Weird looks and questions when I explain how I lost weight

riffraff2112 · August 2014

Now that summer is coming to an end and I am returning to work (I am a teacher), more and more people seem to be noticing my weight loss (strange in itself because I had lost 90% of my weight before summer break but maybe its the new wardrobe or tanned skin) and are asking what I did?

I keep it brief and say "honestly I just got control over my eating and keep my calories below 2000". I'll mention that I use MFP to log everything, and occasionally workout and try to get some cardio a few times a week.

People seem to expect something more radical. I get all kinds of strange looks like I'm holding something back or something..

How do you guys explain it to people? Do you notice the same thing or is it just me? It seems they want to know a secret or something, and are disappointed that I don't have something more profound to say. I would really like to hear from those of you that lost a lot of weight. My weight loss wasn't dramatic and some people don't even notice it. Dying to know how someone who lost 100 lbs by counting calories feels about the reactions people have to their explanation of how they did it.

SnuggleSmacks · August 2014

I would just say "I started watching what I eat" and leave it at that. No more detail unless they ask for more information, and then start with "Well, it seems that it really is all about calories in, calories out."

sympha01 · August 2014

This is pretty common, actually. So many people have been conditioned to hear that you've done it with {name of fad diet plan or nutritional system here}. I get the same thing. It usually ends with a puzzled ... "so, you've done it all on your own?" Yes, I just eat sensibly, track my calories carefully, and exercise a lot. Sometimes I follow up with "I wasn't doing that before." Huh.

I don't explain beyond that. If they don't get it, if they don't want to get it, that's their problem. Conversation over.

mathandcats · August 2014

I've not lost 100lbs, but just last week a family friend asked me how I was losing weight. She got a weird look when I told her I was just watching what I eat and started exercising, and mentioned MFP. I don't think it was that she didn't believe me, but rather disappointment that it wasn't some magic solution that would instantly solve all of her weight problems too.

d4rkkn16ht · August 2014

Many people think that losing weight has a secret "moves".
But the real secret is...DEDICATION & WILLPOWER :drinker:
MFP, Workouts, activity tracker & scales are just tools to help you with your dedication & willpower.

riffraff2112 · August 2014

This is pretty common, actually. So many people have been conditioned to hear that you've done it with {name of fad diet plan or nutritional system here}. I get the same thing. It usually ends with a puzzled ... "so, you've done it all on your own?" Yes, I just eat sensibly, track my calories carefully, and exercise a lot. Sometimes I follow up with "I wasn't doing that before." Huh.

I don't explain beyond that. If they don't get it, if they don't want to get it, that's their problem. Conversation over.

Yeah, I guess that was my point. I hate entering a conversation knowing that I really don't have the 'answer' they are looking for. I am usually very good at idle chatter but this one leaves me speechless because I really do not have anything more to say except 'thanks for noticing....I have been working real hard!"

sartezalb · August 2014

I don't think it was that she didn't believe me, but rather disappointment that it wasn't some magic solution that would instantly solve all of her weight problems too.

^ I think this is a big one. "Eating less and exercising" may be the tried-and-tested strategy, but it is literally the least sexy answer to the question of weight loss.

simplydelish2 · August 2014

I think the disappointment comes from people wanting you to tell them you took a magic pill or that there really is a short cut. We know better. Congrats!

paulandrachelk · August 2014

Yup-I get the "disappointed" look about 99% of the time when I tell people what I did. Like "that's ALL?" Sure THAT's ALL. And it works!!

loribethrice · August 2014

When I tell people that I count my calories with MFP and exercise, I usually get the response of "so, you obsess then??". And I also get asked at least once a day if I am anorexic because I turn down things like pizza.

TINAHUNTER1969 · August 2014

Maybe because people haven't seen you for a while they notice the weight loss more. People always say its difficult when they see you every day to notice a difference but as soon as they don't see you for a while its like everyone notices.

We all know that there is no magic pill out there to help with weight loss - we are doing it the right way so that it is a permanent change to the way we live, not just a quick fix (that isn't really a quick fix because people are more likely to put weight back on if they follow some stupid diet for a couple of months then go back to how they were eating before).

Congratulations on your weight loss, just say you decided to get fit and make healthier choices with your food.

:flowerforyou:

srr728 · August 2014

sometimes i make up stuff like the cat food diet etc just because they dont want to hear they have to eat right and exercise

FR89 · August 2014

sometimes i make up stuff like the cat food diet etc just because they dont want to hear they have to eat right and exercise

hahhaha :laugh: i wonder if anyone goes home to attempt that.. :indifferent:

made my day! Thanks:flowerforyou:

dakotababy · August 2014

...I have been asked many times, and when I start to explain, I get the "I just want to know which pill you took" look. When i explain how easy it is to track, I get the disgusted look.

I actually just explained what I was doing to a coworker, and I specifically said "it can be free - dont ever fall for gimmicks/pills/"magical cures" for obesity. He followed up by saying "you know what you should try"

I immediately said "if your going to try to sell me something, im not interested". He went on to promote some liquid fat **** he has been taking...and that its only 40.00 for a big jar, etc.

