RANT about "How did you lose your weight?"

kelika71

Ditto to just about everything said here. I get so tired of repeating myself that I've actually contemplated making business like cards with MFP's address to give to these people so I can be on my way.

I have to say, the classic one is with my one aunt. Every time she sees me, she compliments me, asks me what I'm doing and then like 5 times, "what is it you eat??" As if I eat some food from another planet!

mellymink

When they've finally decided "enough is enough" they will come to MFP. But I agree, extremely frustrating to have people asking you for help and disliking the real answer, even when it isn't about weight loss. Everyone is on their own timeline.

defygravity531

I lost (and kept off) a ton of weight on Weight Watchers. People would ask me "how did you do it?" and I would say "I followed the Weight Watchers program" and they'd say "yeah yeah, but what ESLE did you do?" Uhm... nothing! I FOLLOWED THE PROGRAM. Nothing is off limits, I plan my meals so I can eat the foods I love, and I MAKE time to get to the gym!

Sigh.

Jaradel

MFP is a very useful tool in the weight loss toolbox, but if you REALLY want to blow people's minds, tell them you lost weight by counting calories and exercising. They REALLY won't be able to comprehend that.

toots99

I get asked this question a lot by people who are on this website. "How did you lose all that weight? What's your secret to success?".

I tell them I don't have a secret. I simply watch what I eat, drink tons of water and workout. It isn't rocket science. I've found people don't want to hear that's how I lost the weight. I truly believe they want me to fess up to a magic pill or drink or something. Nope. I did this without any "dieting" assistance. It's all about calories in/calories out, drinking water, working out and basically just taking care of yourself.

I don't think it's a "secret" at all - just common sense.

Same here. When they ask, I get all sneaky like and say "You won't believe it, but it's this CRAZY thing...this plan that is so simple...it's called eating right and exercising! It's nuts! Who'da thunk it?" :laugh:

chevy88grl

I get asked this question a lot by people who are on this website. "How did you lose all that weight? What's your secret to success?".

I tell them I don't have a secret. I simply watch what I eat, drink tons of water and workout. It isn't rocket science. I've found people don't want to hear that's how I lost the weight. I truly believe they want me to fess up to a magic pill or drink or something. Nope. I did this without any "dieting" assistance. It's all about calories in/calories out, drinking water, working out and basically just taking care of yourself.

I don't think it's a "secret" at all - just common sense.

Same here. When they ask, I get all sneaky like and say "You won't believe it, but it's this CRAZY thing...this plan that is so simple...it's called eating right and exercising! It's nuts! Who'da thunk it?" :laugh:

LMAO! I'm gonna try that next time. People do wait in anticipation after they ask you - like you're giving away national secrets or something. lol

toots99

I get asked this question a lot by people who are on this website. "How did you lose all that weight? What's your secret to success?".

I tell them I don't have a secret. I simply watch what I eat, drink tons of water and workout. It isn't rocket science. I've found people don't want to hear that's how I lost the weight. I truly believe they want me to fess up to a magic pill or drink or something. Nope. I did this without any "dieting" assistance. It's all about calories in/calories out, drinking water, working out and basically just taking care of yourself.

I don't think it's a "secret" at all - just common sense.

Same here. When they ask, I get all sneaky like and say "You won't believe it, but it's this CRAZY thing...this plan that is so simple...it's called eating right and exercising! It's nuts! Who'da thunk it?" :laugh:

LMAO! I'm gonna try that next time. People do wait in anticipation after they ask you - like you're giving away national secrets or something. lol

They totally do! It's like they think I have a magic potion that I;m about to give them the recipe for.

pizzygirltx

We have a girl here at work who fancies herself a nutrition expert (even tho she has NO degree and some of her information is wrong - but that is another rant). This girl went through ALLLLL the trouble of creating an excel spreadsheet so that she can help other track their calories. But what makes me so mad, is that she did this AFTER I spent 30 minutes on the computer with her showing her around my MFP account!!! She totally ignored what is already available and started her own document. Oh and BTW, NONE of her people are losing any weight!!!!

elliecolorado

I think that in general people are hoping to hear that there is some easy way to lose weight. They just want an easier way than eating better and exercising. I tell people that I have been losing weight on the 'Stop eating like a moron and get off your fat *kitten* and go for a walk diet'.

