Confession Time! ((ABSOLUTELY NO JUDGEMENT))

smashley_mashley wrote: »

berlynnwall wrote: »

JPW1990 wrote: »

MoHousdon wrote: »

smashley_mashley wrote: »

orangesmartie wrote: »

BZAH10 wrote: »

Caitwn wrote: »

Kalici wrote: »

ythannah wrote: »

Kalici wrote: »

This morning I was able to put on a shirt that previously was tight. I was super stoked that it was loose and hung straight down from my chest without clinging to my hips or rear end. Then I became depressed because it seriously occurred to me that I've been trying to look like Sponge Bob square pants and walk like a robot my whole life. My mother told me that only *kitten* showed their hips and my step-father told me that only fat slutty *kitten* wiggled when they walked.

I don't wear red either. Even though I love red and I look awesome in red. I am pale skinned, with dark hair and green eyes. I look spectacular in red and I can't wear it because only sluts wear red. I am now upset and pissed off because I know even if I were to buy something that clings in red I probably wouldn't be able to wear it out of the house. I'd be afraid everyone was staring at me for the wrong reasons. I feel pathetic.

I'm thinking you should try to get past this with baby steps... a little splash of colour here and there to start, some mildly wiggle-generating mid-height heels... and work your way up.

My mother held the odd notion that "only widows wear black" but fortunately that didn't get passed on to me and I wear a lot of black. Oh, and when I was a teen somebody told her that only sluts wear big earrings. That was her one and only piece of advice to me upon starting high school. Lol. (I just put them on after I left the house)

I've never been much for wearing bright colours or fancy patterns since I've always preferred to fade into the background, but I've slowly been adding more vibrant clothes into my wardrobe.

Yes, that is pretty much what I do. Pretty much all of my clothing is a shade of black or grey with some blue jeans thrown in.

I was raised the same way. And talk about double messages - this was in a family where I can guarantee that my mother would collapse into hysterics if she thought I might possibly approach a weight over 100 pounds in high school. This stuff is absolutely freaking psychosis-inducing =P

I can only say that after gradually shedding a lot of the idiocy that had gotten shoved into my poor brain, I finally came around to firmly believing that every woman should own at least one blazing red dress and a good pair of "f*** me" pumps. And then wear 'em for YOURSELF - without regard to anybody else's dumb beliefs or stereotypes.

Good lord. I'm surprised sometimes that so many of us get through this life to turn out as basically sane, basically decent human beings - we get so much toxic crap thrown at us.

Amen! And I'm sorry for all the struggles everyone has endured regarding this topic. One correction, though: ONE pair of f*** pumps?! Oh, honey, I have a closet full of them! Worn with my discreet, professional clothes every day I get lots of use out of all of them and they make me feel fabulous!

I second this! I have a whole collection of beautiful shoes, which, when not on my feet, live in clear plastic boxes, so i can admire them. I have a wall of shoes**. I often wear all black outfits, and set them off with fabulous red shoes (i have about 10 pairs of red ones)

**i may also have a shoe addiction. Please don't ask about my handbags.

For the past several years hubby and I were getting out of debt and accumulating savings so shopping for unnecessary items was a no no. My shoe collection consists of two pairs of casual sneakers, one pair of outdoor gym shoes, one pair of indoor gym shoes, one pair of winter boots, one pair of water shoes, one pair of flip flops (which are in my gym bag for showering purposes because shower floors are gross), one pair of steel toes, one pair of black summer sandals, and one pair of slip on Sketchers that have holes in them for gardening. Oh and I have one pair of black flats that are glued together on the bottom at work and one pair of black slip on heals at work which are very worn to the point they should be replaced.

I just bought my first pair of white sandal heels last week and I got them on sale... I feel so pretty in them.

I admit that when I was at my heaviest, I didn't have the confidence to wear any pretty clothes so I didn't buy anything nice. Buying those white sandals was so liberating.

I confess that I don't understand anybody's obsession with hand bags. It is just a bag!

You go wash your mouth out with soap right now, young lady!

It's not just a bag, it's a gateway drug to hoarding I would have more of them, but they tend to get bigger, and the bigger they get, the more crap I carry around in them. Every 6 months or so I have to reset and go back to using one that will barely hold just a wallet, phone and keys.

I do that exact same thing. Right now I'm using a bag that is probably the size of an 8X10 notebook, and I can fit quite a lot in. I've actually been proud of myself for not going bigger than this, because I've seen some amazing hobo bags that I could probably fit my child into. I have my small purses hung up, waiting for me to get sick of digging.

