Do you tell people?
smh_cliff
Posts: 146 Member
Following on from a thread I have been reading about people making negative comments when you are making healthy choices, I am wondering now if people tell others that they are tracking their intake and making a conscious effort to lose weight?
I am hit and miss with it, depending who it is. Some people (dad, bf, friends) know I am "trying to be sensible" to shift some weight, I have only really told people I am counting who I know have followed some kind of programme themselves (a couple of work colleagues, mum) and so will understand the weighing and tracking.
My boyfriend doesn't even know I am counting - I have no idea why I didn't tell him, but I just said I was trying to be good but would relax more at weekends (which I do, I allow higher calories than in the week)! It's almost like I am ashamed of it, when really, shouldn't I be proud that I am making changes? Perhaps it is because he is super skinny and eats like a horse that I don't expect him to understand that I need the structure.
Anyway, I am rambling, I am just curious as to how open others are, and the reactions they get as a result.
I am hit and miss with it, depending who it is. Some people (dad, bf, friends) know I am "trying to be sensible" to shift some weight, I have only really told people I am counting who I know have followed some kind of programme themselves (a couple of work colleagues, mum) and so will understand the weighing and tracking.
My boyfriend doesn't even know I am counting - I have no idea why I didn't tell him, but I just said I was trying to be good but would relax more at weekends (which I do, I allow higher calories than in the week)! It's almost like I am ashamed of it, when really, shouldn't I be proud that I am making changes? Perhaps it is because he is super skinny and eats like a horse that I don't expect him to understand that I need the structure.
Anyway, I am rambling, I am just curious as to how open others are, and the reactions they get as a result.
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No. Not unless you want to encourage those comments on the other thread and want everyone all up in your business constantly. Of course close family and friends I might let know but acquaintances, the general public, co-workers, all of Facebook - heck no.7
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On one hand I am glad it's not just me, but on the other - isn't it really quite sad that people in general can take issue with someone just trying to make themselves a healthier version of them!2
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I struggle with this too. My other half knows. I don’t tell my mother because she can be very hurtful about my weight, if she knows she just bangs on about diets constantly, making jibes about everything. makes me want to just sack it in. Coworkers are hard, just today I was offered cake. I did say I was on a diet and they really tried to pressure me. It was so hard and I could tell they thought I was being stupid. “Ah it’s just a cake for god sake!” Like no... let me make smart choices!6
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I tell everyone. Honestly, it helps. People may make a few comments, but these are not their goals, they are mine. This weekend went to a party, and a friend who knows I am tracking my macros, made pumpkin squash soup, but omitted the cream and other ingredients to make it more macro friendly. My family has also been super supportive, I tell them I am coming to visit and they make sure they have some staple items. Honestly. I am 9 weeks in, 25 pounds down and have lost 2 clothing sizes...IDC what they have to say.11
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Never. It's no one's business, plus it's a really uninteresting topic of conversation. There are so many better things to talk about.5
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That's got to be frustrating @bluespark278 !!
My mum is amazing, but she is also trying to shed some weight herself so certainly wouldn't be judgy. I hadn't seen her for a few weeks until last Thursday and she noticed I lost weight so I told her about it - she then sat and looked up the app (whether she has used it I don't know)! I am hoping she gets on board and I can go there for dinner more lol.
@tracymegan That is awesome, but my friends just try to feed me beer!!0 -
I like to tell people who are close to me (dad, mom, fiance, sister). However, I also like to talk to people who are also counting (MFP members, fitness instructors, etc). I do not like to talk to people who are close-minded. I hate hearing "Why? There isn't anything wrong with you, you look fine!" I need structure and constructive criticism. I wish I had a drill sergeant on my back at all times or someone slapping me around telling me "NO!" if I touch a donut. I lack in motivation, but I also lack in needed support.0
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VioletRojo wrote: »Never. It's no one's business, plus it's a really uninteresting topic of conversation. There are so many better things to talk about.
This. Only my spouse and one close friend know.
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VioletRojo wrote: »Never. It's no one's business, plus it's a really uninteresting topic of conversation. There are so many better things to talk about.
