“Do you find yourself having to defend your rejection of drinking putrid tape water, or not wanting to eat a family dinner of dead pig and salt juice without getting abuse and offence?

“I'd love you to post some great comebacks for peoples misinformed comments/insults- especially in regards to the good old staple- milk/cheese, and the delightful chemical laden meat products.”

ANSWER: I don't mind too much people's opinions — with time and a little psychology, difference is better accepted. I don't think there are any good lines to throw at people when they challenge your beliefs. It will only make the situation works. I find the best approach is to instead agree with them, change the subject, or refer to the opinion of your doctor. I find it pointless to start a discussion, in most cases. Instead, be polite, smile, use psychology, and do not challenge.

Some lines I use the most:

BUT WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR PROTEIN?!

*Wrong answers* (unless you insist on ruining the party and making a fool of yourself):

1) Where does the gorilla get its protein? Where does the cow get its protein? You know, this whole theory is wrong, you’ve been brainwashed, man!
2) I get my protein from fruit!

*Better answers* (Do not challenge, just make friends. People who are interested will come to you.):

1) Actually, I don't really know... my doctor (or nutritionist) takes care of that.
2) Well, I find nutrition to be a very boring subject... by the way, did you see the new Tom Hanks movie?
3) I don't know. I never really thought about that. But you know, I feel good, and that’s the most important thing, don’t you think?

YOU KNOW, IF YOU DON'T DRINK MILK YOU'LL GET OSTEOPOROSIS!

*Wrong answers* (unless you’re absolutely committed to making enemies):

1) You know, we don’t need to drink milk to get strong bones! It’s all false propaganda by the milk industry!
2) Did you know that the 3 countries that have the highest rates of osteoporosis are also the biggest consumers of dairy products? What do you say to that!

*Better answers* (agree with something instead, you know they’re not ready to hear the truth anyway!):

1) Oh, well I better check that out. Thanks for the advice.
2) You know, I used to think exactly that! By the way, did you see the new Tom Hanks movie?

I READ IN THE NEWSPAPER THAT VEGETARIAN DIETS ARE DANGEROUS

Wrong answer:

1) It’s all a bunch of lies paid by the meat industry!

Better answers:

1) Oh really? I better check that out. Thanks. Would you pass me that bowl of guacamole?
2) Oh really? Oh well, my doctor isn’t too worried about that. He thinks it’s helping me, so I trust him.

Remember, people think the opinion of a doctor is the word of God. Unless it’s a vegan doctor, of course.

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That should give you some ideas for now. If you get trouble from your family and friends regarding your diet/lifestyle, send me the questions you get asked and I’ll come up with some answers for you in a future issue!