Is it motivating to look at someone else's diary or NOT?

NewandImproved1

I noticed the last time I was on here that it was very distracting and demotivational to view (on a daily basis) other people's diary. Now, I admit to getting a few good food ideas like items from the store I'd never tried...but...I was also self conscious and always comparing myself...AND the thought that people could see my diary made me hesitant to post what it was. I had a different profile then and I remember worrying what my friends would think of all the low fat yogurt I was eating.

My solution was to keep it private so I could grow and experiment without judgment. For specific questions I have decided to mail ppl or use the forum.

So that's my story how about you?

WeepingAngel81

I haven't been judged for the foods I eat. At least not from anyone on my friends list. I like seeing how other people split up their meals through the day, and like you, I get some good ideas. I guess as far as motivational, no, but it's not unmotivational either. I just see it as a tool to help me learn and grow.

feelin_gr_8

I don't know that it's hugely motivating for me. Yes, I might get some food ideas (and they from me), but a lot of times I just can't relate when I look i.e. protein powder mixes that I don't use. Sometimes I think it helps me remember to make better choices though (do I really want that 2nd piece of cake? What will they think/say?)

fleetzz

Mine is open and I appreciate peeking into my friend's diaries. I find good and bad days in mine and in theirs. I am always curious how I compare....I am only judgmental when I have been asked to be (one friend requested chastisement when she eats popcorn).

willdob3

I have no desire to look at the diaries of others and don't share mine. We're all different. My food is very simple & repetitive. I like it that way.

But I don't need motivation or tips on how to eat either. I know what I'm doing. I can understand someone just getting started on a specific meal plan being helped by seeing menus.

kakklespakkle

I very rarely look at other people's diaries. I'm interested in people and what workouts they're doing and how they're feeling, but what they chose to eat is their business.

My diary used to be open, but I find I am more honest if I keep it private! I know damn well if I've made bad choices, I don't need someone to point it out to me, but I also find it important to track exactly what impact those choices made on my calorie intake. It's not like I don't know why I've put on weight if I've eaten crap!

BabyNurseJen

It's not motivating for me, but it gives me ideas. I'd never comment negatively about someone's diary, or provide constructive criticism unless asked. No one has yet had anything negative to say about my diary. I wouldn't welcome unsolicited advice about my diary either, but I don't worry what other people are going to think about it. I'm doing this for me, not them.

endoftheside

I like seeing other people's diaries. I am always looking for ways to tweak macros and if I see a particular combination that jumps out I might try it. I have incorporated several new foods into my diet on a regular basis due to things I've seen in my friend's diaries. It is also very good for me to see that people are not always perfect and that it doesn't have to be a full-blown catastrophe to have a bad meal or day.

callas444

I have been fortunate to collect a very caring and supportive set of friends. I've found it helpful to me to keep my diary open, as I know they will be looking at it. I think twice before eating that extra snack because they'll see it. None of them are judgmental by any means, but the day I ate a 340 calorie dunkin donut, they knew.

Alternatively, I see that sometimes my friends eat a candy bar or pizza. Sometimes they stay under, sometimes not. They still log and they are still losing, as am I, despite the doughnut. It makes me feel better about not being perfect to know that they aren't perfect either.

shapefitter

I eat every day, which can confuse a lot of people.

NewandImproved1

Thanks for this...I am also honest with myself in this profile now that no one can see..

NewandImproved1

Thanks for sharing

ToFatT0B3S1ck

I haven't ever looked at another person's food diary, I don't think it would be motivating because you never know what you are going to see. They may be under their calorie goal, but you may notice a food item that may trigger a craving.

EdwardNortonFan43

I like looking at other friends' diaries, and others can see mine. I've gotten a few ideas of foods to buy and try, and like someone else said in this thread, I'm more aware of what I'm eating because I log it for everyone to see every day.

quiltlovinlisa

I can get ideas for my own meals and I'm always open to that. Also, I'm real and if I've had a bad eating day, I record that.

NewandImproved1

Thanks for your replies everyone!

