As a (somewhat) former journalist, I’ve learned over the years how important it is to ask the simple question of “Why?” It’s an open-ended question that people can’t answer a simple “yes” or “no” to. To get a good answer, though, you have to ask it in an appropriate tone of voice that wouldn’t allow for an answer of “Why not?”
In day 3 of living as a pescetarian, several people have asked me why am I doing this, but it has come across in such a negative way. You know that tone of voice I’m talking about. It’s like I’m being talked down to. It’s a lifestyle choice, whether it’s temporary or permanent. I’m not wearing a T-shirt broadcasting my change, but if I’m going to eat with co-workers there’s no doubt the topic comes up.
In a way, I think it shows the unhealthy state of our society. You never hear anyone in an office setting get questioned for bringing in doughnuts. If you do, it’s usually a high-pitched, excited, thankful tone of “Why did you do that?” “Ah, because I thought we deserved it after a stressful week!!”
Nobody ever questions why someone supersizes their meals or why there’s a candy dish or why they’re drinking a Coke instead of water.
I don’t want to be taken the wrong way here — I know that it’s my choice and I’m going to continue with it no matter what. Why am I doing it? Because I can. Because I want to do something different. Because I want to eat healthier. Because I need to eat different stuff. Because … well, you get my point.
I think that sometimes no matter what our food choices are, we should all take a step back and question it ourselves. At your next meal ask yourself “Why?” in a calm non-condescending voice and you may find that you’ll want to change, too.
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