Do you give advice to those who are struggling?
peachvine29
Posts: 400 Member
I've lost 60 lbs. and gained a whole ton of knowledge and skills in fat loss/diet and nutrition/training (though of course there is more learning to do!). I have a coworker that has been very complimentary of my work on my fitness/weight loss. She is in her 50's, she was very thin a year ago due to stomach issues and not eating very much at all but has since put on weight. She has expressed that she wants to lose the weight. My workplace just started offering personal training which both of us have signed up for individually.
Today my coworker ate lunch at 3 pm and told me she was just now eating lunch, and said that I am so good about my food habits but she is not. She then told me that she has been working so hard with her PT but has actually gained weight. I told her it may be muscle and she said she didn't think so. She then said she thinks it is because she is older and her metabolism is slow. I really just want to tell her it is all about calories, if she wants to lose fat she just needs a calorie deficit, it doesn't matter how old you are at all (I know you may burn a bit less as you get older but I don't think it's by much if you are active). But, I just agreed, and said "Yeah...". But of course I really just want to tell her how to lose weight because I am excited about my newfound knowledge. I should just keep quiet, right? I don't want to annoy her or offend her... She also thinks she has to run and work out two times a day, killing herself in the gym, and I just want to tell her it's not necessary... I guess her PT could just help her? It's just sad seeing someone struggle so much for nothing.
Today my coworker ate lunch at 3 pm and told me she was just now eating lunch, and said that I am so good about my food habits but she is not. She then told me that she has been working so hard with her PT but has actually gained weight. I told her it may be muscle and she said she didn't think so. She then said she thinks it is because she is older and her metabolism is slow. I really just want to tell her it is all about calories, if she wants to lose fat she just needs a calorie deficit, it doesn't matter how old you are at all (I know you may burn a bit less as you get older but I don't think it's by much if you are active). But, I just agreed, and said "Yeah...". But of course I really just want to tell her how to lose weight because I am excited about my newfound knowledge. I should just keep quiet, right? I don't want to annoy her or offend her... She also thinks she has to run and work out two times a day, killing herself in the gym, and I just want to tell her it's not necessary... I guess her PT could just help her? It's just sad seeing someone struggle so much for nothing.
10
Replies
-
peachvine29 wrote: »I've lost 60 lbs. and gained a whole ton of knowledge and skills in fat loss/diet and nutrition/training (though of course there is more learning to do!). I have a coworker that has been very complimentary of my work on my fitness/weight loss. She is in her 50's, she was very thin a year ago due to illness and not eating very much at all, and has since put on weight and has expressed that she wants to lose the weight. My workplace just started offering personal training which both of us have signed up for.
Today my coworker ate lunch at 3pm and told me she was just now eating lunch, and said that I am so good about my food habits but she is not. She then told me that she has been working so hard with PT but has gained weight. I told her it might be muscle and she said she didn't think so. She then said she thinks it is because she is older and her metabolism is slow. I really just want to tell her it is all about calories, if she wants to lose fat she just needs a calorie deficit, it doesn't matter how old you are at all (I know you may burn a bit less as you get older but I don't think it's much if you are active). But, I just agreed, and said "Yeah...". But of course I really just want to tell her how to lose weight because I am excited about my newfound knowledge. I should just keep quiet, right? I don't want to annoy her or offend her...
Well...I would start by not telling her that her weight "gain" is muscle because it's not very likely that a 50-something year old woman who JUST started training has gained any muscle at all. It's very difficult for women to gain muscle, the amount (weight-wise) is very small and it takes a long time. Think several months IF she's dong a progressive weight program - which I'm guessing she's not. :flowerforyou:
I'm sure you mean well, but she has hired a professional to help. If she specifically asks a question about what you did that's one thing but telling her how to do it? Just no
31 -
I only offer advice when people ask. In a conversation such as the one you described, I may say something like "my experience has been...." but otherwise leave it alone.15
-
It's often hard to determine what kind of feedback people want. Sometimes, they want coaching - real advice; other times, they want encouragement even in the face of small successes - atta girl; and sometimes they are ready for and actually seeking an assessment of what they're doing and why it might not be working as they thought it should.
