Question:
Do you truly think that overweight people don’t know they’re overweight?
its not about telling them something thats obvious and fact.. its just giving people info that they might not know about..i grew up in school being reminded everyday i was fat..everyone was so into the game of making fun and embarrassing me, yet never one word of how to fix the problem from anyone.. I would have given ANYTHING for ANYONE to tell me about low carb or just dieting in general… i didnt even know what dieting was… but no one told me untill i had to figure it out myself my last year of school.. how i wish i was told about it earlier, might have prevented all these emotional scars from forming that will never heal. Just needed one person taking that little risk of possibly offending me to tell me about something that could help me…. i think it would have been worth it in the long run. This is Just another view on this subject.. dont get all mad at me n stuff… its just my opinion on how i feel about this issue. Beff (as in.. um beff? ) 240ish/230ish/145 remembering the words of sir mix-a-lot "i like big butts and i can not lie"
Response:
Good point! You’d have to be able to demonstrate some serious weight loss before you start bragging about your diet! haha
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’d probably have to carry a "before" picture with you. Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan — dx as Type 1 in Mar 00 "I’d rather be loved by only me, than create a facade and be loved by no one." — wombn "Never give up", Winston Churchill x-no-archive is in the headers www.mindspring.com/~wombn
Response:
Why is it a shame? After all, they are strangers and it’s none of their business.
But this is exactly what we do in this forum. Total strangers tell us about their bowel movements and everybody jumps in to share their experiences. Why can’t you do it in person? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Honestly, how would this diatribe really motivate a person to lose weight?
I believe that it often takes some significant event like this gets all of us motivated. Otherwise why would people be fat all their lives, go on half-hearted diet attempts that are doomed to fail, and (if they are lucky) finally make the decision to really change their way of life? Something happens in your life that makes you want to change. I think this can range from poor health, to embarrassment, to teasing, or to someone telling you to please lose weight so you won’t die. How can strangers really give you reality checks when they don’t know your personal history to begin with?
Don’t kid yourself — you can tell a lot about a person by just observing them for a few minutes. Bryan
Response:
I would never tell anyone about my diet (obese or otherwise). I am getting sick and tired of everyone commenting about my own food choices! I have these people coming into the lunch room at work, and they are always commenting on my lunch: "Pork Rinds are bad for you!" "Are you on a diet?" "What kind of lunch is THAT?" One particularly large lady says, "I’ve been eating low fat and it is really healthy for you" Another large one says "Bill (another co-worker) has lost 25lbs. drinking Slim-Fast (he is at least 150 lbs. overweight)." I asked the "pork rind" lady, "Pork Rinds are bad for you compared to what?" Her answer: "They have all that fat, and they are just bad for you, OK?" She left before I could tell her "No, it is not OK!" This happens almost every day–same questions/comments. Different people. Not only would I not comment on someone else’s WOE, I just wish they would stop giving me their opinion about mine! Mark 280/255/193 Being obese myself, I never would. I know all to well how I would feel if a total stranger came up to me and did that. However if someone notices I have lost some weight and asks, I tell them. In some cases these are strangers who see me almost every day. (ie. people at my son’s school for instance) Taffy
Before you buy.
Response:
Or send them into a downward spiral. If they really *are* a stranger, you just don’t know. If someone had done that to me I would have sunk into a deep depression for a while. And what if they’re ill (with lupus for example) and bloated up due to a med – steroids are famous for taking perfectly normal people and turning them into balloons. I would no more give unsolicited diet advice to a stranger than I would grooming tips. That doesn’t mean I won’t take a conversational opening if it’s offered, it just means I don’t believe I have the right to proselytize to others, be it about diet or smoking. I do understand your enthusiasm for this WOL, though, Bryan. I owe that little huckster Atkins a lot. 
Take care, Carmen 246/149.5 Atkins since 1/1/99 Goal 8/3/00
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s true, but on the other hand, your comment to another person might be enough to save their life. Bryan I am on LC, busting my ass at the gym and on my bike and if someone came up to me and suggested something to me about how I should diet I would probably punch them – they dont’ know a thing about my health, body or diet now, and have no business discussing my weight. That being said the only people who I find give me unsolicited diet advice are skinny people who say stupid things like "I lost 15 pounds by just stopping eating ice cream at night". Over my lifetime I have learned a great deal about how my body works, how it loses and how it gains. A strangers advice cannot possibly take into account that knowledge. — -Beth BikeE FX, AT and rans gliss Anchorage, Alaska Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Response:
I do the same thing, Taffy. I sing the praises to low-carb loud and clear if asked how I’ve lost weight. So far, I think only my sister has listened. Donna C. 159/128/125 writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -However if someone notices I have lost some weight and asks, I tell them. In some cases these are strangers who see me almost every day. (ie. people at my son’s school for instance) Taffy
Response:
Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it.