My colleague has a shopping addiction, that IMHO is a problem. Everything she wears is designer and she will easily drop $900 on a pair of boots, $1300 on a jacket (I will admit the jacket was nice, it was this vibrant red Burberry), she has bags, watches, sunglasses - all designer (not the knock offs). She once told me she bought a new bag that was on sale and was a steal of a deal. She spent $5000!!! Apparently the regular price was $9000!!!

She just got back from a vacation and the airline lost her luggage and she lost half of her clothes (the other half was in her carry-on) but her husband lost all of his. She told me she was going to buy him some cheap $40 shirts from Zara and he complained that they didn't fit as good as his Burberry shirts. but she lost thousands just on clothes!

First, we make the same amount of money and I don't understand or comprehend how she, or anyone can spend that much.
Second, her son, who is still a toddler, has physical disabilities and will require help for the rest of his life.

I don't get it. I just don't get it. It seems like such a waste.

kellyjellybellyjelly wrote: »

LBuehrle8 wrote: »

@Glinda1971 I really think I may have nightmares tonight after googling "trypophobia" and hitting images oh my lord how disgusting. I do not think you're weird at all I think I have the same thing and never knew what it was!

Ditto! I was like AH can't unsee, can't UNSEE!

Someone should pass around the eye bleach.

kellienw335 wrote: »

smashley_mashley wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

smashley_mashley wrote: »

JPW1990 wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

KylerJaye wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

qn4bx9pzg8aifd wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

ythannah wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

ythannah wrote: »

Susieq_1994 wrote: »

Confession: Honestly, I'm not happy with the thread being stickied. We'll very likely get an influx of sarcastic, unkind, or snarky people ruining our nice thread mojo. *sniffle*

Call me jaded, but that was my first thought too.

mantium999 wrote: »

Tubbs216 wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

What value does this thread bring to General Diet and Weight Loss Help that warrants a sticky status? If page count is a factor, there are plenty of "who wants to see who naked" discussions in Chit Chat that are probably more worthy than this.

Ok, serious answer, after thinking about it a little. Honestly, I believe this thread alone has kept a bunch of us here on MFP - people who may have wandered off, lost their motivation, felt intimidated to ask questions, or unsupported elsewhere. If one person improves their health and wellness by being part of this thread, then, yes, it warrants sticky status.

I have no problem with the existence of this thread. I just stand by the belief that suggested reading (ie, stickies), should be educational and pertain to the topic of the forum. As far as fun items to give people a reason to return to the site, that's what Chit Chat is for. But that's just me, don't let me rain on your parade. Obviously this thread is popular, just not informative.

"Informative" is a matter of opinion. I, for one, feel VERY "informed" when Pancake announces that he has to pee or we get health updates on various pets.

I now know 100% more about the Muslim religion than I knew a week ago. And this is a good thing.

I've learned a bunch of terms for unusual phobias.

I know how many more exotic varieties of Pop Tarts and peanut butter and breakfast cereal exist in countries other than Canada.

Knowledge is good.

Sure, informative is a matter of opinion. And I also agree that knowledge is good, I seek out lots of it! I simply fail to see the value of directing members, often times who are new, who are seeking information and knowledge about General Diet and Weight Loss (the purpose of this particular sub-forum) to this particular thread. And thank you for making my point with examples of non-diet/weight loss things your learned from this thread.

It was tongue in cheek, as I'm sure you realized. Although I do think Pop Tarts and peanut butter and cereal fall into the diet category.

There have been hundreds of diet/fitness/weight loss questions and tips posted throughout this thread, you just have to wade through 783 pages to find them. Several of us have learned a rather effective upper body workout right here.

A few effective tips, among 783 pages, warranting a status of a helpful thread. Got it.

For the sake of ceasing to derail the purpose of THIS particular thread. I confess to having 3 IPAs last night, BEFORE hitting the weights.

Well, hello, Snarkmeister...

Listen, we aren't suddenly convening before some sort of MFP Supreme Court (and you aren't some sort of Chief Judge (though you do appear to be embracing a role akin to that of a Prosecuting Attorney)), and we don't suddenly need to justify the actions of someone (let alone, someone who has nothing to do with this thread!) doing something we never requested in the first place (and, frankly, involves a reality some of us don't *want*) -- and so we shouldn't be expected to have you or anyone else 'set up kleig lights', and expect us to 'subject ourselves to interrogation' (as though you were some sort of self-appointed attorney, judge, and jury... or some such entity hellbent on seeing a perceived form of 'justice' done)...


If you don't want to participate in the thread, then please, by all means, move on...! -- that is, unless you need to rant about something (other than 'this', or 'us', that is), in which case you are welcome to rant away...!


The world has enough people p*ssing on others -- there's no need to add to *that* 'status quo' (which, not-so-ironically, is part of what this thread is about -- assisting, being helpful, not judging, etc.)...