Dcgfeller

While frustrating to have other people bummed that there's no miracle, I certainly understand how they feel.

Theres still plenty of times along my rollercoaster of weight loss that I have been discouraged by a pound or so a week and thought to myself "I wanna be thin NOW damnit!" It takes a lot to talk myself down and remember that I'm actually doing just fine, and even if I don't drop an ounce eating better and exercising sure as heck isn't bad for me.

bluiz13

i saw this on another thread and ended up blogging it cause i think it is soooooo true....

Interested vs. Committed

People who are interested in losing weight:

1. Stick with in until something better comes along
2. Take action only if they "feel like" doing it
3. Need to see results in order to stay motivated
4. Blame people or circumstances for their struggles
5. Easily give up when they face challenges

People who are committed to losing weight:

1. Stick with their plans no matter what
2. Take action whether they feel like doing it or not
3. Assume that if they stay motivated, results will follow
4. Take responsibility for their own actions
5. Keep going in spite of challenges and setbacks

LorinaLynn

Actually, I've had the opposite experience. Four of my friends have joined MFP since I told them about it!

I think I have about six or seven!

I usually don't tell people "I lost weight using a website." I tell them I tracked what I ate, and exercised my butt off. But my weight loss status posts to Facebook, with the MPF link attached, so if they seem interested, I'll tell them more.

Pretty much everyone who knows me even peripherally knows I've taken up running, what with all the blabbering and photos of Warrior Dash. And my Runkeeper status goes to Facebook, too, so when you're running a number of miles a day on trails and hills, and hiking those hills with the dog on "rest" days... it's pretty obvious it's not a magic bean. :happy:

Although I do like adding black beans to just about anything. I mushed some up in burgers yesterday. Fiber-licious! :laugh:

LorinaLynn

i saw this on another thread and ended up blogging it cause i think it is soooooo true....

Interested vs. Committed

People who are interested in losing weight:

1. Stick with in until something better comes along
2. Take action only if they "feel like" doing it
3. Need to see results in order to stay motivated
4. Blame people or circumstances for their struggles
5. Easily give up when they face challenges

People who are committed to losing weight:

1. Stick with their plans no matter what
2. Take action whether they feel like doing it or not
3. Assume that if they stay motivated, results will follow
4. Take responsibility for their own actions
5. Keep going in spite of challenges and setbacks

DING DING DING! We have a winner! :happy:

Heather75

I just don't talk to people.

LorinaLynn

I think that in general people are hoping to hear that there is some easy way to lose weight. They just want an easier way than eating better and exercising. I tell people that I have been losing weight on the 'Stop eating like a moron and get off your fat *kitten* and go for a walk diet'.

And the funny thing is... just about everyone I know who's tried has said, "This is so much easier than I thought! You mean all I have to do is track what I eat?!"

helenoftroy1

I think maybe I'm a bi**h or something cos after they have asked once and don't listen I tell them I imported a pill off the internet called Yuwish and I take one of them a day, but also watch what I eat and go for the occasional walk. They look dead interested until they figure it out.

Yeah you wish!!!!!

yanicka

LOL tell them you use the new mayo diet.

You put a jar of mayo on the out of the fridge for a few days then you take one spoonfull everyday.!!! Food poisoning work wonders.

LOL what we are doing is hard work...if it was easy everyone would be healthy. They will understand when their time come....or not.

BJPCraig

Here's the problem with MFP: It's all about taking responsibility for your own life. People hate that.

When someone says, "How did you lose weight?" what they mean is, "Please tell me there's a magic pill I can take to be skinny!"

MFP is a great tool, but let's face it: There's nothing revolutionary here. Everyone knows how to lose weight: You eat less calories than you burn off. MFP helps you track that so that you know that that's what you're doing. But the people who keep asking are looking for a solution that will allow them to sit on the couch eating potato chips 24/7 and still lose weight.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

LOL, I think most people want an answer that does not involve eating less/better and working out.