If I were that person, I would not appreciate your advice because you do not know my personal history. I had been unwantedly given advice by strangers when I was obese, which I did not appreciate because they didn’t know my personal history. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc.
Why is it a shame? After all, they are strangers and it’s none of their business. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial?
Nope, I was never in denial of my obesity. I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in."
Honestly, how would this diatribe really motivate a person to lose weight? Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution.
How can strangers really give you reality checks when they don’t know your personal history to begin with? Comments? Bryan
Consider that there are various reasons for obesity such as medical problems, emotional issues, side effects from medicine one is taking, etc. Therefore, give advice only if you are asked for it. In my case, it was emotional eating issues that had ruled most of my life since childhood till 5 years ago at age 30 when I was "finally" ready to resolve them in my own way and time. Then and only then, losing weight and maintenance became easy. All the unwanted advice from strangers did not help me.
Response:
Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc.
I prefer to be polite. Keeps society a little calmer than the alternative. Would it be equally kind to approach a very skinny woman and tell her to eat more? No. If you’re a stranger, it’s none of your business. That simple. I don’t think it’s a shame that strangers can’t share this kind of info. We’d all be swamped by Herbalife salesbeasts and Jenny Craig addicts otherwise. 
— Brenda Daverin
Response:
I vote no, keep your mouth shut. My mother is lame, and I was surprised growing up that total strangers would approach her and tell her a solution to her problem. They meant well, but it never helped, and certainly embarassed her. Usually the message was religious and I think it was always meant as heartfelt & sincere, but it was never appreciated. About 2 years ago I was in the B&N and bought a Covert Bailey book and the clerk told me that I should look into Protein Power – that he had lost 70lbs or so… At the time, I was not ready for the message – I couldn’t imagine giving up my ______ or eating only meat. I just told him ‘thanks for sharing’. — Lila 185 1/1/99 LC since 7/14/00 170/167/140
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Response:
I think that you hear what you need when you are ready to hear it. I knew someone who did CAD a full 5 years before I started. He lost a lot of weight and it seemed so simple. But even though I was overweight then, it just didn’t click. Early this year, I heard about low-carb on a thyroid newsgroup and that lead to some reading, which lead to CAD, which lead to 38 pounds gone in 7 months. It came to me when I was ready. So even though I see other overweight people every day and I wish I could tell them how easy it is to get control of your eating and life, I know that my forcing the information on them isn’t the way to go. However, when ever anyone says, "wow, you look great!" I launch into the low-carb spiel. I try to never miss an opportunity. Ann. 234/196/155? CAD since 2/15/00 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Response:
Being obese myself, I never would. I know all to well how I would feel if a total stranger came up to me and did that. However if someone notices I have lost some weight and asks, I tell them. In some cases these are strangers who see me almost every day. (ie. people at my son’s school for instance) Taffy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
– Taffy I never met a jello I didn’t like. Before you buy.
Response:
My sister asked about it but she was unwilling to give up her bagels, chips and coffee but is still complaining about being 160 lbs. My mom says she is low carbing but I dont know what plan she is on. I think she bought something off an infomercial claiming to be low carb. Pills or something. I’ll have to ask her. It is good to get the information out there to those who want it. Inever knew about low carb until last October. Wish someone had told me about it sooner though. Taffy I do the same thing, Taffy. I sing the praises to low-carb loud and clear if asked how I’ve lost weight. So far, I think only my sister has listened. Donna C.
Before you buy.