(...and yeah, my not sprinkling your sudden sarcasm-laced insults with 'rose petals' is not exactly representative of 'this thread'... however, it is a rare thing for rudeness to 'swoop in' on this thread... and I can't stand behavior that reminds me of my favorite bumper sticker -- Mean People Suck...)

Hi there aggressive one! I have no desire to see this thread removed, pretty sure I made that clear. But I stand by what I believe to be a valid point regarding MFP choosing this as a helpful thread within the context of the sub forum in which it exists. Not attacking the participants of this thread, not the purpose of this thread, simply stating that it's purpose isn't necessarily on point with the purpose of why a thread should be a sticky. Sorry you have such a personal attachment and felt offended as a result, but I prefer logic over emotion.

she's not agressive, she's being honest.
if you're struggling so much with the purpose of this thread, and can't see how it might help newbies who are normally ripped apart for the most simplest of questions elsewhere, that's on you, not us.

There's no struggle, the purpose of this thread is not currently related to General Diet and Weight Loss. Again, I have not said it serves no purpose, it just doesn't serve the purpose of this sub forum to the point of being a sticky. New members should have a central location, supported by MFP, to find valuable info to assist them in gaining the knowledge requires to successfully navigate through the contention that occurs in the forums. There are no questions in here that are being clarified, so I don't follow your argument of it being a safe haven for newbies. Is this designed to educate? I don't see it if it is. If you have a rational argument as to what this brings to newbies as far as helping them reach their fitness or weight goals, I'm all ears, but don't chastise me for making a valid comment that none have been able to debate within the context of my point.

Off the top of my head from just the past few weeks:
Binge eating related to stress, hormonal issues, depression, and death in the family
Overeating due to travel for work or vacation
Undereating due to underlying disordered behavior
Dealing with a family member who potentially has an eating disorder
How to handle food situations when you have out of town guests
Unlogged food, the potential psychological impact, and whether or not it's better to log it or ignore it
Workout schedule interruptions due to illness or injury
Advice for starting new workout routines or expanding existing ones
Recommendations comparing and contrasting different lifting programs
How to deal with alcohol in relation to eating and overeating
How to deal with alcohol addiction and its impact on health and weight

Exactly which of these is not relative to General Diet and Weight Loss?

You also hit the nail on the head

Thank you for actually engaging, I appreciate a good debate, especially with one who cares. Do you feel that a single thread, addressing all of those topics, quite briefly, and scattered throughout 789 pages, is helpful to the average new member? I really am not picking a fight, and appreciate different points of view. Here's mine, in more detail, since a couple seem to either care, or are perturbed by my presence. And my confession, is that my point of view is from a former newbie, who came to this sight with many assumptions, unknowns, and misguided beliefs that I held to be true. It took me a long time to understand what people talk about, and fight about, in these forums. And longer still to piece together how that all applies to what I am trying to achieve. I simply want to see new members have an easier time than I did. So here is the picture, as it is in my head....

New member joins, hoping to lose weight and gain knowledge about how to reverse whatever caused them to be where they are today. They head to the forums, to read up on current discussions, since that's what forums tend to be about. They signed up, and signed in, for the purpose of learning how to make a plan. The MFP goal setting confused them somewhat, so forums seem to be a good place to go for help. They bypass the chit chat, because they are here for a purpose. General Diet and Weight Loss seems a reasonable place to start. But they are quickly overwhelmed by numerous threads debating the validity of various acronyms they don't understand. They see a link, right at the top, created by MFP staff, "Most Helpful Posts", so they figure, good place to start, especially if it's suggested by MFP. Where I lose the story is how, with 789 pages of randomness, even if there are some good topics in here, is this thread useful enough to be given the status of "most helpful posts", as it equates to General Diet and Weight Loss. Especially for the newbies that we all seem to care about??? I accept that this thread has value to many. I accept that mental reprieve is useful, especially for the overwhelmed. The responses and number of pages alone are evident that this has become a repository for that. But, with complete honesty, I can't see how it is one of the most helpful threads in regards to THIS particular sub topic. It doesn't focus on General Diet or weight loss, and is nothing more than hundreds of pages of what happens to be on someone's mind at that point in time. Let the thread live on, but don't raise it to the level of most helpful, when there are still very simple topics that new members don't understand, and would benefit by threads clarifying the basics, without clutter.

I can't make it any more clear than that, so if anyone really wants to continue a debate, which I am happy to do, I offer to do it via PM, or a new post. Hope everyone has a pleasant evening.

I really wanted to comment on this and didn't want to wait while I was off work (but I'm really busy at work and shouldn't be on here but whatevs.... It is currently 8:25 my time and I am sure many others have already responded given how fast this thread moves.

