Friends' Food Diaries

MindyBlack

How often do you really look at your friends' diaries? Do you ever get ideas from them? What are some things you added to your diet because you saw it in someone's diary? I have gotten a lot of ideas and have tried a few.
I was reminded how wonderful Morningstar Black Bean Burgers are from one friend. From another I learned about Kernel Season's popcorn seasonings, which are low cal and not too bad on sodium. Another gave me the idea to eat a sugar free jello snack with a tablespoon of low cal cool whip. The #1 Best idea was Silk Dark Chocolate Pure Almond Milk!

kittyloo123

whenever i look at anyone elses food diary, it just reinforces what a food nazi i am. I'm pretty tough on myself with my food choices. Don't get me wrong, i eat plenty, but it's almost always 0 fat, and good for me.

JPDad

I look at everyone's diary on a daily basis. Although I don't always comment, I do spend the time looking through them. The iphone app makes this a lot easier, although some diaries don't show up properly on it.

AZKristi

Most of my friend's have private diaries, but I look through the ones that are open when I want ideas. Mostly I get ideas in the lunchroom - fortunately my co-workers tend to eat healthy lunches!

Pepper2185

I look at everyone's food diary when it pops up in my news feed.

It's motivating for me to try and make my diary look as awesome as some of theirs.

And it makes me feel better when I see that someone else had a giant cheat meal at a restaurant

EdithClark

I'm just getting started on this, and trying to whip my own diet diary into shape. Looking at other ones is encouraging me to eat more fruits and veggies...because when I see someone who has alot on their's, I also see that they were able to eat alot more than I was that day!

ablykins

I think it can be a great way to get ideas but mostly just like to give encouragement to my buddies for the healthy choices they are making.

chevy88grl

Honestly? I never look at other people's diaries unless they ask me to do so. I'm a super picky eater who is perfectly happy and content eating the same ole stuff day in and day out. I'm pretty sure no one who looks at my diary gets any ideas either as it is pretty boring.

Stacyanne324

There are a few friends I always look at and a bunch more I look when I have the time. For some reason I can't read diaries on my phone app so I have to do it on the computer. I don't know if I get ideas but I like to see what eveyrone else is doing.

tataliciousd89

I guess I'm just weird, but I like to keep mine private just like any other diary one would write. Even though I could look at others it just feels weird to me as well. Like I'm snooping through someone elses purse or wallet or something like that.

Wolfena

Sometimes I look because I'm just nosy really... not for ideas or to check their calorie counts. I find it interesting to see how people eat in such vastly different ways! It's a weird form of entertainment. :blushing:

MaximalLife

I don't look at anybody diaries unless they're sniveling about not making progress, claiming to be doing "everything" right.
I usually find a bunch of processed foods, junk and higher than recommended calorie deficits week after week.

cramernh

Maximal, you got that right! LOL!

Pepper2185

Haha, yes Maximal is right

There are some good diaries out there though!

ScarlettVamp

If I comment on your diary, chances are I looked at it. That's what takes me so long and why some days I just don't have the time. I don't feel right saying "way to go" to a MFP friend if they stayed under their calorie goal daily, but did so eating 1200 calories worth of pizza and coke all the time. I do get some great ideas from looking at my friends' diaries. Off the top of my head: hummus (I like Tribe sweet roasted red pepper), fuji apples ( I used to only buy red delicious and they weren't always good), and sugar free syrups to flavor my coffee. To me, one of the best parts of the support group I have with my MFP friends, is knowing they will look at my diary, and honestly tell me what they think.

GlassslippersAndFairyDust

I guess I'm just weird, but I like to keep mine private just like any other diary one would write. Even though I could look at others it just feels weird to me as well. Like I'm snooping through someone elses purse or wallet or something like that.

^^^^ this :flowerforyou:

MrsSpinks

Had to buy peanut butter this week as I kept seeing it in my friend's diary! Couldn't stop thinking about it!!

twilight_princess

Hi Mindy, nice topic.

When I first started I would look at others diaries but no longer do as its hard to make a comment on someone else's food choices. I also was seeing some people eating way too little calories which I don't agree with. I have an open diary but removed it from my news feed as I plan my meals ahead so am always pressing the finish button but then change it as I go.

cramernh

I guess I'm just weird, but I like to keep mine private just like any other diary one would write. Even though I could look at others it just feels weird to me as well. Like I'm snooping through someone elses purse or wallet or something like that.

^^^^ this :flowerforyou:

Glass-slippers,
My food diary is only open to the friends in my list.. many of them love to get ideas for other meals where I have a culinary background.. and I love sharing ideas for those meals with them.

Out of respect, I will NOT go poking around in their diaries because its unsolicited. If they were to say "Hey Cramer, can you take a look at my diary for me?", then and only then would I go looking in it and ask them what their question is about... outside of that, its none of my business....

And, they have been respectful NOT to critique anything from my food diary because I discuss those matters with the three medical specialists who are overseeing my care currently. Ive dropped people fast from the friends list who wouldnt be respectful of my MFP-related wishes which were outlined beforehand... I eat about 99% clean, the remainder would be things like tofu and shirataki noodles... and people would complain also that I never have fruits - well geesh, I cant digest fruit, thank you drive through!

raisingbabyk

I always look before I comment on their day. I don't want to say great job if they've barley eaten any calories or something like that. I also try and give props for things like water, healthy choices etc. I LOVE seeing meal ideas, keeps me from eating the same boring things.

StatutoryGrape

If I'm bored with what I've been eating or want some new recipe ideas, I'll peek. I generally don't look very often, though, and I never comment.

surfrgrl1

Most of my friends have their diaries open for viewing. I am thankful for that, as I have been able to get ideas to add to my menu as a result. I do take the time to look when I can, and I keep my comments positive and humorous.

I have to be on my computer though, because so far my Droid doesn't allow that type of visibility. I hope that will change soon.

One of the items that I've added since coming to MFP is Unsweetened Almond Milk. It is a staple, and I no longer buy cow's milk.

Something I tried for the first time today after seeing it on a friends food log was Morning Star Corn Dogs, AWESOME!!! Had to go to the store and buy some other products at that friend's recommendation. Looking forward to testing more foods!

subela

I look occasionally and have gotten ideas, like adding canned pumpkin to oatmeal. Delicious!

Kristinemomof3

Me too! I'm not gonna comment about how few of calories a person ate, unless someone else does first. Most people keep theirs private. I've got nothing to hide. I believe everything in moderation

RUN2CJ

I peak every now & then when I can... I must say that I have found pretty awesome secrets in some diary's... Like Campbell soup ( thanks Sarah) I like keeping mine available to view because it keeps you honest... U can't eat fried chicken for lunch then log a salad when your co-workers have full access to your diary!!! Healthy choices that go in your body tend to help me happier and more productive.... If I am sluggish, it may have to do with the prime rib, potatoes & vodka from the night before :-p