I generally stay on the side of "the most success I've had is with counting calories, and, when I learned that calories are calories, (sweet, savory or alcoholic), it was much easier to find a lifestyle eating plan, rather than some kind of "diet". THen I tell them about MFP and send them a link if they show further interest.
at the end, we might be able to lead the horse to the water, but if it doens't want to drink, it won't, no matter what we say.
good luck to you, and to your coworker!9 -
No, I don't bother giving weight loss advice anymore even when asked. No one seems to want to hear that it's just about eating less than you burn. They insist CICO doesn't work for them or just become immediately disinterested.14
-
PapillonNoire wrote: »No, I don't bother giving weight loss advice anymore even when asked. No one seems to want to hear that it's just about eating less than you burn. They insist CICO doesn't work for them or just become immediately disinterested.
Isn't that the truth?
I've condensed my weight loss discussion to, "I just eat less and try to get a little exercise."
That's it. They asked because they wanted the secret. The Secret is a pretty boring every day routine.
20 -
just like financial advice, no! or generic, eat less exercise more.5
-
I no longer give weight lose advice. Like @cmriverside I pretty much just say "I eat less and try to get some exercise". One thing I definitely never discuss with people is IF, which me and my wife have been doing for 6 months with great results, because that conversation never goes right.
I have some verrrrry obese people in my orbit and any discussion of dieting with them taps into deep-seated issues and emotions that I've learned can't be sorted out with guidance or holding out my own experience as an example.
I've gotten to a point where I feel a person has to make their own decision that they want this, want it more than they want that next queso and chips, and they just have to reach deep within themselves to find the determination to get started and then to see it through. I don't think that is "teachable". Each person has to get to the point where they're ready.17 -
I usually nope right out of those conversations. Most of the time they don't want to hear what I have to say anyway because it isn't a magic bullet. If someone really, truly seems interested I might engage a little, but that's rare.6
-
It reminds me of a thread I wasted my time responding to twice recently.
It wasn't even that the OP got THAT much of a push back.
What she didn't get was an "attagirl" for going on a VLCD of questionable provenance which involved buying food from an independent coach and which she was already having trouble complying with <-- and at that the ONLY push she got was as to whether a VLCD was the BEST idea in general given the task ahead of her.
Yet she asked for the thread to be deleted and (unfortunately in an instance where there was nothing personal in the thread, no identifying information, no particular acrimony, and nothing to accomplish by the deletion other than to remove from sight the lack of pile on congratulations for what looked like an iffy decision) MFP staff apparently complied.
Most people don't actually want advice even when given in a relatively polite and matter of fact manner.
Real change is hard and echo chambers feel good!8 -
-
I no longer give weight lose advice. Like @cmriverside I pretty much just say "I eat less and try to get some exercise". One thing I definitely never discuss with people is IF, which me and my wife have been doing for 6 months with great results, because that conversation never goes right.
I have some verrrrry obese people in my orbit and any discussion of dieting with them taps into deep-seated issues and emotions that I've learned can't be sorted out with guidance or holding out my own experience as an example.
I've gotten to a point where I feel a person has to make their own decision that they want this, want it more than they want that next queso and chips, and they just have to reach deep within themselves to find the determination to get started and then to see it through. I don't think that is "teachable". Each person has to get to the point where they're ready.
Very insightful! I agree that it really isn't teachable, you really just have to want it enough to make sacrifices and no amount of knowledge is going to help you without the discipline and determination to follow through with the actions. Eating less is all it takes.2 -
I usually nope right out of those conversations. Most of the time they don't want to hear what I have to say anyway because it isn't a magic bullet. If someone really, truly seems interested I might engage a little, but that's rare.
Haha. I agree. I don't think she wants my advice, I'm not really sure what she wants. The only person who ever genuinely seemed interested in my "how" was my stepsister who repeatedly asked how I lost the weight, I told her MFP and counting calories, and she actually downloaded the app and started using it. Then she got prego. But I was shocked she actually was interested, literally every one else is not. And that's okay. I'm just happy I know the "secret". If someone cares enough to try they'll discover the secret too. I wonder what other secrets are out there, lol.
