A recent question on Paleohacks got me thinking about my past experiences and my transition from vegetarianism to paleo. Careful readers will remember that I started a food experiment at this point a few years ago. I was having trouble keeping healthy with my plan and discussed it with a very wise garden friend. When I mentioned that I wasn't sure what I was going to do about my diet, this is what she said,
"You have to decide if you are going to eat for your health or if you are going to eat for your philosophy."
I was a bit taken aback, because I really thought at the time that I was eating for my health, not my religion. When I thought carefully about what she said, I realized that she was right. I had been doing this food experiment. But, how was that working for me? It was then that I decided to call Kris Young and see if I could switch out my wheat selection to something that was more healthy for me.
Anyway, I would recommend the PH poster who has the sick vegan friend to ask the very same question. Maybe not right away. Maybe just suggest a visit to Dr. Dean's website to read up a bit on fat and mental health. I am so glad that my strong and opinionated friend didn't hold back.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I am not trying to take the pot shot at Vegetarians/Vegangelicals.
ReplyDeleteThe quote: "You have to decide if you are going to eat for your health or if you are going to eat for your philosophy."
Also should make the person have the following thought: If eating for the philosophy is inherently unhealthy(for you), doesn't that speak to there being something inherently unhealthy about the philosophy itself? (at least for you?)
I add the (for you) because if I am learning anything in this long journey of life, there is no Truth, Capital T. We all have to find the truths out for ourselves. Generalizations are great, but we come upon what we all believe to be true on our own.
So if eating for the philosophy is unhealthy, wouldn't it stand to argue that there is then something about the philosophy that is unhealthy should it demand that you eat in a way that is counter to your health?
Just wondering if there is more to see or evaluate than just the face value.
Thanks!
S (I am catching up on blog reading now...)
I am catching up on my reading, too!! I don't think it points to a lack in the philosophy necessarily. I think it is just some disconnects in application of the philosophy. In the vegan situation, I think the idea of being kind to animals is noble, but there are disconnects in the ways that kindness is carried out. And on the paleo side, shouldn't we really question a movement that has a misygonist and a kindergarten as two of the top sites for information?
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