And they want it to be something that'll take the weight off NOW vs in a month or 6 months or even a year. You didn't put the weight on overnight, be realistic when it comes to getting it back off too. Ya know?

the last conversation i had about this was with a sales clerk. she asked if i was looking for anything specific and i told her i had to replace all my staples, i'd lost weight and they just don't fit anymore. she said "ooohhh, what's your secret." I said, "no secret, i exercise and eat better." she turned to the other clerk and said "my mom made me try insanity, i couldn't get through it, looks like i'll have to find another way to lose weight." all i could think was "wtf?"

ccmulder5

well.. i still have lots of weight to lose.. but i found this saying and it really hit home...

You don't get it by STARING, You don't get it by WISHING, You don't get it by DROOLING, You don't get it by HOPING.. You don't get it EASY... You get it by GETTING OFF YOUR *kitten*.. WORKING FOR IT.. EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY.. FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE...

I have the set on my Home Screen on my phone.. It keeps me motivated.. EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY!!!

tcrowe14

I think every person wants to lose a certain amount of weight. You look great, and I admire putting in the hard work. It is better what you are doing rather than being like professional grounds keepers who never mow their own grass. Thanks for the motivation in what you are doing.

Cytherea

So true! I have told SO many people about MFP... and many of them joined, only to never really commit to it or stop after a little while, even though it was working.

Yup, I just went through my friend's list and counted- 11. 11 people joined after they saw how much weight I lost and they wanted to try it out too, and not a single one of them still uses the site. Only one or two of them ever really used it at all.

It really does work, if you just do it!!

TourThePast

I tell people that I have been losing weight on the 'Stop eating like a moron and get off your fat *kitten* and go for a walk diet'.

That's pretty much what I say too, it's not rocket science - but people simply don't want to hear it.

After all, it's hardly going to be a revelation, to even the most stupid of people, that they'd benefit from taking exercise and eating healthily.

mdickhaut

I make things up, because I think everyone knows how to lose weight, they just get their hopes up with all the products out there. 'One may work, and I wont have to do anything, or wait a long time to see results. I'll just sit back and wait for someone to figure it out first.'

Christina269

I was absolutely one of "those" people! I kept thinking that they lost weight because it "happened to them"... like something finally clicked in their brain.

Then I finally understood that things don't happen TO US like that... Good things are achieved!! I suppose I did have a HUGE mind change and that's why I'm able to lose the flub now, but I was, FOR SURE, one of those people... ha ha!

Atlantique

You're not alone, no. Too many people want the magic bullet that allows them to awaken one morning looking like a fitness model. I wish them good luck with that.

ChitownFoodie

Them: How did you lose weight and get so fit?

Me: Don't ask unless you want to know the truth.

Them: Please tell me!

Me: I put the fork down and I put on a pair of gym shoes and I worked out. I logged every piece of food and every workout on MFP and made sure that I wasn't eating more than I needed.

Them: Have you tried the HCG diet or the Dukan Diet? I heard Kate Middleton used it. Are you taking any pills? Like Trim spa? Kim Kardashian swears by it.

Me: ARGH!!!!! *rolls eyes*

ladybarometer

I think some of you guys are being a bit harsh. I am off my *kitten* working out and eating right, and have stalled for a long time, and look to NICE people who have has long time success for inspiration and advice. I don't understand the anger.

babygurl48

BEGIN RANT

(This question may be directed more towards long time MFP users) those of you who have been asked, "How have you lost so much weight?" and then told that person, "I lost it with MFP."

Later, to be asked the same question again by the same person and you tell them about this wonderful website called MyFitnessPal and how great it is and what an awesome tool it was for your weight loss.

Then again later, have to hear the same person complain about how they're not losing anything w/the 'Fad Diet' they're doing and asked "How did you lose all of your weight?" AGAIN!

I've told over hundred people, who've asked, about MFP and only one has actually joined. But, they all still complain about wanting to lose weight.

Am I the only one who gets asked this over and over?

END RANT

I've had the same experience where people ask me how I lost my weight and I fill them in about MFP. They kinda nod their head and say interesting. Only one of my friends joined out of all the ones I talked to. Guess they want magic pills or something. Hmmph!

babygurl48

Actually, I've had the opposite experience. Four of my friends have joined MFP since I told them about it!

That's awesome!!!!