WHY keep your food diary hidden?

TheReese1206

Because I just dont feel like sharing that with everyone. I don't think it matters though......I don't have friends on my account. I like to keep track of everything for myself.

melsmith612

I have no idea if mine is hidden from anyone or not, can't remember how I set it all up originally but I *can* think of one very good reason to keep it private or to friends only... INSURANCE COMPANIES! It is not beyond comprehension for insurance companies to investigate an insured's actions through Facebook, Twitter, MFP or competing fitness sites for their own purposes. For example: If someone is attempting to apply for coverage to get gastric bypass surgery, their health insurance company may want to check up on what they've been doing to prepare when considering whether or not to approve coverage. What you eat in preparation for that surgery is certainly of interest to them and if it's public information then they're well within their rights to reject a claim based on information collected. Same thing goes for Workers Comp cases. If someone is logging in their public MFP exercise journal that they've been running/biking/lifting weights when they're supposed to be "injured" and getting paid by the state for that work-related injury, then the state/employer has every right to reject further benefits if they can find proof online that someone hasn't been following the physical restrictions set by their doctor. You'd be surprised what information people post online that can be held against them in some way. I personally don't have any of these concerns (which is why I'm not running to set my own to private) but can honestly see where information like food intake and physical activity could be used against a person if they were not careful.

TruckerChick

Personally, I keep mine private not because I don't want anyone seeing what I've eaten but because I got tired of reading the "bravos" and "great jobs" when I KNEW I hadn't done a great job. I felt like a hypocrite and it made me feel worse about my day. Perhaps that's not a very good reason to keep it private, but it's mine.

TruckerChick

I have no idea why anyone would do this. What's the point on being on here? I have friends look at my diary and say things about it that are so useful, and I do the same. Even if it's just to get food ideas! Those people that have their diaries closed will not be as successful or are missing out huge.

Not necessarily true. We can still be successful with our diaries closed. Leaving it closed allows us to be perfectly honest with ourselves without worrying about what anyone else will say about what we've charted.

whit1108

I didn't even know u could show it to just ur friends or that mine was hidden.. but I don't follow a strick diet because I would completely fail, I still eat what i want just under the limits. so those true "health addicts" might not like what they see on my daily foods, but I'm gonna eat what I want and be smart about it. What i am eating and doing now works for me and im still losing weight and working out and still able to eat the foods I like.

TruckerChick

I'm not on here to be held accountable for my actions, I am on here for myself: to make better choices and make changes in my lifestyle. If I make friends along the way, great. I like to hear feedback from others on how they have made changes in their lifestyles and ideas on how to eat better. I also changed my news feed settings so people I friend don't get bombarded with updates on every little thing I do. IMO, that's what blogs are for...

hear, hear!!

monroe61

WHY do you care?

mrsdizzyd84

Mine is open to my friends only. I've tried to fill my friends list with positive motivating people, so I trust them to give me good feedback if they feel the need. The rest of MFP has no business peaking at my diary. There are some really nasty negative judgmental people on this site. I'm not willing to let some food bully derail my progress.

mmonconduit

mine is private because i do not eat healthy and I do not plan to do so and I don't want others making suggestions for me to eat healthy. I eat whatever I want and monitor my portions and stay within the calories and I still loose weight

Ceebee37

Everyone is allowed to make their own choices just because they are not showing everyone teir diary doesn't mean they are cheating, ashamed or not losing, it's just their choice!!

jmaniex

I dont have mine set to private because I dont mind people holding me accountable. I noticed that I have more success with scruitny and it also helps others find meals that are low in calorie and high in protein. I belive it helps us all.

monroe61

I have no idea why anyone would do this. What's the point on being on here? I have friends look at my diary and say things about it that are so useful, and I do the same. Even if it's just to get food ideas! Those people that have their diaries closed will not be as successful or are missing out huge.

Not necessarily true. We can still be successful with our diaries closed. Leaving it closed allows us to be perfectly honest with ourselves without worrying about what anyone else will say about what we've charted.

