Choosing the Right Diet: A Personal and Social Journey

 

 

One of the first realizations to come to when exploring the right diet for yourself is this: many chronic illnesses are rooted in lifestyle choices, and diet plays a major role. The good news? In the age of the internet, there’s no shortage of information on nutrition. You can find advice on dozens—if not hundreds—of different dietary approaches.

 

But with so much information, keeping an open mind becomes essential.

 

Consider two popular, yet completely opposite, ends of the dietary spectrum: the raw vegan fruitarian diet and the carnivore diet. The former emphasizes raw fruits, vegetables, and simple salads, while the latter consists entirely of animal products—sometimes even just red meat, as in the case of the “Lion Diet” popularized by Mikhaila Peterson. Despite their differences, both diets have been touted as deeply healing—even life-changing—for some.

 

When choosing a diet, convenience, cost, and social cohesion all matter—and often, they’re the biggest limiting factors.

 

In my own experience, the easiest dietary choice is simply to eat what everyone around you eats—whether it’s your family, friends, or broader social group. Small changes like skipping the bun on a burger or switching soda for water are relatively easy and carry minimal social friction. But the bigger the change, the bigger the impact—not just physically, but socially.

 

Take alcohol, for example. Giving it up can create noticeable ripples in your social life. Going vegetarian? That can shift how people perceive and interact with you. Want to feel a real social shift? Try going vegan—especially if no one in your close circles is.

 

In fact, the number one reason many former vegans return to eating animal products is due to social pressure, not lack of motivation or knowledge. The need to belong is strong, and food is one of our deepest social bonds.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

 

Choosing the “right” diet isn’t just about what’s healthiest on paper. It’s also about what you can sustain, what fits your life, and how ready you are to navigate the social dynamics that come with change. The more aligned your diet is with both your health goals and your lifestyle, the more likely you are to stick with it—and ultimately, see results.