diary: public or private?

I've been on for a few weeks, but I don't have any desire to open mine up to the public. And I don't have any desire to look at some else's eating habits either. I suppose if I did look at the others, I'd open mine up too, fair is fair after all! ~

But, I don't feel guilty about what I eat, it's mostly healthy anyway, and right now, I'm losing weight steady, so it's all good. If, in the future I get stuck and don't lose weight, I may open it up and get some advice about how to change things up or something.......

I have a few friends on MFP who are real foodies, and I sometimes enjoy checking in to get ideas (not to spy or criticize) and I've noticed that people like to do it to me. I spend a lot of time figuring out how to keep my food interesting and yummy so I am not ever feeling deprived or "on a diet", so it's nice to see sometimes that someone has started eating "my food", it's a good feeling passing something positive like that along. Getting and giving new perspectives and sharing is important and I like being part of that. I joined to really be part of a community and it's a very clear way to do that.

I have my diary public for several reasons. I'm not perfect and in my real life, struggle with perfectionism. MFP is a good place for me to put it out there, come what may and accept it. If I had anyone comment (along the lines of good food/bad food) negatively, I would unfriend them....I don't have a place for those kind of people in my life, online or in person. I wouldn't freak out about that. I don't know why anyone here would put up with that behavior when they don't need to. I drink wine, beer, whatever I want....I'm over 21 why would anyone think they have the right to say something about it?

I personally think that if more people called those out who criticize their food choices, or turn things into good/bad food, or are rigid, then it would make MFP a better place. But honestly, it's never happened to me.

I also like that it personally provides accountability for me, not that I stop myself eating something I really want, but it makes me think twice, which I often need. So it's a means to an end, with a positive result. It keeps me more on target and conscious of my choices.

It's also a reflection of where you are emotionally with food right now, whatever is your choice, it's right for you. You can always change, see what's comfortable and go from there :-)

I dont think people have the right to judge you on what you eat or make harsh comments. like if u eat pizza its your choice to eat that. I think its more handy leaving it public if u asking advice of people how to speed up weight loss and they can then go and look at ur diary and help you that way. I've peeked at some diaries where all the entries have been 'naughty' foods so to speak but thats the persons choice of what to eat

you wont be able to hide all the m&m's i know youve been eating

hahahahah Damn!

Mine is public. I love to read others so it only seems fair. I don't judge or comment, to each their own. I just like seeing the different ideas and foods, especially the one out side of the US.

I keep mine open only to my "friends". I value constructive advice, but some people can be a bit harsh.

I have mine open. I doubt anyone could be a harsher critic than myself. I am not striving for perfection and I have some really bad days but I haven't had any comments on my diary at all. I also haven't asked for any. If I got a negative response that was not constructive criticism I think it would turn me off but until then I'm an open book. I usually put foods notes "for myself" it really helps to go back and reflect.

smiles
Ang