I was a previous newbie and still quite a newbie to forums in general. For months I didn't even realize threads were "stickied". Until yesterday, I didn't even know what "stickied" meant. I think that this thread, all 790 pages so far have been really informative. As a newbie who doesn't know where to start and, perhaps doesn't know the etiquette of forums (or the search function of forums) may post questions that have been posted before. We have all seen the same threads about the same topics ("I am counting all my calories and not losing weight... why?"; or I am going to do this detox or that detox") and then get blasted by others who have been on here for a long time. Here is a safe place to ask those questions without being judged and that in itself is VERY helpful IMHO.

I feel that if you have a "supportive" community that will understand the hardships most of us experience and feel safe in expressing whatever it is that they are struggling with is very helpful. here, you can ask any dumb question without fear that you are going to be judged for simply not knowing or understanding. There is so much mis-information out there and if I were to go into a different thread and ask a question simply because I don't know something and then got blasted and bullied and target with gifs (eventhough they are quite funny), I would be discouraged and would probably leave all together and start all over. Or I would feel so bad about what happened that I would leave and comfort myself with food and will be worse off than I was before.

Even though there is a lot of randomness in this thread, I feel many people struggle through their journey because of the support in this thread when they may have just given up because everyone on here is so nice and supportive no matter what any individual is going through. That in itself is helpful and if this thread can help bring people together so we can all support each other in battling our own demons without fear of being thrown to the wolves then I would say that warrants a sticky status.

(also many of us are introverts with very few friends IRL and I feel we all crave a little support, even if it is virtual).

I totally agree! While being part of this thread, I have now logged almost 100 days in a row and have lost 15 pounds during that time! You guys rock! Thanks for all the support you provide!

kelly_c_77 wrote: »

Edited because MY FIRST DOUBLE POST!!!

Tubbs216 wrote: »

kellyjellybellyjelly wrote: »

unrelentingminx wrote: »

I have to do my weekly food shop today and although my other half is not a fan of cakes or biscuits, he is a total ice cream fiend so I pick him up some every week (he is not dieting with me). Every week I spend a good 5 minutes staring at the lollies and tubs I refuse to buy myself while feeling slightly envious of the way my OH can guilt-free devour his. Even more so since I spotted a new Daim bar chocolate tub.

Is a lolly a popsicle or a lollipop? Also for those in England what do you guys refer to as a pot? Is it a pot of yogurt, oats, or porridge?

They're all asleep! A lolly or an iced-lolly is a popsicle. Not sure about the pot question... Definitely yoghurt (English spelling!) is sold in 'pots'. Aren't they everywhere? The term 'porridge pot' is one I've only ever heard in the story about the magic one which kept on producing porridge! Might be an old term. Porridge is the same as oatmeal.

smashley_mashley wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

smashley_mashley wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

smashley_mashley wrote: »

JPW1990 wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

KylerJaye wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

qn4bx9pzg8aifd wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

ythannah wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

ythannah wrote: »

Susieq_1994 wrote: »

Confession: Honestly, I'm not happy with the thread being stickied. We'll very likely get an influx of sarcastic, unkind, or snarky people ruining our nice thread mojo. *sniffle*

Call me jaded, but that was my first thought too.

mantium999 wrote: »

Tubbs216 wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

What value does this thread bring to General Diet and Weight Loss Help that warrants a sticky status? If page count is a factor, there are plenty of "who wants to see who naked" discussions in Chit Chat that are probably more worthy than this.

Ok, serious answer, after thinking about it a little. Honestly, I believe this thread alone has kept a bunch of us here on MFP - people who may have wandered off, lost their motivation, felt intimidated to ask questions, or unsupported elsewhere. If one person improves their health and wellness by being part of this thread, then, yes, it warrants sticky status.

I have no problem with the existence of this thread. I just stand by the belief that suggested reading (ie, stickies), should be educational and pertain to the topic of the forum. As far as fun items to give people a reason to return to the site, that's what Chit Chat is for. But that's just me, don't let me rain on your parade. Obviously this thread is popular, just not informative.

"Informative" is a matter of opinion. I, for one, feel VERY "informed" when Pancake announces that he has to pee or we get health updates on various pets.

I now know 100% more about the Muslim religion than I knew a week ago. And this is a good thing.

I've learned a bunch of terms for unusual phobias.

I know how many more exotic varieties of Pop Tarts and peanut butter and breakfast cereal exist in countries other than Canada.

Knowledge is good.

Sure, informative is a matter of opinion. And I also agree that knowledge is good, I seek out lots of it! I simply fail to see the value of directing members, often times who are new, who are seeking information and knowledge about General Diet and Weight Loss (the purpose of this particular sub-forum) to this particular thread. And thank you for making my point with examples of non-diet/weight loss things your learned from this thread.