I just turned away and ignored him after that. The EXACT same thing happened with another co-worker. After i explained what I did and the website, she was like "thats too much work, Im just going to get these ketones Dr.Oz will give free samples out!" My jaw almost hit the ground with the stupidity.

mzbek24 · August 2014

I just say it like it is, that I keep a food diary to log all of my intake, I eat at a deficit & balanced diet with plenty of enjoyment, and exercise regularly doing the activities I love to do.
Most people already get that the whole calories in, calories out thing works...they just seem to criticise the mfp method as 'obsessive' to keep a daily food diary like we do. I've lost only 17 kilo's, and I get people telling me that my life must absolutely suck to have to count calories!
Sometimes they think I've lost the plot because I actually weigh and measure foods in my own home. They think something like mfp is obsessive and just way too much effort, that it's like an eating disorder! someone actually said that to me today-that it's like I have anorexia, only I eat properly

FlowersInTheDirt · August 2014

I get the same. People always expect something more drastic like going to the gym every day and eating nothing bad. They don't realise that watching what you eat can make such a difference.

GatorDeb1 · August 2014

"How did you lose the weight?"
"Ate right and exercised."
"Oh."

rosnz · August 2014

Confession time ... If I can't be bothered answering and I don't really know the person I adopt a rather sad demeanour and say in hushed tones "I've been unwell" That makes them feel better that I've list weight with extra 'help' and stops the questions ;-p

xX_PhoenixRising_Xx · August 2014

Yeah, I get that all the time. Just about 150lbs lost now though diet and exercise, and people still want the magic answer. I've also had people assume that the only way I could lost this amount of weight without surgery is because I have some horrible illness. Nope, it really is as simple as eating in moderation and exercising. And having the patience to get to goal!

HeidiMightyRawr · August 2014

Yep, that's pretty common. People don't want to hear that it was just sensible choices, calorie control or just plain hard work. They want to hear the name of a quick fix, something that doesn't require much effort or time and so they can get a fantastic body and lose 20lbs in 2 weeks or something stupid like that.

When I've said to people what I do before, I get responses like "oh, that doesn't work for me" or "I've tried that before, but my body needs something drastic" or "I eat healthily already, I don't know what else I can do" or "I'll always be big" etc It's excuses. They'll realise hopefully at some point. In the meantime just keep it brief when they ask and they'll move on.

botography · August 2014

Funny you should post this. I can lose nothing and people approach me and tell me how much weight I must have lost. I guess in my case it is the clothes I wear. (I am a retired teacher). When I taught I had to walk up and down stairs all day long and it really helped hold my weight down. Now retired I dance every evening but it is not as useful or effective as going up and down and up and down stairs.

As for the weight loss I get looks when I mention MYFITNESS pal. Everyone thinks the diets should be some sort of drastic program as in liquids or packaged products or bizarre programs. Simple, easy, sensible approaches don't seem to make sense to anyone.

You may friend me if you wish.

Chevy_Quest · August 2014

Many people think that losing weight has a secret "moves".
But the real secret is...DEDICATION & WILLPOWER :drinker:
MFP, Workouts, activity tracker & scales are just tools to help you with your dedication & willpower.

+1 this ^^^

biggsterjackster · August 2014

It is funny how people want to hear about a certain diet or wonder drug.... I guess, there are to many weight loss plans out there like Atkins, Low Carb, South Beach, Metabolic, Formula, Pills etc. that people seem to forget one thing. All it takes is watching and counting calories, no matter where they come from.

dym123 · August 2014

It's weird, you would think people would want to hear that you don't have to go on a strict diet and/or buy expensive pills, that all you pretty much have to do is "eat less, move more". I do sometimes throw in "lift heavy" or "being more mindful of what I eat", but its always the same, blank look.

Ryan_Case · August 2014

I have explored this topic a few times

http://jamesrobert.us/wp/?p=251

It just amazes me the way people hold on to the idea of a quick purchased solution.

carolbrady1 · August 2014

Your approach to weight loss sounds very healthy to me - and very logical. Well done on having a nice healthy lifestyle!

1971MLJ · August 2014

The best thing is when you give them the explanation and they tell you how that doesn't work for them :laugh:

vytamindi · August 2014

It's because people KNOW what they need to do to lose weight, but feel that it's too much of an effort (and really, it is, but so worth it), so are constantly looking for something to make it quicker. That's why Dr. Oz is so popular!

I applaud you for your efforts. It's not easy (especially when people are always putting junk in the teacher's lounge) once the school year gets rolling, but you seem to have done a great job!

hookilau · August 2014

Pats hand, I feel ya.

It's the oddest thing because my family members see me & all they want to do is ask me what I'm doing. They are greatly disappointed in the truth & it's as though they just 'skim' through rather than hearing what I say. They keep asking the same questions over & over in different ways.

The way I did it is always rejected as too much of a commitment & the conversation always turns to how much of a grind it is & how it's like climbing Mount Everest o.O

I try to steer the conversation back towards them to get them to stop talking about me. :drinker: Now that summer in NY is almost over, I'll be seeing everyone for the holidays & I'm expecting this to be a very interesting season! :drinker:

Choobey · August 2014

Everyone thinks that losing weight comes from a magic pill or potion, so when you do it they want to hear all about it! It is a lifestyle change not a diet. However, I love hearing people's weight loss journeys!!! They are so inspiring.

Congratulations to you!! :bigsmile:

mvfoster · August 2014

I sometimes get the same reaction when I tell people that I track my calories in MFP and I walk (a minimum of 2-5 miles per day). The response is "Really?" I usually add "You would be surprised how many calories are in what we eat, start tracking to see what you are really eating".
I could go on and on, but usually leave it at that unless they ask for more info.
I am just about half way to may weight loss goal and feeling great.

Weird looks and questions when I explain how I lost weight

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