Most people who ask how I did my weight loss want to know what I did (count calories) and what I ate. Some people lose interest when they hear the "how" part. Very few hang in there for the "what" part of it. There is no preaching involved, just a lot of enthusiasm and an effort to help other people who are struggling with weight issues. If you don't share your story, folks think you have a secret you don't want to tell. According to this article, if you DO tell your story, people will think you are preaching to them or trying to criticise their food choices. People who ask about my program are genuinely at a loss and are looking for some direction to get started on lasting weight loss. Do we lend a hand, or let them struggle?

Over the last couple of years I've lost 70 pounds. People always ask "how" did you do it, usually meaning what specific diet are you on. I usually just reply by saying, "nothing magic" just eating less and doing more. If asked further, I will say, "just counting calories and exercising more." Most people know that's what it takes, but are looking for a magic bullet that will do it without much effort. I try not to say too much unless asked because that can feel like rubbing it in. 

When people ask me how I lost the weight, I usually say I changed my entire lifestyle. It wasn't just one thing.  If you have about an hour I'll go through it with you.  That usually nips it in the bud.  LOL

these are all good things to say but I just tell people I started eating more veggies and fruit and less meat and starches. If they want more info I tell them about calories, etc. but usually they don't really want to know unless it's that they can pop a pill and loose 100 lbs lol.

these are all good things to say but I just tell people I started eating more veggies and fruit and less meat and starches. If they want more info I tell them about calories, etc. but usually they don't really want to know unless it's that they can pop a pill and loose 100 lbs lol.

Thanks, this really was informative on what to say about my weight loss and not feel like i am trying to change someones life, now i know what to say so if they want to try it and introduce them to Calorie Count--

It's true.  People are always looking for that magic bullet when they notice I've lost some weight and asked me how I did it.  I usually just reply, "Diet and exercise."  This is followed by a sour, somewhat repulsed face from the person asking me and the conversation usually ends there.  People want an easy solution to their problem, and in a way, calorie counting is easy, but until you're ready to undertake the lifestyle change it seems like a bitter pill to swallow for most.

i think that counting calories is the right way to go it keeps you on track i am kind of shocked at my progress initially when i went to the doctor on the 14th of may , the nurse says and your weight is 208, i thought she was joking or the scale was wrong immediately the next day the calorie counting and exercise began . It's now one week later i weighed in yesterday , surprisingly and shockingly , i am at 195, in a week, then i said well maybe that scale was wrong yesterday...but it , so i tried another scale. they both said 195....i am shocked how did i loose 13lbs in a week by calorie counting and exercise i tried many diets before and barely lost a pound. And the great thing is i dnt feel hungry at all.

After loosing 30 pounds, I feel the wolves at my heels.  The women around me can't wait for me to gain it back.  Maintenance has always been harder for me than loosing the weight.  This time I am fighting back.  I don't let social politeness stand in my way.  I no longer sit around in the afternoon drinking wine with the same women who can't wait for me to gain it back.  I no longer go to lunch with them a couple of times a week.  Now, I know who my friends are by the ones who run with me in the mornings.  There is a new wolf in town who is not backing down!

Whenever I am asked what I am doing to get healthy, I tell them how I discovered what works for me and helps me manage my blood sugar levels by saying lots of veggies and very low carbs and tracking it all on CalorieCount.com. I am doing great!  They usually say, hmmm, I'll have to check that out.

What a great post.  The constant scrutiny from others can be quite wearing, to say nothing of the overt and covert efforts to undermine one's effort.  I just smile and say how good I feel.  When my colleagues stare at my lunches and comment on how much food I'm eating, I just say I'm hungry today.  When they comment about how it's mostly fresh fruits & veg, or beans, I say it's delicious and just ask them if they'd like a bite.  I am required to eat with coworkers every day, by explicit orders, so this is an ongoing issue for me.  The constant sugar treats *(cake, candy, donuts) are another constant issue.  My best strategy is prayer! :)

I have always lived by the motto that if I want something badly I will go for it full force.  I was tired of being tired and weighed down.  I quit smoking about 3 yrs ago, I told myself once I had that down I would work on my weight.  Its been about a yr and a half down almost 35 lbs! and working on about 10 more.  Some people comment on how I don't need to loose anymore...I say its what I want! so too bad :)

and yes always asked what "diet" I am on... I say I am not on a diet, this is a lifestyle change...nutrition and excersise is the only way to do it! I have reclaimed my life !

People want to know about this new "health kick" I'm on. I tell them it's not that I'm on a health kick, but that I'm done with my unhealthy kick, and so back to my normal eating habits. And the thing is, I really do believe that.

Original Post by: gladerunner

What a great post.  The constant scrutiny from others can be quite wearing, to say nothing of the overt and covert efforts to undermine one's effort.  I just smile and say how good I feel.  When my colleagues stare at my lunches and comment on how much food I'm eating, I just say I'm hungry today.  When they comment about how it's mostly fresh fruits & veg, or beans, I say it's delicious and just ask them if they'd like a bite.  I am required to eat with coworkers every day, by explicit orders, so this is an ongoing issue for me.  The constant sugar treats *(cake, candy, donuts) are another constant issue.  My best strategy is prayer! :)

Reading your comment caused an "Aha" moment for me. I've been struggling to lose weight my entire life, and I've never once thought to pray about it. I pray about everything else, why not this? THANK YOU for the inspiration :)

As for the related post, I normally hear comments like "Oh you have such strong will power" or "A bite or two won't hurt". I usually just smile and thank them for thinking I have strong will power, or explain that I really don't want a bite or two, since I usually don't.

I usually just say that I'm eating smaller and healthier portions of food and started exercising and walking more. They seem to be satisfied with that answer.

I'm not dieting, just eating healthier and keeping my weight down.

I don't deprive myself of anything, just have to take it in moderation a lesson I had to learn and keep reminding myself each day.

Recently my husband & I went to Niagara Falls for a long weekend to celebrate our 40th anniversary.  A breakfast buffet was included with our hotel stay, along with a Manager's Reception daily from 4-7:30 with wine, beer and lots of snackies.  Then there were the dinners.

The first night we went to a lovely restaurant and the menu items looked so wonderful!  However, when I looked closer, all the proteins were stuffed with cheese and something.  I quietly mentioned to the waitress that I was trying to watch my weight and she offered to check with the chef.  Chef said pick what I wanted and he'd do it for me without the stuffing.  He grilled a salmon fillet to perfection and served it with a delicious organic greens salad and steamed veggies.  I skipped the rice because I ate the whole piece of salmon.  My point is, though, that I was not made to feel badly because I didn't want anything from their fabulous menu and they were happy to oblige.

The next night we were at The Keg in the hotel and we asked the waitress if we could split thinks because we wanted variety but not to be over full or waste.  She was pleased to get us whatever we wanted and I was able to eat half or a little less of most of what we ordered.  I even let loose and ate some of the complimentary cake she brought us to celebrate our anniversary.

I didn't count calories that weekend; I just ate like I normally would but a little more of it.  Meanwhile, we worked out at the hotel gym and swam and also did a lot of walking around the Falls, so it broke even.  I came home the same weight as I left.

Conclusion:  Don't be afraid to ask to have something prepared 'off the menu' or to ask to split.  Most good restaurants don't mind at all.  If they do, I'd suggest you eat elsewhere. 

Bon appetit!

Will power :D