What are you calling this...?

Jd1360
Jd1360 Posts: 170 Member
edited November 8 in Health and Weight Loss
So there's a four-letter word that we all know of, one that isn't (but should be) banned on TV. "Diet". *shudder*
Diet has such a huge, swirling connotation that's usually negative. However, to me, "diet" means a temporary change and one day we won't be dieting and we'll go back to old eating habits.

But that can't happen, can it? If we do, we'll gain weight.
It's very easy to say "I can't I'm on a diet" but I get a barrage of reactions from the "good for you" all the way to the silent, disappointed looks. (Now, really, I'm all for accepting yourself, but my BMI is obese. I am overweight, people! But this is another conversation altogether)

So what are you calling this? Diet? Life change? Getting healthier (which seems like some strange code word for the D word). Thoughts?? I don't know what to call it!

Replies

  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    Don't call it anything, just count your calories and go about your business. If someone offers you something that you don't want, just say "no thanks," no explanation needed.
  • Usbornegal
    Usbornegal Posts: 601 Member
    Interesting thought. This is my lifestyle plan, my knee surgery recovery plan, my 'I'm gonna live another 50 years in THIS body?' plan. My Diabetes Prevention, gonna run another half marathon plan.

    Feeling a little crazy today, my thought is I'm on the Nacho plan if anyone asks: Nacho Business, Nacho life, Nacho diet. Why do we feel the need to explain ourselves? If we aren't eating certain things, why do people think they have the right to know? If we go to a family dinner and choose different foods, why can't we just respond with 'this looks good to me today' or 'I'm exercising my right to free choice in what I eat'.

    To be kind, people probably want to know because a) they like what they see and want to be like you, or b) they truly feel they have something else that will help you more or c) they love you and want to know every minute detail of your life (oops, said I was going to be nice, didn't I).

    So, if you don't want to explain, just give them a blank stare and don't answer!
  • STurbs33
    STurbs33 Posts: 134 Member
    I hate the word diet too. I try not to use it because as you said, it implies more of a quick fix than a general lifestyle change. If I refuse an unhealthy treat, I sometimes get asked if I'm on a diet, and it always bothers me. I don't ever want to feel as though I'm on a diet. I usually just say that I'm eating healthier.
  • paysmimi
    paysmimi Posts: 12
    I call it my time to shine. It is a lifestyle change, not a diet for me...

    I too am obese according to the BMI scale... This is my last ditch effort to be healthy...

    Good luck to you.. :o)
  • KareninCanada
    KareninCanada Posts: 962 Member
    You could say you're going through a change of life and loving it... and watch people get tongue-tied...
  • Florawanda
    Florawanda Posts: 283 Member
    If anyone asks me I say "I'm learning a new way of living!".
  • carrie_eggo
    carrie_eggo Posts: 1,396 Member
    Nutrition program
  • lilrhody
    lilrhody Posts: 84 Member
    I call it my diet. The word shouldn't be so loaded. The experts say that everyone should eat a diet that is nutritionally balanced - which really is what all of us here are trying to do - so just because my current "diet" is a bit more calorie restricted than the next person's, doesn't mean that I'm not doing something that, overall, is a permanent lifestyle.
  • nowornever47
    nowornever47 Posts: 333 Member
    So there's a four-letter word that we all know of, one that isn't (but should be) banned on TV. "Diet". *shudder*
    Diet has such a huge, swirling connotation that's usually negative. However, to me, "diet" means a temporary change and one day we won't be dieting and we'll go back to old eating habits.

    Wow... you hit the nail right on the head! I agree with a lot of other posters that you really don't have to justify anyone with an answer but if you really wanted to, you could just simply say you're on your way to find the Fountain of Youth, or something like that... because in reality I think we'll all look younger, feel younger right.. hehe Anyway, for me this hit home because after yo-yo dieting over the past 25 years and NEVER reaching my final goal, this time will be different because I am considering it a lifestyle change, not a DIET. Nothing temporary, a whole new learning experience. I actually want to become one of 'those' people who make good choices at dinner or learn to sacrifice little things here and there to be able to have something special later... I never want to go back to my old habits. I have to face the fact that I cannot eat as much as my husband and as often as I want... so good for you for getting on the healthy bandwagon and hopefully all of the comments you receive are good ones, none the less. I am fortunate that not only do I have awesome support on here from my mfp pals, but family and friends have been nothing but supportive. Best of luck on your Journey to a better you!! :smile:
  • rlysrh
    rlysrh Posts: 244
    You could say "I'm watching what I eat" or "I'm eating healthy", both of which are presumably true. (:
  • Jd1360
    Jd1360 Posts: 170 Member
    Feeling a little crazy today, my thought is I'm on the Nacho plan if anyone asks: Nacho Business, Nacho life, Nacho diet.

    BAHAHAHAH!!! This is brilliant and I want to steal it!!
  • Jd1360
    Jd1360 Posts: 170 Member
    This is AWESOME! Thank you for all the responses!!! I'm very glad to know I am not the only one out there and thanks for all the phrases.
    True, it really isn't anyone else's business but my god, do they ever ask! Especially when you're a female and around either females (or so I've noticed)...
  • AmyMK
    AmyMK Posts: 164
    I personally call it growing up and getting control of my life...I know that sounds judgemental or pretentious, but when I was young I never pictured adults eating fast food all the time or being lazy on the couch.
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