Size vs Health

Bexpanda

This seems to be a huge debate no matter what country you live in/ what your background and it really frustrates me.
When I tell people I'm off to the gym, or I mention in any way that I'm trying to change my eating habits, I'm often met with the following comments

"Oh, I'm on a diet too! How much have you lost?"
"What is it with chicks and dieting?"
"Why do you need to lose weight?"
*head tilted to the side* "oh hunny, you already look pretty the way that you are!"

Whilst I understand that some people, particularly those of my friends who say the latter mean well, it still irks me. Why does exercise and a change in nutrition have to mean that I'm "on a diet". Can't I just be a person who wants to be healthier!? Who wants to have more energy and a body that is functioning more efficiently?
What's more, I have a chronic pain condition so exercise is a VERY important part of managing my pain on a day to day basis.

The other one that gets me is when I do eat some cake or dessert and everyone around me rolls their eyes and says "I thought you were on a diet?". Just because I want to be fitter and healthier does not mean that all of a sudden I'm going to explode if I eat one piece of cake!
In my mind, it is about moderation and long term life changes. Not all of a sudden saying I'm not allowed to ever enjoy chocolate cake.

/end rant

SashThompson

I asked the forums about something similar a few days ago and the best things people were telling me is to just find other ways to answer their queries or remarks without saying your trying to "lose weight" as such. Like if someone mentions the word 'diet' or 'lose weight' just say "oh I'm not on a diet, I'm just aiming for a healthier lifestyle all round" or something along those lines.
Also I've found the ones that usually say that your already pretty/skinny enough are the ones who are threatened or jealous of you and don't want you to become an even bigger threat.
I know how much it gets to you, it gets to me just as much. Just fire your reply straight back at them with a smile and change the subject
In regards to the "I thought you were on a diet" thing.. People only say things like that to get under your skin or try to sabotage your efforts. Same rule applies though, just tell them that your not dieting, you're making more informed choices about food then change the subject.
P.s: be strong, I'll always have your back, I know what our family is like I've had to deal with it all before and now they just accept that I don't WANT to eat crap all the time and they try to accommodate my choices as best they can. (well most the time) I'm always here if you need to talk about any of it. Love you xxx