Unreasonable People!

My favorite is when people tell you they would "DO ANYTHING" to lose weight........and my follow up is "I know, I 'm sure you would, except diet and exercise!!" That usually ends it.............

I know I am my own worst enemy when it comes to weight and diet and all that. My personal weight issues are a little bit of everything...genetics, being raised by bad examples, chronic illness and hormonal issues (reduced Leptin), and depression and fatigue at times, among other things. I also have a digestive disorder that makes finding whole nutritious foods that do not make me sick a pretty outrageous adventure.

All that aside, I know it takes work, I am willing to put in work. My problem has often been not getting the support. Whether it is family members who insist on leaving their high-fat, high-sugar (high-temptation) snacks all over the house and would rather order out than eat in, friends who have obnoxious metabolisms and don't seem to need to watch their diet or even lift a finger to be fit and trim, significant others (who could stand to lose a few as well) who would rather sit around and watch tv (like I wouldn't?) than take a walk and help me feel not so alone on the journey...it makes it feel rather pointless at times.

But my biggest pet peeve, honestly, is hearing doctors say "you need to lose weight. Eat right and exercise..." and nothing else. I really don't think Americans as a whole are given the tools anymore to understand good nutrition and be able to provide it for themselves. Maybe it should be "common sense" or whatever, but it isn't. At 28, I needed a good nutritionist to sit down and help me find alternatives to my worst food cravings, foods that wouldn't bother my stomach, help me learn how to pick out the freshest and best produce, different ways to cook and enjoy food and cooking... the eating and moving is not hard once you make a commitment to do it...but feeling confident and knowledgeable enough to try is a bigger hurdle for some than many realize.

Well I guess I am one of those people that make you sad. I can see it from both angles. I struggle daily to stay committed. I have searched high and low for magic, and actually have done the liquid lemon/pepper drinks. ick. But I don't hold it against anyone who tries dieting in their own way because even though you're right these things don't work we still feel there has to be some easy way out.

At some point though reality will sink in for these people (and me) and they will be truthful with themselves and either bite the bullet and eat right and exercise or they won't. And if any of you know someone like this personally then all you can do is continue to encourage them and be an example. A lot of people who have gained excess weight have a hard time just starting. I know I did. I had to jump-start myself by going to the extreme and sticking to 1200 calories and exercising my butt off, and when I see the results are positive it gives me the motivation to stick with the program and change my lifestyle. We all know this is way easier said then done.

SO what if they want the magic pill, if it gives them energy and hopefulness than I don't see a problem with it. I for one don't use the pills, but I have tried to cut back on my calories and make healthier choices. I have no one to blame but myself for my weight gain and it will takes years to truly be totally ingrained in my new lifestyle. I still have bad meals, and bad days, but as long as I can say tomorrow is another day try again, then I will ultimately be successful. Yes it seems that some people are being "unreasonable" but honestly they are only letting themselves down and we shouldn't be making them feel worthless because they are doing atkins, or some other method. As long as they are trying to change their life around that's all that matters. We need to be supportive of each other and continue to encourage each other to take baby steps and make small changes that will eventually change everything about the way they eat and exercise.

I agree with you~ Better to loose it slowly and then keep it off. There is no magic pill, all they do is making you sick. I just lost 2 pounds from a lot of effort, makes me prouder then if I did a pill!!! Keep up your good work!!

I think the problem is that a lot of people are just ignorant of how it all works.

Is like "spot reduction" and other myths.

In this day and age of "Apps" and Instant everything people find it hard that one has to work to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

There are a few genetically gifted people ( a mate of mine can eat as much as me and he weights less than 10 stones ) but for the majority of us is the good old fashioned way.

I have tried a pill once a long time ago. I could notstick with it. I do not judge because everyone is different. Some people cant see the truth even if its in their face. I don't get angry at those people and I don't get blue in the face trying to convince them. People will come around when they r ready. The beauty of America wecan choose whatever we want. Does not mean its good but its the truth.
I want to educate as many people as possible but with patience. Especially children. Many people just cannot compute that 1+1=2. DIET +exercise = weight loss. I do not look for "magic" pills but I will be a liar if I say I never wish there really was one. But I know the truth.
Our Country's issue with weight is rooted deepin our culture. And the movement to a healthier country starts with us who know.
its just not easy

I’ve been Lap-banded for nearly 3 years and have lost 90lbs, but that was through hard work.

It bothers me that people give WLS a bad rap assuming it’s the easy way out.
It also bugs me when I read banded people cry about how the LapBand was mis-advertized as “never diet again”

I worked hard at every pound lost, I still have to mindful of what I put in my mouth.
No amount of surgery will save you from gaining weight if you are constantly putting liquid calories or fatty foods down your throat.

I don’t tell everyone about my being banded, but when people ask how I’ve lost my weight I tell them it’s through portion size and getting up and moving. Those who share my surgery with I tell them it’s not for everyone (won’t work for grazers) and while it helps me with controlling the volume of what I consume, I still need to make the right choices (pure proteins and carbs) and work out to lose weight.

had to laugh about your feelings at your sister! mine is the same way so i just quit telling her what i do and asking her if what she is doing is working for her. that snaps her lips shut pretty quick! people are funny...

one of my best friends (who's not even remotely overweight) came to me for advise on loosing weight and "volume" that she got.

I advised her to join MFP, track and log the food, watch the calories, read the forums, drink water, EXERCISE HARD, not just going to a step class 1 time a week.

Her answer: "I don't know how you can handle it, tracking everything...and I eat bread 2 times a day, that explodes my calorie intake, I can't track the calories. Plus you know how I ate drinking water, I just can't and you know I HATE exercising...oh what should I do???"

Good Post... It is alot of hard work and discipline. I had someone ask me a couple months ago if I was throwing up to lose the weight. I was so mad!!