Why do so many people hide their food Diary?

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Replies

  • michellemybelll
    michellemybelll Posts: 2,228 Member
    um. because what i eat isn't anyone's business but my own.
  • michellemybelll
    michellemybelll Posts: 2,228 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »
    randomtai wrote: »
    Because everyone is different. *shrug*

    This^

    Many people use this site to be accountable....to themselves. This is a big step forward for many people. Being accountable to the whole world is a different thing altogether.

    this exactly.
  • 4leighbee
    4leighbee Posts: 1,275 Member
    When I was here the first time, my friends and I learned a lot about food choices from creeping each others food diaries.
    Hope you creeped on the "right" food diaries ... idk, this is all strange to me. We know what we're supposed to do, right? So, we need to do that ... with foods that we like (so, can sustain) in the right quantities. This is not complicated. Why do we need to creep?
  • booksandchocolate12
    booksandchocolate12 Posts: 1,741 Member
    usmcmp wrote: »
    I think that some people are more accurate knowing that others can't judge their choices.

    ^^This!!!!

    However, if I were struggling and needed help, I'd have no problem opening my diary so I could get suggestions from the community.
  • ScorpioJack_91
    ScorpioJack_91 Posts: 5,241 Member
    usmcmp wrote: »
    I think that some people are more accurate knowing that others can't judge their choices.

    ^^This!!!!

    However, if I were struggling and needed help, I'd have no problem opening my diary so I could get suggestions from the community.

    Agreed
  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    edited March 2015
    4leighbee wrote: »
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    4leighbee wrote: »
    ?? That's a bit harsh. I share similar goals with my friends on the friendlist, and we enjoy commenting back and forth. We are all intelligent enough to understand what we need to do to accomplish our goals and we encourage each other to keep moving forward. I don't need to study someone else's menu choices to be encouraging.

    Was that to me? Not sure cause you didnt quote who you are responding to, but you used the phrase I did, about sharing similar goals... I wasnt speaking about you! I posted way after yours and it wasnt directed to anyone in partiuclar, or I would have quoted. So please dont take it personally! :cookie:

    Like I said, my comment was general musings after reading about those who were negatively affected by people in friends lists who were judgmental towards them based on their diaries.

    Wasnt trying to be harsh to you or anyone else!

    Fair enough. I am technologically challenged, so I probably edited four or five times before I got the quote right, lol! No - it's all good, but let's not assume because we keep our diaries closed that it's because we don't have the same goals. xo

    OHHHH!!!! Okay, thats not what I meant about that at all! LoL by share the same goals, I was meaning, the goal of being a friend who is uplifting, provide motivation, be of entertainment value...generally a friendly and positive influence.

    I mentioned it in my earlier post, though I stalk diaries, its only to get ideas of stuff for me to eat, not to make any judgement on what others eat. I could care less about that. Like I said, Im not going to say anything about their food choices...Im worried about my own! Doesnt matter if someone shares my same *dietary* goals, what matters is that they share the same *supportive nature* goals. WHEW! :blush:
  • 4leighbee
    4leighbee Posts: 1,275 Member
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    4leighbee wrote: »
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    4leighbee wrote: »
    ?? That's a bit harsh. I share similar goals with my friends on the friendlist, and we enjoy commenting back and forth. We are all intelligent enough to understand what we need to do to accomplish our goals and we encourage each other to keep moving forward. I don't need to study someone else's menu choices to be encouraging.

    Was that to me? Not sure cause you didnt quote who you are responding to, but you used the phrase I did, about sharing similar goals... I wasnt speaking about you! I posted way after yours and it wasnt directed to anyone in partiuclar, or I would have quoted. So please dont take it personally! :cookie:

    Like I said, my comment was general musings after reading about those who were negatively affected by people in friends lists who were judgmental towards them based on their diaries.

    Wasnt trying to be harsh to you or anyone else!

    Fair enough. I am technologically challenged, so I probably edited four or five times before I got the quote right, lol! No - it's all good, but let's not assume because we keep our diaries closed that it's because we don't have the same goals. xo

    OHHHH!!!! Okay, thats not what I meant about that at all! LoL by share the same goals, I was meaning, the goal of being a friend who is uplifting, provide motivation, be of entertainment value...generally a friendly and positive influence.