That is just silly to say that someone won't be successful for not showing their diary...I don't show mine because I don't care what you think about what I eat! I've managed to stay right on track for my 1lb a week goal...I'm at 22 weeks and down 23lbs I would say that is a success!

pshalamar

Can someone please tell me how to UNhide it because I've been looking and can't seem to find it.... (yes, user error)

monroe61

mine is private because i do not eat healthy and I do not plan to do so and I don't want others making suggestions for me to eat healthy. I eat whatever I want and monitor my portions and stay within the calories and I still loose weight

This

monroe61

Can someone please tell me how to UNhide it because I've been looking and can't seem to find it.... (yes, user error)

Go to settings then Diary settings (six down) then to the bottom it has where you can set it to private, friends only...etc! Nevermind I see you figured it out

Kirabelly

I found I was LESS honest when it was open (very briefly). When I have no one but me judging me, I can be open and honest.

girllimberlost

I keep mine private so I will be honest with myself, because that is why I am on here. I needed to find a way to honestly assess what I was taking in versus my outcome. I don't know that it will be permanently that way, but for now, I just need a place for me to know what I am eating, honestly, and without concern for scrutiny.

AviaBatyah

I want to loss weight so mine is open for I need to be held accountable or I will stumble. To each is own. But mine is open cause that is what will help me!

lizziebeth1028

This tends to be a big debate. I personally keep mine private because I make a lot of notations in the food and exercise section for notes. Personal goals, how I felt that day physically and emotionally, what my exercise consisted of, if the exercise class I caught that day was taught well........lot's of my own personal observations. I don't need to make my diary open to the public to keep me accountable. I'm not hiding any deep dark secret. I'm an adult, it's my own personal business what I eat or don't eat. There are a lot of us using this site not so much for the social aspect..but as our own personal fitness diary and calorie counter.

firefly171717

I think some people don't like the idea of disclosing something so personal; it's a way to avoid judgement (which of course wouldn't happen here, but it's a valid concern). Some people probably don't know how to make their diary public.

That is an interesting point, I can see where you are coming from. I joined so that I could have my diary up here and get help with it, go ahead look everyone!!!

pshalamar

Thanks, I did find it.

pshalamar

I WANT mine to be open so I'll think twice before stuffing that donut into my pie/donut/ice cream hole! Lol.

CrazyDaisysMommy

I think I've been scared of people judging me. Like, even if I am within the right limits of calories ~ will they judge me for not eating the right sort of food etc.

Since going vegetarian I have learned that people are QUITE judgmental about food - something so simple and necessary. So I try to do open diary, but it doesn't last long. For me it's just not comfortable. Some days I eat great, some I don't, I log it ALL but definitely feel a sinking feeling when I post my not-so-good days and have my diary open. It's just me

Agreed! I quickly closed my diary when I started getting comments that were unsolicited and a little too intrusive. I know people mean well but in the excitement of having found something that works for them, some people feel the need to proselytize. I generally assume we're all intelligent people who can read about nutrition and make informed choices, and if I want someone's input, I will ask for it. If others find success in sharing all their information with the public, more power to them.

krista010105

mine i believe is open to anyone. and im all good with that. i dont have a problem with people seeing what i eat. not that i think anyone really cares. like you said it is a way to help be held accountable.

Allyson1985

I'm sure this response is in the long list and many pages of responses, but it's my right. If people ask me to unhide it, I ask them why and then give them a passcode. Otherwise, its my business.

coppercurlz

I'm just curious.....I understand if you want your page to be private. However, why keep your food diary private???? Do you do this....if so what's your reasoning? I personally think by making it viewable to friends that it hold you accountable.

Because most humans like the idea that they have a choice in personal matters...
Hence it being a *personal choice*.

mmowbray84

I WOULD LIKE TO GET FOOD IDEAS FROM OTHER MEMBERS

SarahMorganP

Because a lot of members on here are complete *kitten*.

Teliooo

I have mine open to friends only. I have no desire for someone to push their ideas of what a diet means on me. I have seen too many others criticized (without asking for opinions mind you) for their choices. If I ask for help, then I will open it up and expect criticism. But unwanted, unsolicited advice pisses me off, so I keep it locked except to those I have grown to know and trust. My two cents.

this

IrishHarpy1

What I put in my body is my business. I am MORE honest with myself than with anyone else, so having a private diary works for me. If I am ever struggling and need advice, I will open it to my friends, but that isn't the case.

^This... totally and completely this.

I have NO one to be "accountable to" except myself. I used to have my diary open to friends, but was getting awfully tired of the "I can't believe you ate THAT!" comments when I would have pizza or a burger and fries from Five Guys -- especially from people who considered a pint of Ben & Jerry's to be "Dinner." Seriously?

My body, my business -- and my results speak for themselves. 'Nuff said.