calorie counting embarrasment

ashleeliza

I count every calorie that I eat and it's become embarrasing for me now. Out with a friend today I wanted to buy a snack however I spent a long time comparing calories with several different items whilst they picked up with ease what they wanted and I was so embarrased because they were like oh just have both etc etc as they couldn't relate to how I feel about counting my calories. It'd be nice just to pick something up without counting.

does anyone else share this embarrasment?

LuckyLeprechaun

It takes a little while to become accustomed to counting calories. After awhile, you'll be used to it.


For me, it was much more embarrassing to be so fat.

iorahkwano

Sure. I don't mind talking about calories or refusing food in front of my healthy friends but when I'm around more judgmental or anti-diet people, I keep my calculations to myself. Sometimes I've felt compelled to "follow the herd" and take a cupcake like everyone else so no one thinks I'm the anorexic girl obsessed with what she looks like.

And I understand those judgments as well... I have been in a room where I thought someone was being overly strict on not eating or being a stick in the mud. That was usually in extreme conditions where an elderly classmate offered us each a tiny 2-inch wide cookie that must've been 60 calories at most & one girl refused it saying she was full. Or a group of my friends went to Dairy Queen & 1 guy just got a bottle of water. It was like c'mon now, why did you even come...

GuardiansChild

I'm exactly the same way. I always have people give me a hard time about being so obsessive with counting every calorie - I often feel pretty embarrassed about it. But it's important to me, so I'll just keep counting!

WendyTerry420

It doesn't embarrass me because I know that if I don't, I will remain fat, which is more embarrassing, as Lucky stated.

ShaniWulffe

I totally get what you mean -- People in my dorm think I'm crazy sometimes haha

Madelinew22

i turn mean and just avoid food. i feel bad sometimes only cuz i look like a idiot but i feel better inside knowing i made the better deccision, i have flat out said i wont eat something because its unhealthy and bad for u while the person next to me is scarfing them down, then they feel gross hahaha

KirstenTheFamilyCoach

I have a few "go to" snacks when I'm going to be out shopping and if I'm going out to eat I'll just check what's the best choices I can make before I even leaven the house. It does get easier!

acm130

Just tell them: I'm working really hard to be accountable and aware of my food choices and how they affect how I feel and look, please be supportive. And on a personal note, I myself, became my heaviest, most depressed, unhappy with my body by using the "Just this once" or "It's ok" rationalizations. Slowly but surely the skipping my work-out "just this once" and getting McDonalds drive thru "It's Ok" became increasingly frequent.... And I became increasingly miserable, disconnected from myself... MFP and calorie counting for me is not about being restrictive, it's about being accountable and aware.

threeonethree

It's extremely embarrassing as a guy. My buddies make jokes when we go out to eat... kinda sucks but I just try to laugh along. :embarassed:

33Chief

I hear it all the time...especially as a military guy. Just keep doing what you do. If I do slip, just usually throw in an extra mile in the next day's run. Keep it up!!

_SABOTEUR_

Don't feel embarassed. When you have a treat day, that cake or whatever will feel special. For them it's just another cake.

I flat out refused a birthday cake this year. So my family gave me an apple with a candle in it! Surround yourself with supportive people and stick two fingers up to those that aren't supportive because they aren't friends.

meganrpelican

People teased me too until i lost almost 30 pounds. Now im laughing in my size 6 pants.

bethycupcakes

I used to compare food like that but now i do most of the work before i go out... I pre measure all the things i pack in my daily lunch and if we go out to eat i will usually look up the nutrition information before we go. My friends would get on me about counting calories but then i lost 30lbs...

Try doing the work before hand, it makes your food choices a bit easier and saves you from any funny reactions that your friends may have. As far as your health and body goes you need to do whats best for you and if your friends are any type of awesome they wouldn't give you such a hard time

LuvHinesWard86

Eventually you won't have to think about it and calculate, you'll just know what to choose.

tifalva

In the beginning it is hard and a bit overwhelming to count and compare calories on everything you eat. Soon you will just know how many calories are in most foods and can approximate your food. Takes the embarrassment from the situation.

It definitely does help to have supportive people around you that will help. I've had my co-workers trained for a while on what I like to eat and to hide the sugar/stop me from eating it. Good luck to you :-)

gil_u

I used to care at first, but I'm 2 and a half months into this new lifestyle now. I am seeing results. In my opinion, it is far more important for me to be healthier than to care about what other people think. Also, after some time, you will know just about how many calories your favorite snacks have. You will be able to pick the healthiest thing off the shelf without hesitation.

monicalosesweight

Nope. I don't get embarrassed. If I get offered food, I just say nicely, "Thanks. But, I've made a lifestyle change and I'm trying to eat healthier so I'll feel better." Usually, if you're really nice and sweet about it...they go away. As for the packets of snacks, once you know what snacks are lower in calories, you'll be able to easily pick them up. To be honest, I generally don't eat snacks like doritos or chips too often. You could always grab a banana or look for a packet with peanuts/nuts so you're at least getting something healthier. The other option, keep some sort of bar snack in your purse and that way you can pick up a diet drink or a bottle of water and whip out your snack and just moan and go "yummy!" which will make them think you're addicted to something so delicious you carry it with you. Grin.

