What do you say when...?
 

So, I have a question for you all. To begin, I am a healthful teenage girl who is just at the top cusp of her 'healthy' BMI - 5'5.5" and a decent 145 pounds. I work out 5 - 7 times a week, and have a relatively small stomach with curves (pear shape.) Most people wouldn't consider me overweight - just healthy. And that's fine, really.

But I personally am in the process of trying to further improve my body. Since eighth grade, I have gone from a high of 180 to where I am now, and in my wildest dreams I could be 130, with a nice toned butt and kick-butt calves. I know I can do it, and I know the most effective method of weight loss for me isn't just exercise alone but the addition of a low-carb, high-protein diet.

Here's the question part: when people start to notice my eating plan or habits, they sometimes assume I automatically have body image issues, that I think I am 'fat,' that I am not educated about nutrition or am following an unhealthful diet, or say, "oh, you're fine, you don't need to diet!" This for some reason starts to irk me when I hear it enough, because it's really my personal choice and to think anyone looks down on me for desiring to further improve my body - it gets a little saddening.

So how do I respond? What do I say to get the polite message across that I've made this decision for myself, but I'm smart enough to do it in healthful ways, both physically and emotionally?

If you've ever faced this same problem, maybe you can help. =)

Thank you all!

- Madelin

~Countdown to a Beach Body, Day 6~
7 Weeks to Go!~

I haven't had this yet, but I would respond with "I'm just trying to have a healthier lifestyle." Then change the subject. I'm not sure how you might prove your knowlege to others though. I imagine that might get annoying.

"Thanks! I'm focusing on eating in a way that makes me feel better, and it's working for me. If I drop some weight, that's secondary to my health."

honestly, I just think most people are jealous/envious that you are eating healthy in the first place -- it just makes them feel guilty for what they are eating or not eating.

That sounds so frustrating! Maybe you could just be honest next time and say, matter of factly, that you don't have body issues and please to just be real with you. That should shame anyone into taking you seriously.