Why is it when people ask u? "How did u lose weight?"

Richdogg38
Richdogg38 Posts: 152
edited November 10 in Motivation and Support
Why is it when people ask you...."How did you lose so much weight?" And you tell them about MFP they lose interest right away? WTF? It never fails. Or they sign up just to humor you but never log in.

I think they want us to say that it was some MAGIC pill or SURGERY...I don't know.

Please share your story on what you encounter when people ask you...I'm interested to know.
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Replies

  • busyPK
    busyPK Posts: 3,788 Member
    Honestly, I haven't told anyone (well, my hubby knows) I'm using this site. I've had a few co-workers ask what I'm doing and I just say, "protion control and exercise" and really that is correct. :smile: I think after I get more weight off I'll share the MFP secret, but I really don't want to be any of my co-workers friends on here since I'm on this site while at work. :laugh:
  • bluebird321
    bluebird321 Posts: 733 Member
    I tell them about what I do and then I mention MFP and the food logging. The conversation usually stops -- I guess the foold logging sounds like too much work (even though it really isn't, but that is my opinion).
  • vaderandbill
    vaderandbill Posts: 1,063 Member
    The people I've told seem interested and say that it is a good idea but then they never do it.

    My daycare provider is on here and seems to be taking it seriously.

    my best friend was on here and did well for 4 days and then didn't log on for 2 weeks...I deleted his @ss and told him with a smile.
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,247 Member
    Why is it when people ask you...."How did you lose so much weight?" And you tell them about MFP they lose interest right away? WTF? It never fails. Or they sign up just to humor you but never log in.

    I think they want us to say that it was some MAGIC pill or SURGERY...I don't know.

    Please share your story on what you encounter when people ask you...I'm interested to know.

    I haven't had that happen to me. I was originally told about MFP via somebody at work and I, in turn, have told others about it and some joined, some didn't.

    Regarding your experience, those people probably consider it all too much hassle, they want quick fixes and be able to eat 75" pizzas, chips, crisps, sweets and chocolate until the cow's come home and still lose weight.
  • I have had similar experiences as well. But I tell them that you have to have a change of mind and heart before you can set out on your own adventure. These two areas must be in sync to make it work. Most just tell me they don't have to shop healthy or keep track of what they are eating. I tell them about MFP and how much it has helped and how easy it is but I haven't had any join me on here. That's ok. I am not here for them. I am here for me and I know in my mind and heart that there is no magic pill to cure my addiction. Just some good ole' fashion hard work is going to get this job done. :laugh:
  • I tell them about what I do and then I mention MFP and the food logging. The conversation usually stops -- I guess the foold logging sounds like too much work (even though it really isn't, but that is my opinion).
    The same here! It never ceases to amaze me.
  • The people I've told seem interested and say that it is a good idea but then they never do it.

    My daycare provider is on here and seems to be taking it seriously.

    my best friend was on here and did well for 4 days and then didn't log on for 2 weeks...I deleted his @ss and told him with a smile.
    LOL
  • Touched670
    Touched670 Posts: 97 Member
    i know....When I tell people that I am losing weight the hard way (counting calories and daily exercise), they shut me out. Most common response, "Oh nooo, I can't do that." Its not easy but its what works....guess you're not really wanting a change?
  • When I tell people I keep a food journal, they usually roll their eyes "Oh, that's just too much work! Nevermind then."

    Um. Okay. It really isn't that hard to log on for five minutes and track what you've put in your mouth. People are afraid of accountability, they really don't want to lose weight and are half-assing their attempts and feigning interest.

    They expect a magical solution to their problem, and there really isn't. Sorry to disappoint you.
  • AmberJslimsAWAY
    AmberJslimsAWAY Posts: 2,339 Member
    When I tell people about this place, they are super interested normally. Like "WOW! You can see how many calories you actually eat?!" I don't know how many have signed up though.
  • Kelsbellz
    Kelsbellz Posts: 142 Member
    I've been telling everyone about MFP and how easy it is to use. I've had a few friends join. I love it!
  • missikay1970
    missikay1970 Posts: 588 Member
    i haven't had anyone be negative toward MFP, but a few people have asked how i lost weight and when i mention my hard work and dedication, they get turned-off immediately. i think they might be expecting me to say that there is a magical way, but there isn't. sorry, folks, gotta work for it! :smile:
  • misrical
    misrical Posts: 66 Member
    I got the same response from people, I went from 260 to 195 in a year and a half, my dad thought I was sick and most people just hoped it was something quick so they don't have to work for it.
  • Leiki
    Leiki Posts: 526 Member
    I tried telling a friend who wanted to lose 20 lbs. When he found out that calorie counting means either making healthier choices, or cutting portion size in addition to the exercise he is already doing, he was not happy. He wants to eat unhealthy on a regular basis, and extra unhealthy on exercise days. Some people just aren't ready, I guess.

    When I first joined, I didn't log in every day. It wasn't until a month or so later that I started taking it seriously.
  • farmers_daughter
    farmers_daughter Posts: 1,632 Member
    The question for me is "What diet are you on?" I haven't quite gotten to the "How did you lose...."

    I've gotten to the point where I answer that question with "The hard way".

    Many people are looking for that QUICK fix, and to waste my time trying to explain to them what MFP is...it just that.

    Maybe 2 out of the 10 people I talk to are truly looking for real information, so I do explain to them, but to most like i said, a waste of time.
  • Reedern
    Reedern Posts: 525 Member
    When I tell people I keep a food journal, they usually roll their eyes "Oh, that's just too much work! Nevermind then."