It was tongue in cheek, as I'm sure you realized. Although I do think Pop Tarts and peanut butter and cereal fall into the diet category.

There have been hundreds of diet/fitness/weight loss questions and tips posted throughout this thread, you just have to wade through 783 pages to find them. Several of us have learned a rather effective upper body workout right here.

A few effective tips, among 783 pages, warranting a status of a helpful thread. Got it.

For the sake of ceasing to derail the purpose of THIS particular thread. I confess to having 3 IPAs last night, BEFORE hitting the weights.

Well, hello, Snarkmeister...

Listen, we aren't suddenly convening before some sort of MFP Supreme Court (and you aren't some sort of Chief Judge (though you do appear to be embracing a role akin to that of a Prosecuting Attorney)), and we don't suddenly need to justify the actions of someone (let alone, someone who has nothing to do with this thread!) doing something we never requested in the first place (and, frankly, involves a reality some of us don't *want*) -- and so we shouldn't be expected to have you or anyone else 'set up kleig lights', and expect us to 'subject ourselves to interrogation' (as though you were some sort of self-appointed attorney, judge, and jury... or some such entity hellbent on seeing a perceived form of 'justice' done)...


If you don't want to participate in the thread, then please, by all means, move on...! -- that is, unless you need to rant about something (other than 'this', or 'us', that is), in which case you are welcome to rant away...!


The world has enough people p*ssing on others -- there's no need to add to *that* 'status quo' (which, not-so-ironically, is part of what this thread is about -- assisting, being helpful, not judging, etc.)...


(...and yeah, my not sprinkling your sudden sarcasm-laced insults with 'rose petals' is not exactly representative of 'this thread'... however, it is a rare thing for rudeness to 'swoop in' on this thread... and I can't stand behavior that reminds me of my favorite bumper sticker -- Mean People Suck...)

Hi there aggressive one! I have no desire to see this thread removed, pretty sure I made that clear. But I stand by what I believe to be a valid point regarding MFP choosing this as a helpful thread within the context of the sub forum in which it exists. Not attacking the participants of this thread, not the purpose of this thread, simply stating that it's purpose isn't necessarily on point with the purpose of why a thread should be a sticky. Sorry you have such a personal attachment and felt offended as a result, but I prefer logic over emotion.

she's not agressive, she's being honest.
if you're struggling so much with the purpose of this thread, and can't see how it might help newbies who are normally ripped apart for the most simplest of questions elsewhere, that's on you, not us.

There's no struggle, the purpose of this thread is not currently related to General Diet and Weight Loss. Again, I have not said it serves no purpose, it just doesn't serve the purpose of this sub forum to the point of being a sticky. New members should have a central location, supported by MFP, to find valuable info to assist them in gaining the knowledge requires to successfully navigate through the contention that occurs in the forums. There are no questions in here that are being clarified, so I don't follow your argument of it being a safe haven for newbies. Is this designed to educate? I don't see it if it is. If you have a rational argument as to what this brings to newbies as far as helping them reach their fitness or weight goals, I'm all ears, but don't chastise me for making a valid comment that none have been able to debate within the context of my point.

Off the top of my head from just the past few weeks:
Binge eating related to stress, hormonal issues, depression, and death in the family
Overeating due to travel for work or vacation
Undereating due to underlying disordered behavior
Dealing with a family member who potentially has an eating disorder
How to handle food situations when you have out of town guests
Unlogged food, the potential psychological impact, and whether or not it's better to log it or ignore it
Workout schedule interruptions due to illness or injury
Advice for starting new workout routines or expanding existing ones
Recommendations comparing and contrasting different lifting programs
How to deal with alcohol in relation to eating and overeating
How to deal with alcohol addiction and its impact on health and weight

Exactly which of these is not relative to General Diet and Weight Loss?

You also hit the nail on the head

Thank you for actually engaging, I appreciate a good debate, especially with one who cares. Do you feel that a single thread, addressing all of those topics, quite briefly, and scattered throughout 789 pages, is helpful to the average new member? I really am not picking a fight, and appreciate different points of view. Here's mine, in more detail, since a couple seem to either care, or are perturbed by my presence. And my confession, is that my point of view is from a former newbie, who came to this sight with many assumptions, unknowns, and misguided beliefs that I held to be true. It took me a long time to understand what people talk about, and fight about, in these forums. And longer still to piece together how that all applies to what I am trying to achieve. I simply want to see new members have an easier time than I did. So here is the picture, as it is in my head....

