That is the title of this article I read on CNN Health today. This article has to be a reprint, because I remember reading it earlier this year. At any rate. Maybe she has a point. In short she says that she followed 4 simple rules to lose 242 pounds.
1. Eat 8 ounces of food every 3 hours.
2. No sugary drinks.
3. Do not skip meals.
4. Do not tell anyone what you are doing.
Maybe the reason I'm such a loser in this weight loss game is because I talk a good game, but I never get off the bench.
What do you think? Do you think it is good to keep your mouth shut when you are tyring to lose weight? Or do you think you should shout it from the rooftops to hold yourself accountable?
19 comments:
I think there are many recipes for weight loss and we have to keep tweaking until we find out what works best for each of us.
I think it's a good idea, telling people what you're trying to do only leads to "so how much have you lost so far?!" questions... hate that.
This doesn't apply for blogland, though!
I'm of two minds, online yes, tell, but in the real world, I tend to do better of I don't tell everyone that I am attempting to loss weight. Seems weird, but if I am open with people IRL I just set myself up for failure. Don't know why!?!
I have kept my mouth shut, and that isn't an easy thing for me to do. There are very few people in my day to day life that know about my surgery and my wanting to get smaller.
Well, I already don't agree with her on items 1 and 3 but as for number 4, I SERIOUSLY disagree. You need a support system when you're trying to lose weight. It's somewhere between rooftop and silence. Think about it. You have 175 followers who you've told you're trying to lose weight and they all support and love you. Anyone in Blogland who says they didn't tell ANYONE is lying (not on purpose...they just aren't thinking about it) because they're in Blogland and talking to people. Now...real life... you HAVE to tell people you live with because if you do the cooking, THEIR lifestyles are going to change too. If you join a gym, THEY'RE going to have to watch the kids, or pick up the slack or whatever. It's not like you can hide it. Just my 2 cents.
What a coincidence, I just blogged about this article too. :-) I totally disagree with the not telling anyone, it wouldn't work for me. But there are different methods for weight loss...the key is trying to find what works for each of us. Great post.
Everybody has to do things in their own way. I do love the saying "Don't talk. Just do." I apply that a lot to my life, but when it comes to weightloss, I need help. I just can't do it alone. :)
I've tried to be quiet about it, but then I never follow through. that's why i started my blog...so i'd be committed. I think it depends on the person. You just do whatever your little heart desires!
I agree with all except not telling anyone. We speak things into existence. You'll encounter "supporters" and "haters" along the way but you'll be more likely to hold yourself accountable if you put it out there! I undertstand there's a certain stigma with weight loss surgeries and a lot of folks keep that private. But if you're busting your ass to lose weight (like myself) and keeping it off like I've done...flaunt it! If you fall, so what..you're probably doing more than those sitting on their ass asking questions about your progress!
I can definitely see the benefits to both sides. By keeping your mouth shut you will miss out on the support of others. But you also do not have the constant pressure of answering to others expectations or constant questions.
Yep, I must agree with the majority here that say what works for one, may not be the right thing for someone else. LBG thinks she's more accountable if people know. I talk about healthful living alot with people, but I never mention my band in RL.
I think #4 might work insofar as people won't try to sabotage or tempt you?
Interesting. I always thought it was better to tell people because of the accountability aspect, but I was always afraid to because I knew I would probably fail. Not sure how I feel except for do what works for you.
I have been on the weight-loss roller coaster for years and have finally found that if I say nothing "in real life" it's better for me! Some close family members know about the band but that's it!
My personal experience...when I started losing weight 2 years ago...I only told those in my closest circle (My Mom, My Sister, and 3 Girlfriends). Blogging for me was a great way to share my thoughts and feelings in a journal and also with people who got what I was concerned about and supported me...
I do think that well meaning people can derail you from progressing (especially when it is clear that you are dropping weight...). Oh...you look great/doing good...you can eat this/skip a workout...I also think not so well meaning people can do the same.
Soon enough...if you keep up the healthy choices you won't need to say anything. People will notice. My coworkers would mention how healthy my lunches were. Church members noticed my clothes were more roomy. My family understood that I was going to workout first before I was going to hangout with them.
Thank you for your comment today on my blog.
You are correct, maintenance is very different from losing.
Never in a million years would I eat a Nachos Bell Grande when I was trying to lose. I kept my intake to 1200 calories pretty much each and every day. Boy, was that difficult, but it was worth it.
Thanks again for the perspective and reminder.
Totally appreciated your comment on LBG's blog. It was totally appropriate and you did it in a very mature, eloquent way.
Happy Bandiversary Dawnya! Love you! <3
Happy Bandiversary Dawnya... I hit my 2 year yesterday. I don't think I could keep my mouth shut but then sometimes I wish I did since I haven't lost as much as I hoped I would and I feel like people are looking at me like damn. Lol. Oh wells.
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