    Um. Okay. It really isn't that hard to log on for five minutes and track what you've put in your mouth. People are afraid of accountability, they really don't want to lose weight and are half-assing their attempts and feigning interest.

    They expect a magical solution to their problem, and there really isn't. Sorry to disappoint you.

    I agree with you... people don't want to be held accountable. I like using this site because it teaches me everyday about the things I am doing to my body and it makes me feel really good when at the end of the day I can read my food diary and know that I kicked *kitten*!
  • acstansell
    acstansell Posts: 567 Member
    I get this too! They ask me how I've managed to do this and I tell them I'm calorie counting and that I use this app/website to help me track my portions and calories.

    They shut off immediately - it's like it's too much work, requires too much technology, or isn't a miracle cure. Strange...
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    Actually, most people write down the website right away - I am sort of a walking advertisement for the "eat well, exercise, drink water" thing at this point. Whether or not they actually USE the website or follow my advice is another story, but they're almost always very receptive to hearing about how I did it.
  • therealangd
    therealangd Posts: 1,861 Member
    People are looking for a magic pill. Eat less, exercise more is ridiculous.
  • 2012x
    2012x Posts: 149 Member
    Amazing what pops out when you say the word many dread : exercise... lol
  • People suck at times. I've tried to tell my sisters and other people, but I get shut down before I can explain how to use MFP and calorie counting. I'm not a negative person, but there are times that I just - Ugh!

    Although, I'm truly happy that mostly everyone - of my friend list - is doing good on their new lifestyle. I commend anyone that didn't stick to the easy path and have endured adversities and have overcome such hardships. You are all victorious in my book. I raise my apple and water glass to y'all!
  • awdhemi
    awdhemi Posts: 99 Member
    I know what you mean! So many people have asked me how I lost 65 lbs. They always ask "what diet are you doing?" I try to explain to them that I'm not on a fad diet and that I just watch what I eat and work out, and they have this stunned look on their face. It's like they are expecting me to say "I hop around one one foot while chanting a magical weight loss spell at 6:34 exactly every morning". People would probably be more prone to try that than to use MFP and exercise!!
  • sundancer1966
    sundancer1966 Posts: 478 Member
    I am also finding that people act dissapointed when I tell them, I eat right, excercise and use MFP. I get responses such as," I don't want to think about what I eat" "I don't like to workout" "Why should I log what I am eating" "I don't want to give up _____". I explain that I do not lack for anything, that I plan my meals and my treats,and have moderation. People lose interest really fast when there is not a quick fix.
  • misrical
    misrical Posts: 66 Member
    Most people hear exercise and they have visions of 3 hour gym marathons, they dont understand that you just need to adjust your intake of food and move alittle and you will see results.
  • damonmath
    damonmath Posts: 359 Member
    My story is always the same;

    - eat clean
    - workout
    - count every calorie.

    I show them MFP and they say, "but I hate counting calories. ugh!". Or they take interest for about a day or week and then give up once they forget to log something.

    For me it was something I needed to do just for me. I think when people realize they are ultimately responsible for their own bodies, they start to genuinely take an interest.
  • It all depends on who I tell. Once I found the site I told everyone about it...my gym friends (the serious ones anyway) jumped right on the band wagon. Others, who were hoping for a 5 hour solution looked at me like I'd lost my mind....log food? log exercise? I'm to busy to do that....but we can chat about the biggest loser for 15 minutes, or you can watch TV commercials and comment...:noway:
  • PlanetVelma
    PlanetVelma Posts: 1,223 Member
    The question for me is "What diet are you on?" I haven't quite gotten to the "How did you lose...."

    I've gotten to the point where I answer that question with "The hard way".

    Many people are looking for that QUICK fix, and to waste my time trying to explain to them what MFP is...it just that.

    Maybe 2 out of the 10 people I talk to are truly looking for real information, so I do explain to them, but to most like i said, a waste of time.

    Yes, there's a girl that I work with that has been trying to lose 10 lbs (roughly), I had told her about MFP in the past, but she'd rather do her "juicing" diet.

    Oh but she lost 9 lbs last week.... :noway:

    She'll probably gain it all back, plus 5 lbs by May. Unless she plans on drinking juice & eating yogurt for the rest of her life. lol
  • turningstar
    turningstar Posts: 393 Member
    I've told some people that I know want to lose weight. After, I realized my mistake. They wanted to TALK about wanting to lose weight. A couple of those people joined MFP, and they are losing weight, but generally by slashing calories to nothing, eating the wrong foods (still), and NOT exercising. Anyhoo....I figure its better to just NOT talk about it anymore.
  • Rags2Righteous
    Rags2Righteous Posts: 200 Member
    I've also told a few people about this site, and they usually respond with excitement. Then they never log in or use it! I've heard the following excuses: "I want to lose weight, but I'm not ready to start an intense diet". First of all, MFP is not a diet. Second of all, I have not really lost much weight on here, but this site has helped me consistently log my food and become more aware about what I have put into my body. This is the key to long-term health and fitness. Unfortunately, a lot of people are just too lazy and just want to wish the jiggle and food addictions away.
  • Jamiewoodle
    Jamiewoodle Posts: 100 Member
    I have to admit, I WAS one of those people at first! My sister in-law told me about MPF and I was interested, but the food logging sounded so tedious! Two weeks later I got serious and have lost 12lbs!
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