New member joins, hoping to lose weight and gain knowledge about how to reverse whatever caused them to be where they are today. They head to the forums, to read up on current discussions, since that's what forums tend to be about. They signed up, and signed in, for the purpose of learning how to make a plan. The MFP goal setting confused them somewhat, so forums seem to be a good place to go for help. They bypass the chit chat, because they are here for a purpose. General Diet and Weight Loss seems a reasonable place to start. But they are quickly overwhelmed by numerous threads debating the validity of various acronyms they don't understand. They see a link, right at the top, created by MFP staff, "Most Helpful Posts", so they figure, good place to start, especially if it's suggested by MFP. Where I lose the story is how, with 789 pages of randomness, even if there are some good topics in here, is this thread useful enough to be given the status of "most helpful posts", as it equates to General Diet and Weight Loss. Especially for the newbies that we all seem to care about??? I accept that this thread has value to many. I accept that mental reprieve is useful, especially for the overwhelmed. The responses and number of pages alone are evident that this has become a repository for that. But, with complete honesty, I can't see how it is one of the most helpful threads in regards to THIS particular sub topic. It doesn't focus on General Diet or weight loss, and is nothing more than hundreds of pages of what happens to be on someone's mind at that point in time. Let the thread live on, but don't raise it to the level of most helpful, when there are still very simple topics that new members don't understand, and would benefit by threads clarifying the basics, without clutter.

I can't make it any more clear than that, so if anyone really wants to continue a debate, which I am happy to do, I offer to do it via PM, or a new post. Hope everyone has a pleasant evening.

I really wanted to comment on this and didn't want to wait while I was off work (but I'm really busy at work and shouldn't be on here but whatevs.... It is currently 8:25 my time and I am sure many others have already responded given how fast this thread moves.

I was a previous newbie and still quite a newbie to forums in general. For months I didn't even realize threads were "stickied". Until yesterday, I didn't even know what "stickied" meant. I think that this thread, all 790 pages so far have been really informative. As a newbie who doesn't know where to start and, perhaps doesn't know the etiquette of forums (or the search function of forums) may post questions that have been posted before. We have all seen the same threads about the same topics ("I am counting all my calories and not losing weight... why?"; or I am going to do this detox or that detox") and then get blasted by others who have been on here for a long time. Here is a safe place to ask those questions without being judged and that in itself is VERY helpful IMHO.

I feel that if you have a "supportive" community that will understand the hardships most of us experience and feel safe in expressing whatever it is that they are struggling with is very helpful. here, you can ask any dumb question without fear that you are going to be judged for simply not knowing or understanding. There is so much mis-information out there and if I were to go into a different thread and ask a question simply because I don't know something and then got blasted and bullied and target with gifs (eventhough they are quite funny), I would be discouraged and would probably leave all together and start all over. Or I would feel so bad about what happened that I would leave and comfort myself with food and will be worse off than I was before.

Even though there is a lot of randomness in this thread, I feel many people struggle through their journey because of the support in this thread when they may have just given up because everyone on here is so nice and supportive no matter what any individual is going through. That in itself is helpful and if this thread can help bring people together so we can all support each other in battling our own demons without fear of being thrown to the wolves then I would say that warrants a sticky status.

(also many of us are introverts with very few friends IRL and I feel we all crave a little support, even if it is virtual).

Nice to wake up and see well thought out responses. Good things can come about from remaining civil, and by having an open mind. As an example, I have a higher respect for this thread, on account of polite debate with a couple of you. A similar mindset, and adaptability would be useful in other threads. I appreciate the support aspect and sense of community that this thread has created for many of you. From reading several replies to my post, I feel compelled to modify my stance. I still stand by my feeling that this should not be a sticky in THIS sub forum, but now absolutely believe it warrants sticky status in the Motivation and Support sub forum. There are many pleasant folks here, and I feel your attitudes and this thread would be more useful there. This sub forum can get brutal at times, and Chit Chat is, well, yeah, but seeing this live on in the manner several of you have described is a good idea. Thank you to those who maintain respectful communication, and have a great Friday everyone!

Thank you. Perhaps you are right that this would be more appropriate in the support and motivation category. You should stick around though. We always welcome newcomers to the thread. It is always insightful to hear other people's perspectives. Am I right @Susieq_1994 ?!?!

kellienw335 wrote: »

smashley_mashley wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

smashley_mashley wrote: »

JPW1990 wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

KylerJaye wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

qn4bx9pzg8aifd wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

ythannah wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

ythannah wrote: »

Susieq_1994 wrote: »

Confession: Honestly, I'm not happy with the thread being stickied. We'll very likely get an influx of sarcastic, unkind, or snarky people ruining our nice thread mojo. *sniffle*

Call me jaded, but that was my first thought too.

mantium999 wrote: »

Tubbs216 wrote: »

mantium999 wrote: »

What value does this thread bring to General Diet and Weight Loss Help that warrants a sticky status? If page count is a factor, there are plenty of "who wants to see who naked" discussions in Chit Chat that are probably more worthy than this.

