What would you say to a well intentioned person who lectures you about something you are eating or drinking?

I would like to know too.

I appreciate your concern. Thank you.

Sarcasm and caustic remark.

“If you care that much, send me an article about it. But I’m not gonna listen to this now. Would you like some, btw?”

Same as @Judi—“Thanks for your concern.” If there are two things I’ve learned now that I’ve reached early old age it’s not trying to fix others, and not indulging others who are trying to “fix” me.

“Thanks for telling me. I’ll take it under advisement. Now, can we change the subject?”

Thanks for the info Madge, but I’m just here to relax and enjoy myself, even though you’re probably right. I don’t really want to get into a discussion about it right now though, but thanks. Said with a sweet smile. Then say something like, “How ‘bout them Dodgers (or insert your favorite team).

You’re sort of agreeing with them, so it might appease them a little. You are also letting them know that now is not the time or place for such a discussion which will hopefully shut them down right away. Then when you add another topic immediately, then that hopefully will start a different conversation.

If that doesn’t stop her, then you might have to politely say something like, “Madge, I know you mean well, but I’m a big girl and I make my own decisions about what I eat and drink, but thanks.”

When is the time and place for such discussions anyway?

@ninjacolin I can see having a real discussion about such subjects if I was alone with the person, and not at a family gathering.

I’d get sarcastic if it kept happening. I might be polite the first time or two, but then I’d tell her what I thought of her advice. I’m sure a better way would be to politely thank her for her advice.

Say ‘I feel so ashamed’ and take another long meaningful swig.

I’d say, “Mmfph, meelly? Dat’s mmfphnt-ing.”

My mouth would be full after all.

What @Judi and @Pachy said.

I’d look them right and in eye, say really, well fuck off. My family knows I’m not known for my subtlety.

How about saying – ‘well everything in moderation – once in a while won’t harm me. Now tell me what you’ve been up to – how’s that adorable cat/baby/garden?’

I didn’t know you could grow cats and babies in a garden.

@cookieman that’s why its a good topic to move on to…

I might ask them where they studied medicine or dietary science, but this would most likely lead to conversation with a person too dull to understand the question is rhetorical. Whenever I run across a person so presumptuous as to think that I do not conduct my life to my own satisfaction—and not to the satisfaction of their ego—I give them the respect they deserve; I act as if they are not there.

“Want some??”

I wonder why a number of people think that being downright rude to a family member whom one often sees at social gatherings (as stated in the details) is anything other than disruptive and extremely obnoxious?

By all means, @jca, you should do what you think is appropriate and might work, and I applaud your desire ”...to politely end the lecture, even a well intentioned lecture.”

You could also say, “Are you “shoulding on me? My momma told me NEVER to should on other people!”

I would smile sweetly and paraphrase Shakespeare:

“To eat or not to eat, aye there’s the rub.
Whether ‘tis more nobler to indulge or abstain,
‘tis an unresolved debate.”

(If it is a beverage of some kind the person is objecting to, I’d simply substitute the word drink for eat.)

@sahID Laughs, much more classy than my way of handling it. GA

“I know, but I am too weak to resist.”

Either say, “thanks, I’ll read up in that,” or, “yes, I’m aware, I pick and choose the bad stuff I eat and drink, and try to practice moderation.” Or, something similar.

My dad is one of those people who “lectures” people about food and health. He’s quite overweight, so it’s coming from someone not great at practicing what he preaches, which can be quite annoying. With him the people closest to him, like myself and my mom, tell him we have heard it all before, if we have, and cut him off. I hate doing that to him, but enough already. Sometimes, he has a new bit of information that is interesting.

I do not run into much of that, but when I do, I usually say ” I’m touched. I didn’t know you cared”.
Then I ignore it.

“I’m not currently accepting opinions or advice on what I should eat or drink.”

If you want to be polite, “I know that you believe you’re expressing concern for me. I’m not currently accepting opinions or advice about my food and drink choices.” Then deflect to another subject as others have said. If deflecting doesn’t work, try repeating yourself. If the person starts a third time, smile and excuse yourself. Then walk away.

Thank you, but I’ve read about it, then I wander off while they are mid lecture.