Tired of explaining my diet to people

Well, first of all, there is no reason to turn down invitations for lunch, dinner, etc. If you practice moderation and learn how to order foods that fit into your macros when you are out, then you should be fine at most events.

If someone offers you something that you don't like, just say no thank you. If they press you, just say you aren't hungry or you just ate. I don't talk to people about my diet because 1) it's not a diet, it's just how I live my life and 2) it opens up a debate.

If they continue to press, just say you don't want to discuss it and move on.

i just dont share that i am on a diet with rando people.

instead i say "no thanks" to food (which is perfectly polite and fine), and if people try to prod, i just say "i am not hungry"/"i dont want to eat right now"/"i am not really a fan of (whatever ingredient is questionable)" and then end that conversation. i also find it helps to keep a stoic face when doing this. sometimes if you smile, it is misinterpreted as you actually wanting the food but being "nice" and saying no.

if someone really tries to prod, then THEY are being the rude one, and then it totally opens the conversation up to "i dont really want to talk about my eating habits, sorry." "please stop asking" or "that just isnt healthy and i am eating healthy, so again, no thank you."

you really dont have to go into details with anyone. unless they're expressing concern (and even so), it is perfectly acceptable to shut down the conversation whether with your words or body language.

I totally understand and get frustrated with it myself sometimes. I even get laughed at by my friends for not ordering straight off the menu, making modifications, and weighing my food. But you know what? If they keep on prodding and poking, I just say, "Look at you and look at me. Who's doing it right?" That usually shuts them up. I'm also tired of people saying, "Don't get too skinny." That's none of their business, first off, but it makes me feel like saying to them, "Don't get too fat." But that's not "politically correct."

Camo_xxx wrote: »

If you don't make a fuss about your diet people typically don't ask beyond making a passing comment. Don't engage with them on the subject and you will not have to discuss it.

BAM!

maddyk91 wrote: »

i just dont share that i am on a diet with rando people.

instead i say "no thanks" to food (which is perfectly polite and fine), and if people try to prod, i just say "i am not hungry"/"i dont want to eat right now"/"i am not really a fan of (whatever ingredient is questionable)" and then end that conversation. i also find it helps to keep a stoic face when doing this. sometimes if you smile, it is misinterpreted as you actually wanting the food but being "nice" and saying no.

if someone really tries to prod, then THEY are being the rude one, and then it totally opens the conversation up to "i dont really want to talk about my eating habits, sorry." "please stop asking" or "that just isnt healthy and i am eating healthy, so again, no thank you."

you really dont have to go into details with anyone. unless they're expressing concern (and even so), it is perfectly acceptable to shut down the conversation whether with your words or body language.

See, I wouldn't even get into the "what's healthy" conversation. That just begs for a debate.

If someone presses, just say "isn't there something better we can discuss? How about [insert new topic]."

Camo_xxx wrote: »

If you don't make a fuss about your diet people typically don't ask beyond making a passing comment. Don't engage with them on the subject and you will not have to discuss it.

Yep.

- No thanks, I already ate
- No thanks, I packed my own lunch
- No thanks, I'm going to go for a ride at lunch...

There's really no need to discuss your diet. Also, healthful living is not "normal"...so get used to some ridicule and "c'mon" kind of *kitten*. Also, you may need to expand your perception of "healthy"...it's not like you can't ever enjoy yourself ever again. I usually ride at lunch, but it's snowing today...so I'm going to go have some pizza with the guys from the office...like a slice or two, not the whole pie. It's fine...no biggie.

kellicci wrote: »

For me, because I'm only trying to lose a few pounds I get a lot of "You don't need to lose weight, why are you on a diet?" or "one cookie won't kill you" type remarks. Well sorry people. I'm 5'1 if I eat more than 1200 calories a day I won't lose weight. My friend who is 5'9"....sure a cookie won't kill her diet but for me I have to be really careful (or find 2 hours a day to exercise which isn't practical for me). I have this figured out. I know what works for me and if that cookie puts me over my 1200 it won;t work, period.

So I usually don't say anything about a diet...if they offer me something I can;t fit into my daily calorie count I just say "no thanks, I'm fine." or "I brought my lunch" or "I have other plans" they don;t need a reason why every time. Sometime I lie and say I already ate or just had a snack. lol

If they ask personal questions about your goals you can always say, "Sorry, that's not something I'm sharing with others."

A two-hour workout for a cookie? You're doing it wrong.

ashtonlv wrote: »

You guys are all cracking me up, this is awesome. I feel like I should give some color to what sort of precipitated this aggravation. My in-laws are brining over Chinese food tonight and tonight is my cherished cheat meal night and Chinese food is simply not cheat worthy so it's causing family strife that I told them not to bring me any and I will get my own food, which is what opens up the "diet" discussion. My husband is mad at me for being rude, and my in laws are still trying to get me to tell them what I want from the Chinese restaurant.

I don't get this either, but I have seen it happen to my friends and my brother (who is married). Apparently not eating the exact same thing as the family is rude to some people. If that is the case, and you are willing to modify your day for the idea of family unity, you can eat a healthy meal from the Chinese place and then push your cheat meal to tomorrow.

My in-laws are brining over Chinese food tonight and tonight is my cherished cheat meal night and Chinese food is simply not cheat worthy so it's causing family strife that I told them not to bring me any and I will get my own food, which is what opens up the "diet" discussion.

Could you simply move this "cheat night" (hopefully not too much!) by one day, and have a moderate portion of Chinese? I like Panda Express--many reasonable options.

It's a matter of being grateful for a kind gesture, which is treating them to dinner.

This, too.

KarenFord1988 wrote: »

I totally understand and get frustrated with it myself sometimes. I even get laughed at by my friends for not ordering straight off the menu, making modifications, and weighing my food. But you know what? If they keep on prodding and poking, I just say, "Look at you and look at me. Who's doing it right?" That usually shuts them up. I'm also tired of people saying, "Don't get too skinny." That's none of their business, first off, but it makes me feel like saying to them, "Don't get too fat." But that's not "politically correct."

^^ I'm glad I'm not the only one who gives peoples' attitudes about my food choices or my body right back to 'em. I'm LOL'ing so hard right now

I know what you are going through. I have lost ove 75 LBS and people ALWAYS look at my food and criticise what I eat. Many people give me their diet ideas and suggestions and I want to tell them to F off because they are bad plans and I CLEARLY know better. The worst is people telling me I lost too much weight or I'm not eating enough protein or WHATEVER. I have been overweight since I could remember, I worked hard for this. Let me attain my goals and you stick to yours. I am doing this properly and am not starving myself (I LOVE FOOD). Back off people hehe

" I'll worry about me, you worry about you " That will end just about any do gooders prodding into your biz, be it diet or otherwise.

Jolinia wrote: »

It drives me nuts that moderation doesn't end well for me and I have to keep explaining that. I've decided to tell people it's not an addiction or a satiety issue or carb cravings or some emotional compulsion or anything else. It's just that I enjoy quietly hating on all you people who can effortlessly have one piece of cake and then walk away satisfied. I am enjoying my bellyful of hatred, okay? So I'm going to be off in this corner with my steak, scowling at all the normal-weight people cruising the dessert bar for sensible portions to fit into their daily allotment. Because I like it!

I think you should probably talk to a therapist if people with normal eating habits bother you that much...