Naomi0504

I like to look sometimes just for ideas different than mine

Nicolee_2014

I like looking at my friends diaries, not to criticise but to get some ideas. Also it's good to know that everyone isn't always perfect 100% of the time & have treats.
Mine is only open to my friends. I have nothing to hide & no one has EVER said anything negative about what I've eaten. 1 of my friends I asked for her to specifically look at my diary to help me out as she was so successful in her weight loss & she noted that I probably need more veggies. Took that on board & it has helped.

JDMarlowe

I dont find it motivating, but i do look to get ideas on things i can put into my diet.

links_slayer

depends on the diary imo

Debbie_Ferr

ok, I'm ready to take the plunge. going to open up my diary
<-- inching towards the edge of the diving board. eeks.

I've gotten out of my exercise routine (hill hiking, tennis, dvds), so I'm feeling opening up my diary will encourage me to get back on track. wish me luck

chad_phillips1123

I think maybe it can be, for me it's more educational to look at others' diaries (getting food/item ideas, meal/recipes ideas, etc.). I also like people to look at mine; I'm usually pretty confident in my calories (I do eat to BMR on my cheat day, but even with that my weekly calories are more than in check). There are somethings that aren't in my area and somethings here that aren't elsewhere, so I have a list of things to try if I get the chance.

Alluminati

I go over calories all the time. Do I care if they see? No. What matters is how I feel about it and that I am accountable. Do I look at others diaries? Not unless they ask me for help. Otherwise I don't go out of my way to be a look-e-loo.

QuietMorning

I like to check out others dairies because I'm still fairly new to the eating healthier thing and feel I can learn from them. If someone has lost weight, whether its 10 lbs or 100, there is something I can learn from that. It may work for me, it may not. As far as being motivational, maybe. I have seen diaries where someone has lost 150 lbs and eaten chocolate everyday. It lets me know that I can have the not so great for you stuff in moderation and still lose and become healthier. I like keeping my diary open to my friends because its a huge accountability thing for me. I don't know if any of them have looked or not, no one has made any comments of it anyway. I do stop and think though. I'm not by any means saying that its perfect, but as others has posted, do I really want everyone knowing that I ate 2-3 slices of cake? :embarassed:

Alluminati

I like to check out others dairies because I'm still fairly new to the eating healthier thing and feel I can learn from them. If someone has lost weight, whether its 10 lbs or 100, there is something I can learn from that. It may work for me, it may not. As far as being motivational, maybe. I have seen diaries where someone has lost 150 lbs and eaten chocolate everyday. It lets me know that I can have the not so great for you stuff in moderation and still lose and become healthier. I like keeping my diary open to my friends because its a huge accountability thing for me. I don't know if any of them have looked or not, no one has made any comments of it anyway. I do stop and think though. I'm not by any means saying that its perfect, but as others has posted, do I really want everyone knowing that I ate 2-3 slices of cake? :embarassed:

For me this is the cleansing part. Once I put it out there it seems to assuage any guilt I had in the first place by over indulging. If anything I feel absolved by being absolutely honest. I leave it out there and I move onto a new day.

redladywitch

I like looking because it's interesting and I love different ideas.

Winston1717

I think so. I have gotten some great ideas. Also you can see what not to do ie eating 800 calories a day.

BetinaBee

I try to maintain a neat and tidy diary that I'm proud of. So I like to share it. It also motivates me to keep it looking good. It's like inviting people into your home at any anytime - keep it neat and tidy.

I've only just started looking at my friends' diaries lately. Just out of interest. Especially those on the 5:2 diet - just to see their eating habits through those fast days. How some eat nothing all day and only eat dinner - now that's interesting

susanrechter

I've looked at people's food diaries and I find it boring. Have never found anything inspiring. Most people eat the same stuff day in and day out. snore.

TArnold2012

Comparison is the thief of happiness. Be nice and stop looking at yourself in relationship to others.

angel1419

I like looking cuz it gives me ideas of other food i can experiment with.