How do you describe how you're losing to nosy people?
 

It's not a secret that I've lost a lot of weight quickly to others when they haven't seen me in a few months (or more). I really want to avoid the talk of "how" I'm losing with most people, because as you all know, the perception of IP tends to be controversial (low calorie, low carb, buying the food, losing "too fast" etc.). BUT, they will ask, and I am *not* a liar by nature, so wonder if anyone has come up with a creative way of describing the "how" to the nosy people who want to know what you're doing to lose.

For now all I've come up with is, "I'm just being very strict and healthy with what I eat". Any other suggestions?

You could say, if i thought you needed to know i would tell you. With a smile.

Sheriously - I like your answer, and it should shut people up.

The other one I use is "I'm following my doctor's recommendations to lose weight." Although I have been tempted to say "Meth and Cheetos." But I'm evil!

You have to figure out how much you are willing to share and to whom. Some people I've talked to are truly interested and listen to what I'm doing and ask questions. Other people just assume once they hear "low carb" that it's an Atkins type diet.

I've found for the people I see only occasionally and who I know are just asking so they can be critical of whatever I'm doing that just saying "I'm watching what I eat" and then changing the subject works. If they persist, I tell them "you are really making me uncomfortable, can we talk about something else?"

Now that it is obvious to so many how good I look and also how evident it is that I feel much better, I am more honest about it. It has taken me over a year to get to this point, and when I was losing the fastest I don't think it was quite as dramatic, so there never seems to be concerns about how fast I lost. I get more reactions now that they want to learn more about it.

I actually get more concern that folks think I should not lose any more weight. I try to be very vague on what my goal is, because to a person (even others I know on IP) they feel I am good now. My doctor is okay with my goal, but does not want me to go lower.

Wow - you are doing great! Very impressive losses!

It worked for me to tell folks, "After my last doctor's visit, I joined a gym," with a telling laugh as if I'd answered their question.

It was true - although the statement contained no information of real value. I found that people didn't want to probe into what I did at the gym; they were quite ready to probe into my eating habits and current or future weight.

I like it Bill! I may add that to my cycle of answers.

I actually had someone ask me "wouldn't it have been easier to have a gastric bypass?" WTF??? I just said no, it wouldn't have been easier. That type of question makes me crazy(ier). :dizzy:

I say lots of vegetables and lean meats.

I also describe the diet that way, and people are much more receptive that is "legitimate".

I say, average protein, low fat, and low carb.

Yes, and then they say, you don't get anything else? No treats, to which I tell them how toxic sugar is and how addictive it is. I have slowly won my husband over. It was unbelievable how disciplined he was on our trip.

I'm Choosing to Eat Healthy!
 

I go into a brief explanation that I have eliminated processed foods, sugar, etc. I have increased my lean, healthy proteins and eat lots, and lots of vegetables.

For the ones that are truly willing to change their habits, I will continue, but for most, when they hear "healthy lifestyle", that seems to satifsfy them.

I think ultimately everyone knows what they are supposed to be eating, whether they are ready to trade in the "Meth and Cheetos" is another story.

I find it so interesting what people feel they are allowed to say! How dare someone imply that it would be easier to have major surgery than to introduce healthy eating habits!:censored:

Ruthann - lol on "meth and Cheetos"

I'm a social worker, and do therapy with teens, children and families. I have had parent's ask, mostly mother's, or comment that I have lost weight. Last week a mom said that she was part of a group I lead last fall and it has "really bugging" her and wanted to ask about my weigh loss and what I have been doing. I just briefly explained I found a program that worked for me and exercise. My coach gave me some brochures I can just give if people want more. I just redirect them to look up on line. In my area coaches have been charging fees to join so I just warn people to be careful and that the clinic in use doesn't.

I don't focus on the number and when people who are not close ask I ignore or just say I don't focus on that.