My family doesn’t eat a plant-based vegan diet and I’m worried they’ll criticize my choice to remove meat and dairy from my diet. Any recommendations for how to handle this situation?

I know this concern all too well, as I’ve received my fair share of side-eye and weird questions over the years about my healthy eating style. First thing to keep in mind: you are doing what is right for you and your health, so don’t compromise your goals because a few friends or family members are making uniformed and hurtful or judgemental comments. My best advice is to keep your decision personal when you explain it. A simple, “I feel so much better when I eat this way,” can usually suffice because it takes away any sense that you might be making a wrong choice. They can’t argue about how you personally feel!