Where there's a will, there's a way!6 -
In the circumstances described by the OP, I would give advice, especially when she said that she couldn't lose weight because she was older. I wouldn't offer advice if it wasn't part of an ongoing discussion about weight loss. I have several obese family members and I don't say a word about weight loss to them. One did ask for advice after he had signed up for a very expensive vitamin program that was supposed to help himm lose weight. He asked what I thought of it and I gave my opinion. I have no idea whether he listened, but since there has been no obvious weight lost in the past six months, I rather doubt it. I hope at least he's not wasting his money any more.
When I was trying to lose weight, I would talk to friends about what they were doing and how it worked for them. I learned some things that I was able to use in my weight loss efforts. I know that some of what I do wouldn't work for other people, but I have enough knowledge I can help, but only if asked. I am not about to give unsolicited advice. That's a good way to ruin a friendship.2 -
she is not your business and i doubt she would like to know you are talking about her on here and im curious to know what qualifies you to give her any advice? further this woman has medical issues...would you even understand how her diet is effected by them? you also sound very judgy. and also, not sure why you think there is an issue with her waiting till 3 to eat. i would be curious also to know if you have been able to maintain your weight loss for more than 7 years. or even more than one year. maybe then you might be in your place to offer advice on what WORKED FOR YOU. until then, know your place and your station.
6 -
peggy_polenta wrote: »she is not your business and i doubt she would like to know you are talking about her on here and im curious to know what qualifies you to give her any advice? further this woman has medical issues...would you even understand how her diet is effected by them? you also sound very judgy. and also, not sure why you think there is an issue with her waiting till 3 to eat. i would be curious also to know if you have been able to maintain your weight loss for more than 7 years. or even more than one year. maybe then you might be in your place to offer advice on what WORKED FOR YOU. until then, know your place and your station.
Don't we love how far MFP reaches? I think we just found the OP's advice target and she confirms that the advice would not be of much interest to her! Problem solved!18 -
Connection matters. Just be a good friend and an even better listener. A man or woman convinced against their will are of the same opinion still. Contrary to popular opinion, it's better to let the horse lead you to the watering hole. They'll take a big drink when they're good and ready. I wouldn't say a single word. Silence is golden.4
-
If someone asks me how I lost weight, I tell them ("calorie counting with an app"). If they ask more questions, I answer them. If they ask for help, I'd try to help them, attempting to do so without getting all religious-like about it.
I don't assume what worked for me will work for them, generally.
I admit I've sometimes I've countered people who say "XYZ is the only way to lose weight!", when I know it's not true: Basically just say "That's funny, I lost about 1/3 of my body weight by calorie counting", or "I didn't add any exercise in order to lose weight." or whatever.
If there's a general conversation in a group about what various people do or try to do to lose weight, I'll participate by saying what I did, at about the same level of detail others are participating.
That's about it. Generally, I figure weight loss doesn't need to be a taboo subject, or an article of quasi-religion; and that my weight loss methods are a pretty boring conversational topic for most other people who don't ask probing questions about it.8 -
Firstly, I never give unsolicited advice, but when asked I relate my personal experiences only. So all my statements are "I have found..." or "What I did was..." or "In my experience..." and let them draw their own conclusions and decide what to do with what I've said.7
-
When someone (especially a friend) is struggling and they confide in you and you offer them advice, you are invalidating their emotions. You make the conversation all about you instead of them and what they are dealing with in the moment. I’ve stopped offering so much advice and instead just listen and empathize so they feel heard. Often what people need most when making behavioral changes is support, not more knowledge. If this starts to become too draining or they vent to me too much then I avoid conversation with them.
I realize that the above was “advice”, then again you don’t seem to be seeking support so I’ll make an exception in this case!5 -
In answer to your subject line ... nope.
People's fitness is their own business.1 -
She will learn for herself if she’s serious about losing weight.
I think it’s ok for you to plant that seed in her head though. I know for myself I don’t listen to advice right there and then because I’m the type who has to learn for myself first, but when I find myself struggling, I remember and I put that advice to use, eventually.
5 -
BTW ... what's wrong with eating lunch at 3 pm?6
-
I didn’t say there was anything wrong with eating lunch at 3, she did, when she said “man I am just now getting to eat lunch, you’re so good with food and I’m not, and after all that hard work with the trainer I’ve actually gained weight”. I can guess that she meant to eat lunch at her lunch period but had errands to do at lunch and had a busy day working.
