Why do so many members hide there diary???

I am not sure why I have mine set to "hidden." When I first logged onto mfp it was already set that way and I didn't know for a few weeks I could see people's food diaries. I look at other people's for inspiration and ideas and sometimes I look at my own and think..."you eat too much!" even when I am within my calorie range.

Maybe I should rethink keeping it private....

Did fine losing mine without allowing anyone to look at mine or looking at anyone else's. I think some people hide them so they can be really honest without feeling judged if they have a bad day or moment for that fact while others might be more careful if they know someone else will be looking at it. I think do whatever works for you cuz you're the only one you have to please and that can make your weight loss journey a success.

Welcome and good luck! This site was a HUGE help to me to lose my weight, couldn't have done it without it.

I agree... I dont know how to change mine to public. I think it was pre-set.

I keep mine hidden for the simple fact that I don't log my food every single day or log everything I eat for that matter. Also, I have seen some people say really nasty things to others about what they ate! I have seen it escalate to where there was name calling and feelings hurt, so I just don't want to deal with people telling me what I should or shouldn't eat in that manner. We are all here to support each other not put each other down.

I have mine set to private. I don't want people to judge me for what I eat. I make adjustments that work for me and only me. I am more accountable without people seeing it. I think some people feel people will judge them and then they won't stay the course.
I say whatever works for the individual is what's best for them.

My diary is a work in progress as I figure out what works for me. I don't mind anyone taking a look for ideas or to make comments -- someone else's suggestion might be a good idea and I'll consider anything as long as it isn't delivered with a "you must do this else you're dumb" attitude. I know people who had their diaries open served as inspiration to me when I first began; it would be quite nice if I could do the same for someone else.

I never really thought about it before. I guess just by being on this site we are admitting we have issues we want to work on and maybe opening the diary up would leave us a little too vulnerable to criticism. You've got me thinking about it though. I just might open mine up. Try not to kick my *kitten* if it's only half filled in or you see an occasional donut on there. lol

~Arny



P.S. I just changed my diary settings from "Private" to "Friends Only" (baby steps)

I don't necessarily eat "healthy", but I have managed to stay under my calories for 29 of the 30 days I've been on here!! I want this change to be a way of life for the rest of my life. So I eat "normal" food, not special diet food, maybe just less of what I used to eat, and better choices when I buy bread, ect.... I did give up Pop. Don't miss it at all, I thought I would!!!! You do what is best for YOU. that is whats gonna work!! and be honest..... no matter what.
Best Wishes for your journey!

I feel the exact same way. I keep mine private because I really don't eat that healthy. I'm not into salads and whatnot. I eat a lot of processed stuff, so I don't want to be judged. I'm not a "clean" and "fresh" and "vegan" eater. Like for today, I've had bologna (light, haha) sandwiches and chips for lunch, swedish fish candies and freeze-dried apple slices for snacks, and a chicken burrito with sour cream and guacamole (hold the cheese ) for dinner from a restaurant. Yeah, not what I see on other MFP diaries. And I think for the past few nights I've had ramen noodles. Haha. There's no way I wouldn't be judged if people had access to my diary. I'd probably get a few private messages telling me I need to eat less processed crap. Oh frickin' well. I've lost 71 pounds so far and still losing. If I want to eat what everybody calls "empty calories", that's my business.

The simple answer is because some people are private. With the codes you have the option of giving it out to certain people.

I see the interest in seeing what someone successful is eating. And I'm guessing there have to be many here that are proud of what they choose so they post it to all. It just depends on the person.

Mine's wide open, and I log every morsel.

Mine's public, but some people keep it private because some users have no problem giving harsh feedback that was not asked for. (I haven't had this happen personally, but I know people who have.) I think if someone asks for honest feedback that's one thing, but to critique someone's food diary when they didn't even ask for it is a bit presumptuous.

Anyways... mine's public, and I have no problem with anyone taking a peek. Most days I"m pretty proud of it.

My food diary is viewable to those on my friends list.

Ditto!!! I dont mind my MFPs looking at my diary; for the most part everyone on my friends list is very positive and if they do say anything about what i eat its because i asked and i wanted the input!!! But like i said most everyone on my friends list is very positive!!!