Ok, serious answer, after thinking about it a little. Honestly, I believe this thread alone has kept a bunch of us here on MFP - people who may have wandered off, lost their motivation, felt intimidated to ask questions, or unsupported elsewhere. If one person improves their health and wellness by being part of this thread, then, yes, it warrants sticky status.

I have no problem with the existence of this thread. I just stand by the belief that suggested reading (ie, stickies), should be educational and pertain to the topic of the forum. As far as fun items to give people a reason to return to the site, that's what Chit Chat is for. But that's just me, don't let me rain on your parade. Obviously this thread is popular, just not informative.

"Informative" is a matter of opinion. I, for one, feel VERY "informed" when Pancake announces that he has to pee or we get health updates on various pets.

I now know 100% more about the Muslim religion than I knew a week ago. And this is a good thing.

I've learned a bunch of terms for unusual phobias.

I know how many more exotic varieties of Pop Tarts and peanut butter and breakfast cereal exist in countries other than Canada.

Knowledge is good.

Sure, informative is a matter of opinion. And I also agree that knowledge is good, I seek out lots of it! I simply fail to see the value of directing members, often times who are new, who are seeking information and knowledge about General Diet and Weight Loss (the purpose of this particular sub-forum) to this particular thread. And thank you for making my point with examples of non-diet/weight loss things your learned from this thread.

It was tongue in cheek, as I'm sure you realized. Although I do think Pop Tarts and peanut butter and cereal fall into the diet category.

There have been hundreds of diet/fitness/weight loss questions and tips posted throughout this thread, you just have to wade through 783 pages to find them. Several of us have learned a rather effective upper body workout right here.

A few effective tips, among 783 pages, warranting a status of a helpful thread. Got it.

For the sake of ceasing to derail the purpose of THIS particular thread. I confess to having 3 IPAs last night, BEFORE hitting the weights.

Well, hello, Snarkmeister...

Listen, we aren't suddenly convening before some sort of MFP Supreme Court (and you aren't some sort of Chief Judge (though you do appear to be embracing a role akin to that of a Prosecuting Attorney)), and we don't suddenly need to justify the actions of someone (let alone, someone who has nothing to do with this thread!) doing something we never requested in the first place (and, frankly, involves a reality some of us don't *want*) -- and so we shouldn't be expected to have you or anyone else 'set up kleig lights', and expect us to 'subject ourselves to interrogation' (as though you were some sort of self-appointed attorney, judge, and jury... or some such entity hellbent on seeing a perceived form of 'justice' done)...


If you don't want to participate in the thread, then please, by all means, move on...! -- that is, unless you need to rant about something (other than 'this', or 'us', that is), in which case you are welcome to rant away...!


The world has enough people p*ssing on others -- there's no need to add to *that* 'status quo' (which, not-so-ironically, is part of what this thread is about -- assisting, being helpful, not judging, etc.)...


(...and yeah, my not sprinkling your sudden sarcasm-laced insults with 'rose petals' is not exactly representative of 'this thread'... however, it is a rare thing for rudeness to 'swoop in' on this thread... and I can't stand behavior that reminds me of my favorite bumper sticker -- Mean People Suck...)

Hi there aggressive one! I have no desire to see this thread removed, pretty sure I made that clear. But I stand by what I believe to be a valid point regarding MFP choosing this as a helpful thread within the context of the sub forum in which it exists. Not attacking the participants of this thread, not the purpose of this thread, simply stating that it's purpose isn't necessarily on point with the purpose of why a thread should be a sticky. Sorry you have such a personal attachment and felt offended as a result, but I prefer logic over emotion.

she's not agressive, she's being honest.
if you're struggling so much with the purpose of this thread, and can't see how it might help newbies who are normally ripped apart for the most simplest of questions elsewhere, that's on you, not us.

There's no struggle, the purpose of this thread is not currently related to General Diet and Weight Loss. Again, I have not said it serves no purpose, it just doesn't serve the purpose of this sub forum to the point of being a sticky. New members should have a central location, supported by MFP, to find valuable info to assist them in gaining the knowledge requires to successfully navigate through the contention that occurs in the forums. There are no questions in here that are being clarified, so I don't follow your argument of it being a safe haven for newbies. Is this designed to educate? I don't see it if it is. If you have a rational argument as to what this brings to newbies as far as helping them reach their fitness or weight goals, I'm all ears, but don't chastise me for making a valid comment that none have been able to debate within the context of my point.