Of course, it isn't something I would sit in the pub and discuss. I am thinking more along the lines of people you regularly eat with and whether you explain the sudden change in the choices you are making.1 -
I lost 200 lbs. People knew something changed. I didn't mind telling people if they asked, but honestly it got annoying, mainly because talking about it and talking about myself so much bored me.4
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I lost 200 lbs. People knew something changed. I didn't mind telling people if they asked, but honestly it got annoying, mainly because talking about it and talking about myself so much bored me.
There's certainly no hiding a loss like that - and nor would you want to!
I just feel a bit self conscious I think - I have ALWAYS been a burger and a pint kinda girl and now find myself trying to find a balance that isn't so calorific but isn't something that will invite the questions - but I don't know why I care!1 -
Close friends and immediate family only since my habit changes could likely impact them. It's nobody else's business.2
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That's got to be frustrating @bluespark278 !!
My mum is amazing, but she is also trying to shed some weight herself so certainly wouldn't be judgy. I hadn't seen her for a few weeks until last Thursday and she noticed I lost weight so I told her about it - she then sat and looked up the app (whether she has used it I don't know)! I am hoping she gets on board and I can go there for dinner more lol.
@tracymegan That is awesome, but my friends just try to feed me beer!!
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Get them to make it light beer or hard liquor with a calorie free mixer. they go way further with way less calories0
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My immediately family (parents, sister, husband) is aware because I'm around them the most and we have lots of family meals. They just let me do whatever I want and don't give me a hard time about it. A few of my co-workers have picked up on it during lunch, I've gotten the "she eats like a bird" (which I don't) comment a few times, I just smile and say "I'm fine with this, thanks." And they know I walk every day during my lunch break. But I've never had anyone be negative towards me or harass me about my food choices. Occasionally my husband will try and talk me into "being bad" and just eating whatever with him.. sometimes I give in. Overall though I haven't had anyone say anything negative to me and if they did I'd probably jut brush it/them off.. it's none of their business. I do love when friends/co-workers ask me if I'm watching what I eat/counting calories and then I tell them yes and that I've lost 26lb so far, blows them away!4
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tracymegan wrote: »Get them to make it light beer or hard liquor with a calorie free mixer. they go way further with way less calories
I've just completed 2 weeks alcohol free to teach myself that I don't have to binge drink with them. Aiming for another week and half when I have a week off work starting in the hope I will maintain some of the willpower!3 -
I only talk to people who can understand it. Like I have a few friends who are bodybuilders, they understand the actual science behind it and what actions yield what results and why. I feel like anyone who doesn't understand these things is going to be judgy, even if they don't mean to be. If you don't think they'll have any advice or knowledge about it, I don't really see any reason to talk to them about it in the first place.2
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My local friends have noticed that I have lost weight, but after they find out the way I'm doing it isn't the latest fad they lose interest in the "how". A coworker came right out and asked me last week in front of all my other coworkers "So, just how much weight HAVE you lost?"
The only person I absolutely do *not* discuss it with is my mother. I love her to death but she is the reason I have body issues. She lives 900 miles away and has noticed I've lost weight from photos on FB and it is driving her crazy that I won't tell her how much I've lost, so she has taken to upping her passive aggressive game by saying things like "I don't know how long you can go with out cake or potatoes." (I eat both)6 -
VioletRojo wrote: »Never. It's no one's business, plus it's a really uninteresting topic of conversation. There are so many better things to talk about.
Of course, it isn't something I would sit in the pub and discuss. I am thinking more along the lines of people you regularly eat with and whether you explain the sudden change in the choices you are making.
Ah, well, I didn't change the choices I make at all. I simply cut back on the quantity. I eat the same foods now that I always have: a variety of whole foods mostly cooked at home.5 -
if anyone asks I'm 'counting calories'4
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My best friend knows and that is about it. I'm not hiding it, just not something I come out and say until someone asks how I've lost weight.1
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If asked, I will tell. Most of the time, people assume I'm working out and lost weight that way, and they ask that. When I tell them it's not the case, I'm not working out, I'm counting calories instead, they are always surprised. Some will say they could never do that. It's gotten to the point that I now respond by saying that I watch what I eat and eat less, and don't get too specific about it.