    I mentioned it in my earlier post, though I stalk diaries, its only to get ideas of stuff for me to eat, not to make any judgement on what others eat. I could care less about that. Like I said, Im not going to say anything about their food choices...Im worried about my own! Doesnt matter if someone shares my same *dietary* goals, what matters is that they share the same *supportive nature* goals. WHEW! :blush:

    mwah!
  • jkal1979
    jkal1979 Posts: 1,896 Member
    4leighbee wrote: »
    When I was here the first time, my friends and I learned a lot about food choices from creeping each others food diaries.
    Hope you creeped on the "right" food diaries ... idk, this is all strange to me. We know what we're supposed to do, right? So, we need to do that ... with foods that we like (so, can sustain) in the right quantities. This is not complicated. Why do we need to creep?

    I have one friend who's diary I actually look at on a semi regular basis. After seeing some people comment "yummy" on her completed day post I took a look at it. Sometimes if I see something interesting on her diary I'll either ask for more info on where she got it or I'll Google the name of it for a recipe. For me it's just a way to get some new dinner ideas.

  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    usmcmp wrote: »
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    Reading through all this, it is saddening that people who are in a friendslist, I would assume for support and motivation, would be so judgmental people would end up closing their diary off.

    Personally, if I had someone on my list like that...they would have to go! Ciao! Im open to people who are there to be uplifting, not drag me down and make me feel like dookie. Regardless if someone has what I think to be an unhealthy diet, unless they voice some concern, Im not saying anything about it. I have enough on my plate worrying about my own choices...Presidente or New Castle...hmmmmm thats a toughie! LOL

    Besides, most of the people on my friends list are there because we share similar goals and views towards weight loss. Unless they are downright hilarious and provide me with entertainment value, then I dont really see the point in keeping someone on my list who doesnt share the same general goals as I have.

    I rarely bother looking at food diaries, but I clicked on someone's one time when they completed it only to see they were eating 600 calories for weeks on end. I made a comment and got deleted. It's fine if they didn't want to hear what I had to say, but I said it because I wanted to support them and I don't support people starving their bodies.

    Oh I can understand that...I mean, personally speaking, I dont have anyone in my list who eats that little (except a few who have bouts of slacking on logging...it happens), so I havnt been a position where I would feel compelled to say anything. Would I say something about it? Probably not, since theres that HUGE red warning telling them they are eating too little every time they close their day out. I woudlnt feel compelled to tell them what they already know. If they asked for advice, then I'd speak up, otherwise, nah.
  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    jkal1979 wrote: »
    4leighbee wrote: »
    When I was here the first time, my friends and I learned a lot about food choices from creeping each others food diaries.
    Hope you creeped on the "right" food diaries ... idk, this is all strange to me. We know what we're supposed to do, right? So, we need to do that ... with foods that we like (so, can sustain) in the right quantities. This is not complicated. Why do we need to creep?

    I have one friend who's diary I actually look at on a semi regular basis. After seeing some people comment "yummy" on her completed day post I took a look at it. Sometimes if I see something interesting on her diary I'll either ask for more info on where she got it or I'll Google the name of it for a recipe. For me it's just a way to get some new dinner ideas.

    Indeed!! Just today, I got a recipe for Ethopian Rice and a really yummy sounding breakfast spinach scramble...all from creeping on diaries and asking my friends about it. Strange or not, all I know is Im going to try something new that I wouldn't have otherwise... :blush:
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    4leighbee wrote: »
    When I was here the first time, my friends and I learned a lot about food choices from creeping each others food diaries.
    Hope you creeped on the "right" food diaries ... idk, this is all strange to me. We know what we're supposed to do, right? So, we need to do that ... with foods that we like (so, can sustain) in the right quantities. This is not complicated. Why do we need to creep?

    We don't all really knwi what to do. There is tons of confusion as to how to eat to lose weight. Lots of people choose different paths.
    I can totally see how someone would want to look at a diary to get ideas on how to eat more protein from a friend who is good at hitting their protein macro.
    Or, like the OP, look for ideas on high fat, low carb meals or whatever type of diet they follow.
    Even someone new wanting to see the diary of someone who is successful.
    It's just not everyone needs that.