Off the top of my head from just the past few weeks:
Binge eating related to stress, hormonal issues, depression, and death in the family
Overeating due to travel for work or vacation
Undereating due to underlying disordered behavior
Dealing with a family member who potentially has an eating disorder
How to handle food situations when you have out of town guests
Unlogged food, the potential psychological impact, and whether or not it's better to log it or ignore it
Workout schedule interruptions due to illness or injury
Advice for starting new workout routines or expanding existing ones
Recommendations comparing and contrasting different lifting programs
How to deal with alcohol in relation to eating and overeating
How to deal with alcohol addiction and its impact on health and weight

Exactly which of these is not relative to General Diet and Weight Loss?

You also hit the nail on the head

Thank you for actually engaging, I appreciate a good debate, especially with one who cares. Do you feel that a single thread, addressing all of those topics, quite briefly, and scattered throughout 789 pages, is helpful to the average new member? I really am not picking a fight, and appreciate different points of view. Here's mine, in more detail, since a couple seem to either care, or are perturbed by my presence. And my confession, is that my point of view is from a former newbie, who came to this sight with many assumptions, unknowns, and misguided beliefs that I held to be true. It took me a long time to understand what people talk about, and fight about, in these forums. And longer still to piece together how that all applies to what I am trying to achieve. I simply want to see new members have an easier time than I did. So here is the picture, as it is in my head....

New member joins, hoping to lose weight and gain knowledge about how to reverse whatever caused them to be where they are today. They head to the forums, to read up on current discussions, since that's what forums tend to be about. They signed up, and signed in, for the purpose of learning how to make a plan. The MFP goal setting confused them somewhat, so forums seem to be a good place to go for help. They bypass the chit chat, because they are here for a purpose. General Diet and Weight Loss seems a reasonable place to start. But they are quickly overwhelmed by numerous threads debating the validity of various acronyms they don't understand. They see a link, right at the top, created by MFP staff, "Most Helpful Posts", so they figure, good place to start, especially if it's suggested by MFP. Where I lose the story is how, with 789 pages of randomness, even if there are some good topics in here, is this thread useful enough to be given the status of "most helpful posts", as it equates to General Diet and Weight Loss. Especially for the newbies that we all seem to care about??? I accept that this thread has value to many. I accept that mental reprieve is useful, especially for the overwhelmed. The responses and number of pages alone are evident that this has become a repository for that. But, with complete honesty, I can't see how it is one of the most helpful threads in regards to THIS particular sub topic. It doesn't focus on General Diet or weight loss, and is nothing more than hundreds of pages of what happens to be on someone's mind at that point in time. Let the thread live on, but don't raise it to the level of most helpful, when there are still very simple topics that new members don't understand, and would benefit by threads clarifying the basics, without clutter.

I can't make it any more clear than that, so if anyone really wants to continue a debate, which I am happy to do, I offer to do it via PM, or a new post. Hope everyone has a pleasant evening.

I really wanted to comment on this and didn't want to wait while I was off work (but I'm really busy at work and shouldn't be on here but whatevs.... It is currently 8:25 my time and I am sure many others have already responded given how fast this thread moves.

I was a previous newbie and still quite a newbie to forums in general. For months I didn't even realize threads were "stickied". Until yesterday, I didn't even know what "stickied" meant. I think that this thread, all 790 pages so far have been really informative. As a newbie who doesn't know where to start and, perhaps doesn't know the etiquette of forums (or the search function of forums) may post questions that have been posted before. We have all seen the same threads about the same topics ("I am counting all my calories and not losing weight... why?"; or I am going to do this detox or that detox") and then get blasted by others who have been on here for a long time. Here is a safe place to ask those questions without being judged and that in itself is VERY helpful IMHO.

I feel that if you have a "supportive" community that will understand the hardships most of us experience and feel safe in expressing whatever it is that they are struggling with is very helpful. here, you can ask any dumb question without fear that you are going to be judged for simply not knowing or understanding. There is so much mis-information out there and if I were to go into a different thread and ask a question simply because I don't know something and then got blasted and bullied and target with gifs (eventhough they are quite funny), I would be discouraged and would probably leave all together and start all over. Or I would feel so bad about what happened that I would leave and comfort myself with food and will be worse off than I was before.

Even though there is a lot of randomness in this thread, I feel many people struggle through their journey because of the support in this thread when they may have just given up because everyone on here is so nice and supportive no matter what any individual is going through. That in itself is helpful and if this thread can help bring people together so we can all support each other in battling our own demons without fear of being thrown to the wolves then I would say that warrants a sticky status.

(also many of us are introverts with very few friends IRL and I feel we all crave a little support, even if it is virtual).

I totally agree! While being part of this thread, I have now logged almost 100 days in a row and have lost 15 pounds during that time! You guys rock! Thanks for all the support you provide!