How would you respond WITHOUT SARCASM?

just tell em the hard part was putting it on..... confuse them!!!!!

"There's a website called MFP that makes it really easy!"

I tell them I have found a new wonder drug imported from the New Zealand.

Then when they perk up and say, "wow where can I get it from", I tell them the truth:-

Eat well, exercise frequently. It's not rocket science.

I've been on this journey for about 12 weeks now, and I've had a few people ask about "dieting" and what I'm doing for weight loss.

When I start talking about counting calories, portions, etc........I *ALMOST* always get this response:
( complete with the eye rolls and sound effects ) "OMG, THAT'S TOO MUCH WORK...."

I can come up with a TON (no pun intended) of sarcastic remarks- but that's not the way I WANT to respond.

Surely you've encountered this- how have you handled it so that you are ENcouraging someone? Not that long ago, I was saying the same thing- so I DO understand the reaction- although I find it rather *smug*- kinda a reverse discrimination.

My favorite response I learned from a great lady on another support group forum.
" Losing weight is hard. Being fat is hard. Pick your hard."

I can relate to a similar questioning routine by my family, friends, and coworkers. Although I don't need to lose a lot of weight (15-20 lbs.) I am trying very hard to lose that much. I always get the comments like "Why are you on a diet?, You don't need to diet!"

I cannot hide my emotions well. My response is the honest to goodness truth: "Well, ______, my father and his mother died in their 50's from heart disease, my cholesterol is through the roof, and I have been told by my doctor that my belly fat needs to go. I would like to have a few more years of life."

Most people don't understand your personal reasons. It feels like you're trying to play dodgeball in knee deep water. But I keep persisting...and I'll be damned if I don't see my kids grow up.

I've been on this journey for about 12 weeks now, and I've had a few people ask about "dieting" and what I'm doing for weight loss.

When I start talking about counting calories, portions, etc........I *ALMOST* always get this response:
( complete with the eye rolls and sound effects ) "OMG, THAT'S TOO MUCH WORK...."

Half of my friends seem to think I'm gay for counting calories. On the other hand, that's the half who now (at 30) are starting to get fat when they used to be lean.

I don't usually tell people anymore unless I think they're potentially interested in doing it themselves. I usually just say something like "lifestyle change and working out / running". If someone comes to me for advice, then I say MFP and I always tell them it takes a couple of minutes / day once you've been using it for a few weeks and your regular eating habits are in the system.

"Track what I eat and exercise." Less words usually makes people think it's simpler...usually.

I'd say that it is a lot of work at first, but it becomes much easier as you begin to understand the calories and correct portion sizes in the foods you eat most often. and that everything I've ever valued, I've worked for-this is no different!

I agree with just responding "I watch what I eat and began exercising" and leave it at that...most people don't want to know how unless it is some "miracle" diet. If they continue with a "good luck, that never worked for me" then offer more about MFP and how you are doing it specifically.

I tell them you're right it is tough. Usually that's it, end of conversation. If I'm feeling snarky, I say, but breathing in a coffin six feet under ground is tougher.