Response:
That sounds like somthing my grand mother would say..as she is shoveling the mashed potatoes on my plate….. Stephen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would never say something first to a person, but yes lol it sure kicked me into gear when my mother in law said something to me. She’s older and I know next day after she told me I looked "plump and healthy" Gosh I cried and cried but then I got mad and went low carb ) She doesn’t say that to me anymore ) Tinakaye Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Response:
I simply tell people that I am on Atkins and if they don’t know what it is I give them the name of the book and tell them if they ARE interested to go buy it and read it. A couple of people have and they are now low carbing and have lost weight too. If someone is genuinely interested , it isn’t hard for me to tell. Taffy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would never tell anyone about my diet (obese or otherwise). I am getting sick and tired of everyone commenting about my own food choices! I have these people coming into the lunch room at work, and they are always commenting on my lunch: "Pork Rinds are bad for you!" "Are you on a diet?" "What kind of lunch is THAT?" One particularly large lady says, "I’ve been eating low fat and it is really healthy for you" Another large one says "Bill (another co-worker) has lost 25lbs. drinking Slim-Fast (he is at least 150 lbs. overweight)." I asked the "pork rind" lady, "Pork Rinds are bad for you compared to what?" Her answer: "They have all that fat, and they are just bad for you, OK?" She left before I could tell her "No, it is not OK!" This happens almost every day–same questions/comments. Different people. Not only would I not comment on someone else’s WOE, I just wish they would stop giving me their opinion about mine! Mark 280/255/193
Before you buy.
Response:
I think when you are that obsese (which I was), you will only do something about it if and when you are ready to. Hearing from concerned friends/family was bad enough, but to hear from a *stranger* would be even worse. My So I’m very careful not to suggest it to anyone. But if they ask questions about it, then I will go on about it as much as they want to hear. If it sticks, great. If not, that’s fine too. Nick 395/273/200 Protein Power since Oct 99
Response:
Bad, bad, bad thought! Do you truly think that overweight people don’t know they’re overweight? How about people who are obese due to medical conditions? If you came to me thinking "Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial?" you would have been grossly wrong. As a PCOS woman, there has been very little known about the condition until recently. Thank God for low-carb! BUT…back to my point…before low carb, there was NOTHING that could make me lose weight. I knew I was overweight, gained weight on weight watchers, and doctors told me I was lying about what I ate. I would gain weight from eating carrots for crying out loud. I wanted to wear a sign around my neck that said "it’s a medical condition." If you approached me about ANY diet, I would have told you to mind your own business, my husband would have broken your nose, and I would have cried for days. So…YOU haven’t a clue why a complete stranger is overweight, and it’s none of your business. I know your intentions are good, but please don’t take action. ~Wendy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Before you buy.
Response:
hear hear Beth! I agree! I’ve gotten many "well meaning" unsolicited advice as to how to lose weight. I’ve been on a very rigorous exercise training program for years and despite 2 hour sessions 4xs a week, watching every morsel I put in my mouth, I can’t seem to shake the weight.No, its *not* all muscle. I’ve lost, gained, lost again and gained again–all w/o knowing why when nothing really changed in my life or diet. And those new-skinnies who proclaim that all you have to do is xxx bec it worked for them—arrrrghhhh!!!! I had this smug guy at work tell me right to my face a couple of weeks ago, "its simple: exercise more, eat less. You have no excuse not to lose weight." Right.
Response:
good post L — -Beth BikeE FX, AT and rans gliss Anchorage, Alaska
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. If I were that person, I would not appreciate your advice because you do not know my personal history. I had been unwantedly given advice by strangers when I was obese, which I did not appreciate because they didn’t know my personal history. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. Why is it a shame? After all, they are strangers and it’s none of their business. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? Nope, I was never in denial of my obesity. I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Honestly, how would this diatribe really motivate a person to lose weight? Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. How can strangers really give you reality checks when they don’t know your personal history to begin with? Comments? Bryan Consider that there are various reasons for obesity such as medical problems, emotional issues, side effects from medicine one is taking, etc. Therefore, give advice only if you are asked for it. In my case, it was emotional eating issues that had ruled most of my life since childhood till 5 years ago at age 30 when I was "finally" ready to resolve them in my own way and time. Then and only then, losing weight and maintenance became easy. All the unwanted advice from strangers did not help me.
