Stifle! Or Surviving the Assault and Defending Your WOE

(Note: WOE stands for Way Of Eating)

Yanno, It never ceases to amaze me. I have been following this woe for nearly 16 months and I am a *shining* example of proof that this woe (way of eating) works. But recently, I have come under the attack of an LC WOE critic who is determined to try and change my mind.

Imagine that.

It's quite amusing, actually, seeing how I have a web page dedicated to this way of eating and I am a moderator on this forum and I lead a local LC support group AND I am 40 pages into a book about my LC experience—but the *enemy* is relentless.

Ok, perhaps enemy is too strong a word, but how do you perceive those who are out to undermine your choice of diet?

• Are they family members who love you and are truly concerned for your well-being?
• Are they co-workers who are curious and/or suspicious of any successful weight loss?
• Are they friends or acquaintances who secretly envy your success while eating this way?
• Or is it some pompous individual who is too narcissistic to admit the possibility of something unknown to him?

Whatever the scenario, the attacks can be equally frustrating.

Not all of us are eloquent scientists ready to whip out a complicated, irrefutable defense that will leave our opponents burning with shame. And somehow, an "Archie Bunker" response seems ineffective. 

So how should we respond?

Wouldn't it just be easier to avoid telling others that you have chosen this way of eating? Well, yes, initially.

But do not fear the confrontation. Prepare for it—because it will come, eventually.

For the newbie, the task of defending your woe can be most daunting. After all, you are new to this way of eating and perhaps have not yet experienced all the positive benefits this woe has to offer. You might still feel *unsure* of your decision and worry that the critics might be right.

The best advice for a newbie?

Educate yourself.

Read the book. Learn the research. Study the success stories.

And stick to your woe.

With time, your own success story will be enough to convince you (and others), but until then, you should familiarize yourself with the objections most critics have regarding this way of eating. Nothing takes the steam out of your opponent quite like bursting his bubble of confidence. If your critic cannot "shock" you into submission, then he has lost half the battle. Likewise, if you show that yours is an informed, intelligent decision to eat this way, the issue becomes one of respect. Does your opponent respect your intelligence? Does she not believe you are capable of making an intelligent decision about your health— for yourself?

Assuming an air of wounded insult usually shuts them up.

And it's the truth.

You are an adult.

Hopefully, you have not employed this woe without first learning about it.

After all, you are the only one who is sentenced to a life in the body that you maintain. Only YOU will have to live with the decisions you make now and how they affect your health and well-being, long-term. Therefore, no one has the right to dictate how you should eat.

Think back to the reasons you first turned to this woe. Remember them and stay strong.

If your foe is persistent, do not continue to engage him.

Just as he cannot persuade you, you might not persuade him. Keep doing what you know is best.

Then, let your silence and your success be deafening.