Think before we speak Mark II

I thought we'd continue along the same thread but have it diet related lol. After all this is why we are here.

My own diet has been ok, not fantastic yet - still a work in progress - but ok. Lost another 1lb and almost in the 13s again! Can't wait ha ha


Things it is not helpful to say to dieters.

1. You don't need to lose weight.

This may be kind but it's not helpful. What size someone would like to be is up to them really. If they have decided to go for it, and try to lose weight, this might have been a big and/or hard decision. Telling them they don't need to will just shake their commitment or resolute.

2. One won't hurt.

So you take cakes into work and you want to share. Again, a nice thought. But encouraging just 'the one' is not a good idea. The dieter might have just the one, and then just another one. Or they might go home and then eat the contents of their fridge because 'that one cake had ruined it all'. Just saying.

3. Don't be boring.

You plan a night out to the local pizzeria with a few friends. The dieter is trying to stick to plan, so declines or maybe asks to join you all after for coffee. Please don't use emotional blackmail. It will just make the dieter feel bad and that's not fair. Boost them instead and tell them how great their determination is. You'll miss them but coffee will be fab.

4. You can't eat that.

Please don't make them feel bad for having a treat. Treats are important, under the plan. You don't know what they've already eaten or what they plan to eat later. Don't presume they don't know what they are doing. Bit rude really.

5. You've lost enough.

Could this be that you're used to seeing them larger so you're just not accustomed to their new size? Are they really taking it too far? Not many dieters become anorexic. Again, just try telling them they look great and much slimmer?

6. Go on, you know you want to.

Bloody hell of course they want to!! But don't help them make a bad choice that they'll probably regret later. Be a nice friend.

7. You just need to exercise.

Yeah if you're an elite athlete and can exercise all day every day! In my humble opinion exercise helps you get fitter and burns a few calories but I can't lose weight without a reduced food plan.

8. You should do Atkins/slimming world/weight watchers/cabbage soup diet etc.

I have been guilty of this. I love the 5-2 and the Fast 800 and like to recommend but at the end of the day there are hundreds of plans and not one suits all. Recommend yes but let a person decide what is right for them.

My hobbies include eating and complaining that I'm fat.

Disclaimer - as usual, these are just my own personal opinions. Go shoot me.