you may say something that could be offensive to others.

I’ve been there. I’ve done that. I know it is hard. BUT if we are truly going to make a difference in others’ lives, we have to meet people where they are at.

Here are some suggestions on how we can live a judgment free plant-based lifestyle:

Stay Curious: Stay curious and see beyond choices that are visible. Food choices have a lot of intersectionality into other areas that can be sensitive to discuss. I saw this recently when chatting with a friend. He may never be interested in eating mostly plants, because his mom ate healthy her whole life, and she still died of cancer in her 60’s.
Be Understanding: Someone who has experienced deprivation or trauma around food may likely have difficulty or shame around their food choices.
Stay Positive: There are a lot of misconceptions about eating plant-based. You may hear someone ask about where you get your protein multiple times, because they don’t know the science behind it. You can still stay positive as much as possible. State simple facts—like 97% of Americans get too much protein and yet only 3% of Americans get enough fiber. Then move on and focus on your own experiences to minimize any potential conflicts.
Self Accommodate: Offer to bring your own plant-centered entree or side to a gathering rather than asking others to accommodate you.
Talk Less: Remember that actions speak louder than words. You can have more of an impact quietly through your actions than you would in a heated debate. Let the results speak for themselves.
Ditch Perfection: Seek progress over perfection. As those around you see your progress, rather than your perfection, it can lead to an opportunity to inspire and spark curiosity with the plant-based lifestyle.
Be Vulnerable: Don’t be afraid to share your why. You may be the subject of judgment and comparison, but if you are vulnerable and allow others to see beyond what is visible, their understanding and love can grow.
Find Support: Find support in social groups or/and someone else who is on a similar journey with you. It can reinforce your transition to eating plant-based and has been found to be critical in sustainability of a new diet.
Invite Others: Invite and involve others. Host a plant-based meal for family gatherings or events.
Don't Exclude Yourself: Eat meals together in your home regardless. Even if it’s only a partially plant-based table because your kids or husband may not be completely on board. Over time your household will note your consistency.
Grow a Garden: Grow and garden with friends or family. Openly discuss the benefits of certain fruits and vegetables.
Make it Fun: Cut and arrange plant foods in unique ways. Get others excited to try something new.
Keep Learning: Watch relevant shows, documentaries, books, or movies about the plant-based lifestyle together and discuss. Also be willing to watch or read information that may not conform to your beliefs. Always be open to learning new things.
Create New Experiences: Go out and eat at a plant-based restaurant or one that has a plant-based menu and offer to have them try part of your meal.

Food is meant to be enjoyed. If you are too busy worrying or stressing about the effects of “unhealthy” food, then it is time to shift your focus. Keep in mind that stress can have the same negative impact on the endothelial cells that line your arteries as eating a meal full of sugar and fat.

Living a judgment free plant-based lifestyle will not only improve the lives of those around you, but it will improve your own health. Let mealtime be a time where you celebrate and love those around you. Recognize what a gift it is to spend time together, regardless of what food is being served.