66% of women aged 25-55 who have ever dieted or are trying to lose weight say those closest to them – that means spouses, family and friends — actually undermine their attempts to get slim and healthy! Not cool!
A recent survery by Medi-Weightloss Clinics in Tampa, Fla., sought out dieters to discover the most common, and worst ways people sabotage dieters’ weight loss goals, and as you can see with the statistic above, it happens more often than you’d think.
The survey found that half of all dieters report that others have pressured them to eat food that was not on their diet, and 56% of them give in to the pressure! Does the phrase “Here, try this brownies. I baked them just for you” sound familiar? If you have a friend who’s trying to lose weight, don’t bake them sweets and act offended if they won’t eat them! And if someone does this to you, just say no!
The most common phrases dieters are sabotaged with (AKA the worst things you can say to a dieter):
“You look better when you’re heavier.” Or “I like a woman with lots of meat on her bones.” – This one comes from the spouse or man in your life. While he most certainly does like how you look now, he also might feel threatened that you will look too good after you lose the weight, or that he will be left out.
“What difference will a few pounds really matter on you?” This is mean and unsupportive – change the subject when you’re surrounded with people who don’t understand or support your weight loss goals.
“Don’t become anorexic!” According to Health, this undermining comment is usually just a way for concerned loved ones to make sure you’re dieting in a healthy way. Just remind them that you’re following a healthy weight loss plan and will not go overboard.
“Come on, another helping of mashed potatoes won’t hurt.” Sound familiar? This one is pretty common, especially when you share a lot of big meals with family. You’ll have to have some serious willpower to get past these types!
Bottom line: If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important that everyone around you understand why you want to lose weight, and how important it is to you. Those who can’t understand and support you are not worth having around, at least for the time being. Maybe a little distance will make them realize how important getting healthy is to you, and how important you are to them!