I wasn’t really saying I should give her advice, moreso just mention calorie deficit is needed to lose weight in some way, or say I counted calories to lose weight. Obviously I already had strong reservations about saying anything, which is why I haven’t after a year of her bringing up my weight loss and how she can’t lose weight to me. I will not say anything unless she asks me explicitly about how I lost weight. I guess she just needs a listening ear and will get there if she wants to get there.6 -
It's often hard to determine what kind of feedback people want. Sometimes, they want coaching - real advice; other times, they want encouragement even in the face of small successes - atta girl; and sometimes they are ready for and actually seeking an assessment of what they're doing and why it might not be working as they thought it should.
I generally stay on the side of "the most success I've had is with counting calories, and, when I learned that calories are calories, (sweet, savory or alcoholic), it was much easier to find a lifestyle eating plan, rather than some kind of "diet". THen I tell them about MFP and send them a link if they show further interest.
at the end, we might be able to lead the horse to the water, but if it doens't want to drink, it won't, no matter what we say.
good luck to you, and to your coworker!
Thank you. I think it is hard to tell what exactly she is looking for in this situation. Since she has not asked for my experience or help, and has mostly been telling me about her struggles losing weight, I can assume that she isn’t wanting help so much as to vent and be listened to about the struggles she has. I agree that you can’t help anyone, they can only help themselves when they are ready.3 -
peachvine29 wrote: »It's often hard to determine what kind of feedback people want. Sometimes, they want coaching - real advice; other times, they want encouragement even in the face of small successes - atta girl; and sometimes they are ready for and actually seeking an assessment of what they're doing and why it might not be working as they thought it should.
I generally stay on the side of "the most success I've had is with counting calories, and, when I learned that calories are calories, (sweet, savory or alcoholic), it was much easier to find a lifestyle eating plan, rather than some kind of "diet". THen I tell them about MFP and send them a link if they show further interest.
at the end, we might be able to lead the horse to the water, but if it doens't want to drink, it won't, no matter what we say.
good luck to you, and to your coworker!
Thank you. I think it is hard to tell what exactly she is looking for in this situation. Since she has not asked for my experience or help, and has mostly been telling me about her struggles losing weight, I can assume that she isn’t wanting help so much as to vent and be listened to about the struggles she has. I agree that you can’t help anyone, they can only help themselves when they are ready.
I have a lot of Issues with people who constantly want to "vent." I think if you feel she does this a lot, I'd start saying brief things such as, "Yeah, weight loss is a long game," or, "yeah, sounds rough," or whatever and then I'd walk away. I don't have any patience whatsoever with people who want to vent over and over about the same things. I'd just make weight loss an off-limits topic. "You've certainly struggled a long time, haven't you?" "How 'bout those Yankees?"
"How 'bout those Yankees?" is my version of changing the subject3 -
peachvine29 wrote: »I didn’t say there was anything wrong with eating lunch at 3, she did, when she said “man I am just now getting to eat lunch, you’re so good with food and I’m not, and after all that hard work with the trainer I’ve actually gained weight”. I can guess that she meant to eat lunch at her lunch period but had errands to do at lunch and had a busy day working.
I wasn’t really saying I should give her advice, moreso just mention calorie deficit is needed to lose weight in some way, or say I counted calories to lose weight. Obviously I already had strong reservations about saying anything, which is why I haven’t after a year of her bringing up my weight loss and how she can’t lose weight to me. I will not say anything unless she asks me explicitly about how I lost weight. I guess she just needs a listening ear and will get there if she wants to get there.
Two observations: The italicised bit does feel like she's looking for something more from you. Possibly not, but in your position I would read that as a signal being sent. I think you're wise to temper it with the letting her actually say she wants your input.
The bold bit is so frequently true. Losing weight can simply be about CICO and food/exercise in general, but for many it's not that straightforward. Just having a listening ear that doesn't judge, doesn't try to change things, accepts what is being said can mean so much to someone. As you say, it's her journey to take at her own pace. She's got professional support, that empowerment is vital.