    To add, I also agree wih previous posts about adding the type of people you want. If you are a diary lurker I don't see anything wrong with wanting to have a friends list of people with open diaries.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    I kept mine open until some random person thought he could win an argument by judging the contents of my diary. Now it's friends only...they don't care that I had pizza for lunch, or graham crackers with chocolate cream cheese for dessert. They care that I damn sure hit my macros almost spot on.
  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    malibu927 wrote: »
    I kept mine open until some random person thought he could win an argument by judging the contents of my diary. Now it's friends only...they don't care that I had pizza for lunch, or graham crackers with chocolate cream cheese for dessert. They care that I damn sure hit my macros almost spot on.

    ...Chocolate cream cheese is a thing?!!! :heart_eyes:
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    malibu927 wrote: »
    I kept mine open until some random person thought he could win an argument by judging the contents of my diary. Now it's friends only...they don't care that I had pizza for lunch, or graham crackers with chocolate cream cheese for dessert. They care that I damn sure hit my macros almost spot on.

    ...Chocolate cream cheese is a thing?!!! :heart_eyes:

    Yes!

    Much better option than the frosting I used to put on graham crackers.
  • amy_kee
    amy_kee Posts: 694 Member
    Dragn77, I like what you mean by being friends. I agree that it can be a wonderful thing, if done right.
  • CherokeeBabe
    CherokeeBabe Posts: 1,704 Member
    Thanks to an eating disorder in my late-teens and early 20's, I'm still anxious about what I eat. I was down to below 90lbs or so and swimming in a size 0 pair of pants back then. I'm 100x better than I used to be, I've forced myself to be so much more normal about everything, I've put on weight that I desperately needed to gain (even to the level of a bit too much!) but I still over-think and worry too much about food/calories. The added mental pressure of someone reviewing my food choices every day would definitely drive me back into an unhealthy level of concern over my diet. I'm much calmer being able to watch what I eat and not worry about anyone else.
  • b3llzy
    b3llzy Posts: 77 Member
    Mine is open! :smile:
  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    malibu927 wrote: »
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    malibu927 wrote: »
    I kept mine open until some random person thought he could win an argument by judging the contents of my diary. Now it's friends only...they don't care that I had pizza for lunch, or graham crackers with chocolate cream cheese for dessert. They care that I damn sure hit my macros almost spot on.

    ...Chocolate cream cheese is a thing?!!! :heart_eyes:

    Yes!

    Much better option than the frosting I used to put on graham crackers.

    Okay, I am going to have to take a gander at this for my days when I need something tasty for dessert and calories to spare! :yum:
    amy_kee wrote: »
    Dragn77, I like what you mean by being friends. I agree that it can be a wonderful thing, if done right.

    Indeed! Some days, my friends list is *the* reason I get off my lazy bum and get my workout in. Seeing them root for me, and also seeing them succeed and be excited over their progress is so motivational!!!
  • SarahKhristan
    SarahKhristan Posts: 134 Member
    jkal1979 wrote: »

    I have one friend who's diary I actually look at on a semi regular basis. After seeing some people comment "yummy" on her completed day post I took a look at it. Sometimes if I see something interesting on her diary I'll either ask for more info on where she got it or I'll Google the name of it for a recipe. For me it's just a way to get some new dinner ideas.

    I do the same! I enjoy getting new ideas for meals. It's because I have several vegan friends that I'm trying more vegan meals (and enjoying the variety).
  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    Thanks to an eating disorder in my late-teens and early 20's, I'm still anxious about what I eat. I was down to below 90lbs or so and swimming in a size 0 pair of pants back then. I'm 100x better than I used to be, I've forced myself to be so much more normal about everything, I've put on weight that I desperately needed to gain (even to the level of a bit too much!) but I still over-think and worry too much about food/calories. The added mental pressure of someone reviewing my food choices every day would definitely drive me back into an unhealthy level of concern over my diet. I'm much calmer being able to watch what I eat and not worry about anyone else.

    I can completely understand this, and I think its incredible that you are able to reach a point where you are making healthy choices for you. That is a major accomplishment! The undue stress is not worth it!
  • phyllb
    phyllb Posts: 735 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »
    randomtai wrote: »
    Because everyone is different. *shrug*

    This^

    Many people use this site to be accountable....to themselves. This is a big step forward for many people. Being accountable to the whole world is a different thing altogether.

