WHY keep your food diary hidden?

I have no idea if mine is hidden from anyone or not, can't remember how I set it all up originally but I *can* think of one very good reason to keep it private or to friends only... INSURANCE COMPANIES! It is not beyond comprehension for insurance companies to investigate an insured's actions through Facebook, Twitter, MFP or competing fitness sites for their own purposes. For example: If someone is attempting to apply for coverage to get gastric bypass surgery, their health insurance company may want to check up on what they've been doing to prepare when considering whether or not to approve coverage. What you eat in preparation for that surgery is certainly of interest to them and if it's public information then they're well within their rights to reject a claim based on information collected. Same thing goes for Workers Comp cases. If someone is logging in their public MFP exercise journal that they've been running/biking/lifting weights when they're supposed to be "injured" and getting paid by the state for that work-related injury, then the state/employer has every right to reject further benefits if they can find proof online that someone hasn't been following the physical restrictions set by their doctor. You'd be surprised what information people post online that can be held against them in some way. I personally don't have any of these concerns (which is why I'm not running to set my own to private) but can honestly see where information like food intake and physical activity could be used against a person if they were not careful.

I have no idea why anyone would do this. What's the point on being on here? I have friends look at my diary and say things about it that are so useful, and I do the same. Even if it's just to get food ideas! Those people that have their diaries closed will not be as successful or are missing out huge.

Not necessarily true. We can still be successful with our diaries closed. Leaving it closed allows us to be perfectly honest with ourselves without worrying about what anyone else will say about what we've charted.

I'm not on here to be held accountable for my actions, I am on here for myself: to make better choices and make changes in my lifestyle. If I make friends along the way, great. I like to hear feedback from others on how they have made changes in their lifestyles and ideas on how to eat better. I also changed my news feed settings so people I friend don't get bombarded with updates on every little thing I do. IMO, that's what blogs are for...

hear, hear!!

Mine is open to my friends only. I've tried to fill my friends list with positive motivating people, so I trust them to give me good feedback if they feel the need. The rest of MFP has no business peaking at my diary. There are some really nasty negative judgmental people on this site. I'm not willing to let some food bully derail my progress.

Everyone is allowed to make their own choices just because they are not showing everyone teir diary doesn't mean they are cheating, ashamed or not losing, it's just their choice!!

I have no idea why anyone would do this. What's the point on being on here? I have friends look at my diary and say things about it that are so useful, and I do the same. Even if it's just to get food ideas! Those people that have their diaries closed will not be as successful or are missing out huge.

Not necessarily true. We can still be successful with our diaries closed. Leaving it closed allows us to be perfectly honest with ourselves without worrying about what anyone else will say about what we've charted.

That is just silly to say that someone won't be successful for not showing their diary...I don't show mine because I don't care what you think about what I eat! I've managed to stay right on track for my 1lb a week goal...I'm at 22 weeks and down 23lbs I would say that is a success!

mine is private because i do not eat healthy and I do not plan to do so and I don't want others making suggestions for me to eat healthy. I eat whatever I want and monitor my portions and stay within the calories and I still loose weight

This

I found I was LESS honest when it was open (very briefly). When I have no one but me judging me, I can be open and honest.

I want to loss weight so mine is open for I need to be held accountable or I will stumble. To each is own. But mine is open cause that is what will help me!

I think some people don't like the idea of disclosing something so personal; it's a way to avoid judgement (which of course wouldn't happen here, but it's a valid concern). Some people probably don't know how to make their diary public.

That is an interesting point, I can see where you are coming from. I joined so that I could have my diary up here and get help with it, go ahead look everyone!!!

I WANT mine to be open so I'll think twice before stuffing that donut into my pie/donut/ice cream hole! Lol.

mine i believe is open to anyone. and im all good with that. i dont have a problem with people seeing what i eat. not that i think anyone really cares. like you said it is a way to help be held accountable.

I'm just curious.....I understand if you want your page to be private. However, why keep your food diary private???? Do you do this....if so what's your reasoning? I personally think by making it viewable to friends that it hold you accountable.

Because most humans like the idea that they have a choice in personal matters...
Hence it being a *personal choice*.

Because a lot of members on here are complete *kitten*.

What I put in my body is my business. I am MORE honest with myself than with anyone else, so having a private diary works for me. If I am ever struggling and need advice, I will open it to my friends, but that isn't the case.

^This... totally and completely this.

I have NO one to be "accountable to" except myself. I used to have my diary open to friends, but was getting awfully tired of the "I can't believe you ate THAT!" comments when I would have pizza or a burger and fries from Five Guys -- especially from people who considered a pint of Ben & Jerry's to be "Dinner." Seriously?

My body, my business -- and my results speak for themselves. 'Nuff said.