Response:
Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Response:
I would never say something first to a person, but yes lol it sure kicked me into gear when my mother in law said something to me. She’s older and I know next day after she told me I looked "plump and healthy" Gosh I cried and cried but then I got mad and went low carb ) She doesn’t say that to me anymore ) Tinakaye
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Response:
That’s true, but on the other hand, your comment to another person might be enough to save their life.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bryan I am on LC, busting my ass at the gym and on my bike and if someone came up to me and suggested something to me about how I should diet I would probably punch them – they dont’ know a thing about my health, body or diet now, and have no business discussing my weight. That being said the only people who I find give me unsolicited diet advice are skinny people who say stupid things like "I lost 15 pounds by just stopping eating ice cream at night". Over my lifetime I have learned a great deal about how my body works, how it loses and how it gains. A strangers advice cannot possibly take into account that knowledge. — -Beth BikeE FX, AT and rans gliss Anchorage, Alaska Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Response:
Hi, I was in a womens church meting last night and there was a woman sitting next to me. She introduced herslef ( Inever met her before last night). After the meeting there was time to chat and she said to me how awful she felt. Bloated and in gerneral unwell along with being embarassed about her tummy. I told her I was trying to lose weight and although I had not lost but a few pounds I told her I knew of a way to at the very least help her feel better. I told her about atkins and the evils of starch and sugar. She was very interested and also said she would tell her daughter about it. I am giving her my copy of Atkins as well as my CAD book….CAD might be a good start point for her and then progress to Atkins. She seemed happy to know that even if she didn’t lose any weight an imporvement on her health was worth the effort of reading the books and giving it a go. I find making friends and just talking people who have weight to lose will often tell you quite a bit about their problems. Once they do that I feel more able to disscuss my plan as they have already shared theirs. Cheers Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would never say something first to a person, but yes lol it sure kicked me into gear when my mother in law said something to me. She’s older and I know next day after she told me I looked "plump and healthy" Gosh I cried and cried but then I got mad and went low carb ) She doesn’t say that to me anymore ) Tinakaye Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
Response:
Bryan, I’ve been tempted to do that myself, but in todays society, anyone who pushes unwanted advice to total strangers is either considered a nut job or someone trying to sell something… Like we used to be, I’m sure, they have not come to terms yet with obesity and just don’t want to hear well meaning advice from their own doctors, let alone strangers. I do however, quickly tell people the evils of hi-carb when asked. :) Someone once thought I’d been on weight watchers, and I quickly set them straight! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
– Sharon P 320/215.5/200 Atkins since 10/99 http://www.geocities.com/pickells_99/lowcarb.htm Discount Nutrition Center http://www.dncworld.com "It is by coffee alone I set my mind in motion, it is by the beans of java that thoughts acquire speed, the hands acquire trembling, the trembling becomes a warning. it is by coffee alone I set my mind in motion"
Response:
i wish someone would have told me about low carb years ago.. but i was too busy eating all that good healthy low fat crap .. hehhe… ooooh i wish someone would have at least slipped me a newspaper article or SOMETHING about low carb.. i might be at my goal and not have wasted all this time hiding from the world. Yeah it would have made me mad for someone ot say something to me, but it would only be a reaction out of embarrassment. A lot of people dont know about low carb and the only way they will ever know is for someone to tell them.. thats how it FINALLY happened to me. Beth ( another one )
Response:
Bryan I am on LC, busting my ass at the gym and on my bike and if someone came up to me and suggested something to me about how I should diet I would probably punch them – they dont’ know a thing about my health, body or diet now, and have no business discussing my weight. That being said the only people who I find give me unsolicited diet advice are skinny people who say stupid things like "I lost 15 pounds by just stopping eating ice cream at night". Over my lifetime I have learned a great deal about how my body works, how it loses and how it gains. A strangers advice cannot possibly take into account that knowledge. — -Beth BikeE FX, AT and rans gliss Anchorage, Alaska
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many times I have seen extremely obese people and thought about introducing myself and telling them about the LC diet I’m on. However, I’ve never had the nerve to do it. It’s a shame that total strangers can’t communicate important information like this and openly discuss their mutual problems/solutions, without a fear of embarassment, intrusion, etc. You might think, "Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to approach me and tell me I need to go on a diet". But seriously, why not? Are you afraid that you might have to actually accept the fact that you have a problem? Or do you just want to stay in denial? I honestly wish that someone had kicked me in the ass and said, "Bryan, you’re the size of a damn Volkswagon. You need to lose that weight as soon as possible or you’ll drop dead. And I don’t think we’ll ever find a box big enough to bury you in." Reality checks by strangers can make you mad, but they can also make you take action because it forces you to accept the truth and deal with it. I was in denial about being obese and finally unscrambled my brain without anyone’s help (except on this newsgroup) and it was a painful process to finally accept my problem and move to a solution. Comments? Bryan
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