BurtHuttz

I've gotten a lot of crap from a lot of guys.

They're still fat, I have a six pack.

I knew then that would be the case, and it's the case now.

They'd never admit it, but they realize what happened. :laugh:

So your friends want to have two of whatever, great, no judgement, hopefully they have a metabolism where they don't have to worry. You, you have objectives. You have goals and you're going after them. NO SHAME.

rezn8

It's a lifestyle change for the better. If you grab and go all the time, you'll be right back where you were.
Once you learn some of the things you like and the calories, you'll be able to grab them for your snack, just don't forget to add to MFP shortly after.

dbrooks82

Its a little embarassing at first but you get used to it. Having someone supportive in your corner is helpful. All the people laughing or judging either dont have the will power to make the change themselves, or respect for your decision. They will feel different when they see your results. Keep your head held high, youre on the road to a better and healthier lfiestyle!

Freidon

I've gotten a lot of crap from a lot of guys.

They're still fat, I have a six pack.

I knew then that would be the case, and it's the case now.

They'd never admit it, but they realize what happened. :laugh:

So your friends want to have two of whatever, great, no judgement, hopefully they have a metabolism where they don't have to worry. You, you have objectives. You have goals and you're going after them. NO SHAME.

Natashaa1991

Me! i hide this website from people. I am obsessed with counting and as soon as i eat something i need to log it, doesn't matter if i am in a restaurant or with friends. So embarrassing! especially since I don't need to lose weight, people are always like, OMG stop it!

lenoresaari

Reading labels is always good for you. I am always checking calcium amounts on labels because I need
to know that I am getting enough everyday. You can just say you are trying to make the healthiest choice.

ibadkitteh

i would be happy hearing that this person is body conscious. I love to be surrounded by people who are eating healthy and it's not embarassing at all.

allenthegirl

I get funny looks from people all the time when I stand in the middle of the supermarket comparing labels to every single item that goes into my shopping basket. It used to embarrass me but you get used to it and eventually you just know which items are best from memory.

I try not to do it around my great aunt though, she's not supportive of me losing weight at all and she gets really snarky. I have to do it stealthily around her...

VanessaHeartsMasr

Nah, I'm proud of it. I'll just whip out my phone any time and obsess about how many calories are in something. I'm proud of it because I am doing something about it, and other people aren't. They can all kiss off if they don't like it.

lar4290

I get funny looks from people all the time when I stand in the middle of the supermarket comparing labels to every single item that goes into my shopping basket. It used to embarrass me but you get used to it and eventually you just know which items are best from memory.

This. ^^

However, if I'm out with friends or in a hurry for a snack, I'd probably just grap one that I think is decent because there won't be that much difference. I've found that obsessing on a daily number isn't healthy (and very nonconducive for a social life). If it's 50 or 60 more calories than I'd liked to have eaten, I'll just eat a little less or work out a little harder the next day. Of i'd eat 2/3 of it once I pick it up and see the label.

sijomial

When you are massively under-eating every day then worrying about the few extra calories in different snacks is the last thing to worry about!

_Tuyana_

Sometimes I feel uncomfortable in social situations when it's just rude to stare at my phone when people are trying to talk to me, but in these situations I have usually researched menus, etc. and mapped out my calories (or I just workout extra hard the day after if I have no control over calories).

In other situations when people ask me about me counting calories and measuring everything I just launch into a long tirade about macros, daily calorie goals and muscle gain vs. body fat loss. They are sorry they even asked and they keep quiet the next time. Lol!!!

pixie_mills

I know this can be hard for some people...peer pressure is a horrible thing. Some of my friends and family said something similar to you like "oh just have them both" when I was comparing calories. You just have to explain to them that it is a big deal for you at the moment. I used to have someone eat my favourite BAD treats in front of me which was very discouraging and made me think if that was him really being supportive? I didn't think so. Listen people and what they really say - REAL friends will support you in every way.

Another wee tip is something which I do (although I do realise for some it is not possible) I pre-log my exercise and meals for the day and if there is anything left over (kcals, carb, protein and fat) I take a mental note (or use the app [just lost Android virginity]) and try to find something or memorise something close to that.