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Written by Kim, Contributing Writer
Summer Barbecues– a much-anticipated American tradition. Particularly around Memorial Day and July 4th.
But what about for those of us trying to eat a healthier diet? A barbecue might seem like an event to be avoided totally. But there is no need, as you will see.
But before I get on to sharing the wonderful wholesome alternatives to common barbecue fare, let me share a bit about how we may be tempted to alter some of our social interactions based on our new eating style, but how we really shouldn’t.
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| Try a bun-less burger with grilled veggies at a BBQ |
When we’re excited about healthy eating, we tend to err on one of two sides. We might be tempted to shy away from social gatherings where people will notice we’re eating differently. Or some of us find we become “flaming evangelists” about whole foods and a healthier style of eating when we’ve personally experienced the difference it has made in our lives.
Paul begins to address a dietary issue in I Corinthians 8:1 and pauses in that line of thought to interject this note: “. . . we know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Admit it- haven’t you felt a little superior to another person as you think you know better than they about healthful eating? “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know” (I Corinthians 8:2). That puts us in our place, doesn’t it?!
We can study the subject of diet and health our whole life long and never have it all sorted out. God asks us to have humility and act in love towards others. Inflicting my grand wisdom on health on another person is not being loving. Furthermore, it is arrogant. So, I need to honestly ask myself “Am I talking with this person in the right attitudes of humility and love?”
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:17-19). Do we want to be pleasing to God and approved by men? Then we are going to value righteousness, peace and joy over getting our point across.
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Hopefully this has encouraged you to share information where it is desired and to refrain from shoving diet stuff down someone else’s throat. If you’ve possibly already offended someone, it’s quite simple to say, “I realize I’ve probably come across a little strong about this diet stuff recently. It’s just that I’m so excited about the difference I see it’s making for me, but I’m learning that I shouldn’t be so pushy about sharing it with others. Will you forgive me?” or something like that. Remember, maintaining good relationships is a part of your health equation because it is God’s best for you.
It’s also important to consider the language we use and how we word things with ourselves and others. We want to be careful to not start saying, “I can’t have that” (negative focus, directs you to feelings of deprivation). The truth is you can eat anything you want. But you are at this time choosing not to eat certain things for a certain reason (for instance, to restore your health). This will help change the response others have to what you’re undertaking as well.
When we keep things personal it becomes less offensive to others. Instead of preaching that everyone should stop consuming dairy to avoid the evils of milk, when asked why we don’t drink milk, we can simply reply “For health reasons.” If a person pursues it further, you can share how your congestion, colds, allergies, or asthma have improved.
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When information is shared from a personal experience standpoint, it is more well-received than from a “you should” preaching stance. (Think about how this rings true with the gospel- People are drawn to how you are different. They ask “Why?” You share how God has changed your life. They get to hear the gospel from a first-hand experience, instead of being beaten with “Repent . . . or die!”).
When we teach or preach instead of sharing, people usually feel defensive or guilty because we’re bringing to their attention that they have a personal responsibility for their health. By keeping it personal, you stay focused on yourself, not on them and what they should be doing. This gives them the space and freedom to silently consider to themselves if this might work for them also. Stating that, “I’ve found that my body doesn’t deal well with _____” gives them the space and time for them to consider if that might be true for them as well.
If your problem isn’t in trying to convert people to healthy eating, but in avoiding any uncomfortable interactions about your new dietary choices, I encourage you to take a look at the wonderful, wholesome items below that you could bring along to a barbeque. Bringing incredibly tasty and broad appeal items not only gives you great options, but might be the first introduction some people have had to the idea that healthy eating can actually be enjoyable!
Here are some great healthy BBQ options
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Grilled marinated portabellas as burger alternatives. Great on a bun with all the traditional toppings!
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Super Easy Baked Beans (also, a “from-scratch” recipe can be found in my ebook, Good and Easy Eats)
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Barbeque Sauce
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Grilled veggies– slice and marinate (or brush with oil) yellow squash, zucchini, onion, asparagus, eggplant, bell peppers, halved tomatoes, even pineapple! Then grill for a few minutes on each side. Easy and delicious!
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Corn on the cob– in the husk. Wrap the whole unhusked cob in foil. Grill for at least 10 minutes. Allow to cool before unwrapping and unhusking. YUM!
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Veggie Shish Kabob– described in my Everyday Wholesome Eating recipe book
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Black Bean and Quinoa Salad (a great contribution to a potluck- everyone loves this one!)
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Need a dessert contribution? How about Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler!
What’s the best way to talk to others about Healthy Eating when they’re not on board?
About Kim
You are right on. No one wants to be preached at. I believe our food choices are a part of our testimony. Live it out and people will ask questions. Share info from a place of love. Healthy food can be very tasty. Our food (and lives) should be delicious enough to entice others. Eventually, they will want what we have.
Great post!
I think you said that more wonderfully than I did! Yes, our living-it-out should draw people more than anything we might say.
I have been doing the paleo diet for a few years, and I never preached it to anyone. When people ask how I lost the weight, I just tell them I am eating Paleo. The results speak for themselves, and people are interested because they see that it works.