I've also made the mistake of saying that my weight loss is going well, but I have more to lose. Then, people ask how much more and when I tell them, they go off like it is too much, I shouldn't lose that much etc etc.
Lots of opinions out there. Lots of negative comments.1 -
Nope, I never saw a reason to bore people with details of how I'm eating. I didn't really make any drastic changes to my diet, I just ate less and made slightly better choices. When I go to my parents, I eat what my mother makes but in more appropriate portions. If she offers cookies or something afterward, I say I'm stuffed from her awesome dinner. I order regular food at restaurants, just eat less or get less extras on the plate, and nurse my one drink. If someone noticed I had lost weight, or was actually close enough to me they noticed the subtle differences in the choices I was making, I told them I was making an effort to be healthier and had lost a little weight in the process. Only a couple of people know I count and log, because they continuously expressed interest on how I was successful. Neither has unfortunately decided to do the same!8
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Not unless I have to.
Say im going on a date, Likely wouldnt mention it, But theyd probably figure it out when i dont want alcohol (i swear every guy wants me drunk XD ) Dont want dessert or whatever. Guys are annoyingly pushy and tend to not accept "I dont want it" A few times iv straight up just had to walk away mid date because they thought they were being funny repeatedly pushing me to drink. Like no. Ill snap i swear i said no piss off -.- If i wanted it id of said yes within the first 25 times you asked.
Or with family, My aunt (high five to those who remember her) and grampa and I go out for lunch every weekend. I let them pick where we go, And ill only eat if its something i actualyl want- I dont want mcdonalds but im super down for a great big chicken cesar wrap and fries from a sit down place- Theyve also seen me every week for my entire 110 pound loss. They also have seen the groceries i buy sort of transform as i went. Pretty impossible to not mention it to them lol.
At work theyve seen me shrink but i work with just a bunch of guys their more concerned that a 5 ft 3 125 pound girl lifts heavier things thn they can xD Never had to have a weight loss conversation at work, Even though theyve all clearly noticed lol.
edit to add- I do have 2 exes who are my best friends im pretty chatty with on weight loss. The one saw my results and joined me so i have him to spam with excitement at new milestones and when i take a cute new selfie i look tiny in or whatever. Or new recipes. Or to whine to when my muscles are sore LOL. Health stuff XD2 -
Yeah I definitely tell people. All my closest people are aware and most of them are extremely supportive. People I don't know as well I only mention if it comes up in conversation or they ask. I have nothing to hide, and if it makes anyone uncomfortable because they're not supportive .... well, that's not my issue and it won't change my approach.
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Yes, if they ask & I'll tell them how.
People didn't really notice much until I lost over 90 lbs, then I had quite a few people notice and ask me about it.
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Normally I do not tell anyone but maybe a close friend or two. This time my husband told everyone and their family! This is the first time I have gotten to (almost) 2 months and I am still going strong. I have my friends I walk with weekly who ask me how things are going and share recipes both eat really healthy. My husband's family is really supportive.
My husband's dad once made a really rude comment back when the two of were just starting to date about my weigh and at that time I was about 20 pounds overweight. I still remember it to this day it would be nice to kind of shove it in his face since he isn't at a healthy weight. (but I won't do that)
My job is a very tight knit of people. One of them is personal trainer so he gives me work out ideas and the President (he married us) usually does a weekly how the diet going, need us to keep anything for you in the fridge.
Maybe this is why I am doing it this time. I have a wonderful support group or it could because I want to be healthier when we have kids.5 -
I don't really make an attempt to tell anyone. However, I eat mostly at work so I ended up brining my food scale with me. People saw me in the kitchen with it and well I ended up explaining. And of course I told those in my household because they also see me weighing foods. Anyone else, nah.1
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VioletRojo wrote: »VioletRojo wrote: »Never. It's no one's business, plus it's a really uninteresting topic of conversation. There are so many better things to talk about.
Of course, it isn't something I would sit in the pub and discuss. I am thinking more along the lines of people you regularly eat with and whether you explain the sudden change in the choices you are making.
Ah, well, I didn't change the choices I make at all. I simply cut back on the quantity. I eat the same foods now that I always have: a variety of whole foods mostly cooked at home.
I was always a burger and a pint girl if eating out, that's a whole days calories gone now lol0 -
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