    Like that
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    edited March 2015
    TeaBea wrote: »
    randomtai wrote: »
    Because everyone is different. *shrug*

    This^

    Many people use this site to be accountable....to themselves. This is a big step forward for many people. Being accountable to the whole world is a different thing altogether.
    Very good point.
    I have been here for a very long time. What someone else is eating is none of my business, until they ask for help. I would rather people keep their diary closed and log accurately. Then when they need help they have an accurate record of what they actually ate.
    This makes so much sense :)

  • MrsBooBear
    MrsBooBear Posts: 12,618 Member
    Because it's my right to share? Or not?
  • MarvinGardunio
    MarvinGardunio Posts: 14 Member
    Mine is open to friends, And if I see a friend who is making great process I will look at his/her diary to see if there is anything that might help me. I will even share recipes if you like as my wife and I have added so good ones.

  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    4leighbee wrote: »
    When I was here the first time, my friends and I learned a lot about food choices from creeping each others food diaries.
    Hope you creeped on the "right" food diaries ... idk, this is all strange to me. We know what we're supposed to do, right? So, we need to do that ... with foods that we like (so, can sustain) in the right quantities. This is not complicated. Why do we need to creep?

    Even after two years of logging and losing most of my weight (exactly one person has asked me to stop), I'm still not sure I agree with this. If I was sure what to do everyday for the rest of my life to stay on the healthy / healthy weight path, I'm not sure I'd maintain an account here. For me, this is almost as true now as when I first started
  • FunkenWagnel
    FunkenWagnel Posts: 131 Member
    I don't think I've ever looked at anyone's food diaries. I couldn't give two squirts of piss what is in someone else's diary.
    LOL that was funny....can I use that one?

    Haha, go for it :smiley:
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    My friends can see mine.

    The rest can not. Absolutely no way I'd ever open my food journal up to some of the comments I have seen made in these forums. Just a big fat nope, not gonna happen.

  • madababanas
    madababanas Posts: 20 Member
    I could also use some friends for motivation. My food diary is public but it used to be private because i would cheat on myself and felt guilty about it. And that is why i wouldnt want to draw any more attention to my food diary.
    On another note and offtopic, feel free to add me, because i find it really hard to keep doing this whole mfp thing without any support and motivation (i dont need cheering and applause, but i believe it could help me if i would see other people logging their food or going out for a walk or a run)
  • 4leighbee
    4leighbee Posts: 1,275 Member
    edited March 2015
    JaneiR36 wrote: »
    4leighbee wrote: »
    When I was here the first time, my friends and I learned a lot about food choices from creeping each others food diaries.
    Hope you creeped on the "right" food diaries ... idk, this is all strange to me. We know what we're supposed to do, right? So, we need to do that ... with foods that we like (so, can sustain) in the right quantities. This is not complicated. Why do we need to creep?

    Even after two years of logging and losing most of my weight (exactly one person has asked me to stop), I'm still not sure I agree with this. If I was sure what to do everyday for the rest of my life to stay on the healthy / healthy weight path, I'm not sure I'd maintain an account here. For me, this is almost as true now as when I first started

    Congratulations on your hard work and great success! :smile: I appreciate your comments and should probably qualify mine, because I suppose they weren't very sensitive.

    I meant that if people are looking at their friend's diaries for the "right" approach, there is no promise that the diaries they're looking at are going to be useful ... for instance, there are folks who try extreme approaches to weight loss. This is (imho) not a sustainable or advisable plan. Instead, I hope our (collectively) education comes from outside the MFP community and is supplemented by the things we observe in here.

    I'm no authority when it comes to dietary needs, running, weight training, or weight loss. I wouldn't want someone to see my success and think my diary should be a guide. It's what works for me. Just because it works for me doesn't mean it'll work for everyone. As I mentioned before, though, just as people should be left alone to close their diaries, they should also be free to choose friends who have them open. I just hope those folks are also seeking nutrition education outside this community. I think most of them are.

    Edited because I hate when I make typos. ;)
  • AmazonMayan
    AmazonMayan Posts: 1,168 Member
    edited March 2015
    I just don't see how making it public would help me or anyone else. If anyone asks how I'm accomplishing my goals, I'll gladly tell them.

    Looking at my diary wouldn't be much help for them because I'm tall and heavy and need a lot of calories just to function and it's not the norm for a lot of women.

    I weigh and log very accurately, so I also don't need diary reviews.

    I'm losing inches and pounds very successfully. With some people's pushy ways, yes I've had emails offering unsolicited advice I neither needed nor asked for, why subject myself to even more very unhelpful critiques.
This discussion has been closed.