Hopefully you're not being put in an uncomfortable position of being one way she punishes herself for where she is. Not saying that's the case, but it does happen, and isn't pleasant. Congratulations on all your hard work!3 -
cmriverside wrote: »peachvine29 wrote: »It's often hard to determine what kind of feedback people want. Sometimes, they want coaching - real advice; other times, they want encouragement even in the face of small successes - atta girl; and sometimes they are ready for and actually seeking an assessment of what they're doing and why it might not be working as they thought it should.
I generally stay on the side of "the most success I've had is with counting calories, and, when I learned that calories are calories, (sweet, savory or alcoholic), it was much easier to find a lifestyle eating plan, rather than some kind of "diet". THen I tell them about MFP and send them a link if they show further interest.
at the end, we might be able to lead the horse to the water, but if it doens't want to drink, it won't, no matter what we say.
good luck to you, and to your coworker!
Thank you. I think it is hard to tell what exactly she is looking for in this situation. Since she has not asked for my experience or help, and has mostly been telling me about her struggles losing weight, I can assume that she isn’t wanting help so much as to vent and be listened to about the struggles she has. I agree that you can’t help anyone, they can only help themselves when they are ready.
I have a lot of Issues with people who constantly want to "vent." I think if you feel she does this a lot, I'd start saying brief things such as, "Yeah, weight loss is a long game," or, "yeah, sounds rough," or whatever and then I'd walk away. I don't have any patience whatsoever with people who want to vent over and over about the same things. I'd just make weight loss an off-limits topic. "You've certainly struggled a long time, haven't you?" "How 'bout those Yankees?"
"How 'bout those Yankees?" is my version of changing the subject
Thank you, you made me realize how I am a little frustrated with the situation. I truly believe my coworker is an awesome woman, so kind, considerate, intelligent, and great at her work, but I do feel confused and a little annoyed with the venting that she has been doing since last summer. I don't mean to come off so harshly. I know I have not to her, I always just listen and empathize. I think I will still listen to her but then start changing the subject sooner unless she asks me for any input.3 -
peachvine29 wrote: »I didn’t say there was anything wrong with eating lunch at 3, she did, when she said “man I am just now getting to eat lunch, you’re so good with food and I’m not, and after all that hard work with the trainer I’ve actually gained weight”. I can guess that she meant to eat lunch at her lunch period but had errands to do at lunch and had a busy day working.
I wasn’t really saying I should give her advice, moreso just mention calorie deficit is needed to lose weight in some way, or say I counted calories to lose weight. Obviously I already had strong reservations about saying anything, which is why I haven’t after a year of her bringing up my weight loss and how she can’t lose weight to me. I will not say anything unless she asks me explicitly about how I lost weight. I guess she just needs a listening ear and will get there if she wants to get there.
Two observations: The italicised bit does feel like she's looking for something more from you. Possibly not, but in your position I would read that as a signal being sent. I think you're wise to temper it with the letting her actually say she wants your input.
The bold bit is so frequently true. Losing weight can simply be about CICO and food/exercise in general, but for many it's not that straightforward. Just having a listening ear that doesn't judge, doesn't try to change things, accepts what is being said can mean so much to someone. As you say, it's her journey to take at her own pace. She's got professional support, that empowerment is vital.
Hopefully you're not being put in an uncomfortable position of being one way she punishes herself for where she is. Not saying that's the case, but it does happen, and isn't pleasant. Congratulations on all your hard work!
Thank you, that is mainly what I was asking, does it seem she wants input or not? I think it is best to wait until she asks for it, too, though. I don't want to offend her.
As for the bolded, I really hope not, that did not occur to me! She has been nothing but sweet to me, so I hope internally she isn't feeling upset at herself. I think she is truly beautiful inside and out and I look up to her in a lot of ways actually.4 -
I don't say anything unless I'm specifically asked.
In my experience, people with a lot to lose (like 50-100 and up) don't believe me or listen to me when I tell them how I lost 130 lb. People with a little to lose (say 10-20 lb) sometimes DO listen and try MFP but they don't lose quickly or only lose 2 lb so they think I'm nuts. And now that I'm in a maintenance range I can relate to that because it takes a lot more work and strict accuracy to lose when you are close to your goal (IMHO).
I just don't say much.5 -
I would mention that for ME, it helped to not think of it as a "diet", but more of a lifestyle change. And leave it at that. I've learned most folks don't want to hear about MFP.2
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions