Not Really a "Diet"

SarahD59

So, I started this new lifestyle a few months ago. I was determined to be healthier. My BMI was at 36. I was pre-diabetic. I felt exhausted ALL the time. My doctor kept telling me that if I didn't lose some weight, my blood sugar would kill me someday. His words: "You can either lose weight because you get control, or you can lose weight because I cut off a leg." (He's a funny guy.)

So after years of hearing this, I finally decided to try. To really try. No fad diets. No weight loss supplements. Hard work. One day at a time. I didn't think about my goal. I didn't think, "I have to lose 60 pounds." I thought, "I have to make good decisions today. I'd like to lose a pound this week. I want to see STEADY, CONSISTENT, progress...and that's all that matters." And it's working. I've lost 25 pounds. I feel so much better. I've still technically got a long way to go. But I'm no longer obese! I'm merely overweight, (Hey, it's a big distinction for me.) and getting healthier every day.

Here's the issue. People are noticing the difference, and they're commenting. "So, you're dieting then?" And I want to say, "No, not really." Because I don't feel like I'm dieting. I won't hit my goal and stop. This is a completely different way of looking at things. A completely different way of living, and I don't want it to change. I don't think I can ever look at food or exercise or life the same way again because it's changed me. (I know. Profound, right? :P) So what do I say? What's the appropriate response? I don't want to wax on for hours about the way my thinking has changed. These people are just making a polite comment. So I just smile and say, "Kind of." and move on. Does anyone else feel the same? Is it not just a "diet"?

Discoveri

I usually say that I am just trying to be healthier. If you tell them it is a diet, they always want to know if it is Atkins, south beach, nutrisystem etc. They also always seem to get disappointed when I tell them that I am just eating healthier and going to the gym 4-5 times a week. Like you, I don't see this as a diet but as a complete overhaul of what I used to do/think about health.

rmbslo

I agree with you 100% I just posted something very simliar. This is a forever change and new way of living. I have never felt so good

MessyLittlePanda

Yup, I can agree with that. I want a way of eating/living that I can stick with for life, not a crash diet.

txlissa62

I just say I've changed the way I'm eating, and making healthier choices.

JoolieW68

Congratulations on your new lifestyle. When people say that to you, just smile and say "No, this is permanent" and move on

Puddles0308

I agree 100%. I have had a lot of people ask me if i'm dieting and I say nope, just being more concious of what I put into my body. They usually respond with "so, a diet?" and I say Nope. And leave it at that lol. But I am definitely on the same page.

Also, congrats on the 25lbs gone!!

cberridge1987

I love this! I have the same way of thinking with a lot of the bad things in my life! Everything is a choice, and you can either make the right one or the wrong one, I've been making the wrong one for 24 years! But I am finally getting back on track! Like yours was, my BMI is 36, I did not realise how high this was, and I'm pretty disgusted with myself!

Dieting is definitely not the way forward, as soon as I hear diet, I just think of a short term solution. I plan on making one that lasts a lifetime, and will hopefully be slightly longer than it was a year ago!

lfondots

I also agree. Hard to explain to people. I have three others in my life doing the 'diet' thing. I try to get them to understand that it is a way of life and not a 'diet'. They just need to make healthy decisions. Unfortunately when you are done 'dieting' you go back to eating regularly for you and gain the weight back. Hopefully I can get them into the right state of mind. Two are not eating carbs and a little fanatical about it. Me saying you should eat 'good' carbs never works. Another eats very fatty meats and I'm slowly getting him to realize that maybe that isn't the best for him. Off to eat my hummus and crackers for lunch and some fruit.