3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Tell Anyone You’re Dieting

Diets – a major lifestyle choice that we rotate at least three times a year. For most people, dieting works best when they have a network of people supporting them and keeping them on track. But some people would rather stick it out alone without a cheer squad constantly reminding them of this change. Here’s why you shouldn’t tell anyone in the first place (note: a strong sense of will power is EXTREMELY encouraged).

1). Suddenly everyone becomes a health expert. I have no idea what it is but once you mention to someone that you’re on diet, they all of a sudden know everything about healthy food and feel like they can tell what you need to do in order to succeed. And what’s worse is that you don’t have to know that person or tell them anything. It could be the random customer behind you in the checkout line who’s snooping around your groceries. What the heck?! They see the healthy food and (for some reason) feel compelled to ask why you’re buying these items.

While it is nice (or not) that someone is willing to help you with your diet, unless you asked for it, it’s none of his or her business. There are many different ways to diet and you’ve found one that you think will work for you. The advice you should really be accepting is from your dietitian, doctor, or the spokesperson of the diet. If said annoying person asks you about your impending diet, tell him that you’re trying a new recipe. You’re not lying because you are trying something different. For all they know, you’re cooking for a large family or a get-together. They don’t need to know that it’s all for you and to what extent you’ll be dieting.

2). People think it’s all about body image. And it may be that for you, but that’s not always the case. You will hear “You don’t need to change. You look beautiful just the way you are.” While it’s a welcome compliment, you may not have had a problem with your body image to begin with. I can’t speak for myself, but I know of some people whose motivation for dieting was to live a healthier lifestyle with no expectations for their outward appearance. Not everyone is trying to fit into that pair of jeans.

3.) It might not work out. Uh oh. Honesty time. This is for those without will power. Sorry to be the Debbie Downer, but this is a possibility. The problem is not that the diet won’t work; the problem is that people will always remind you of the failed diet. I still have friends today who remind me of diets I quit like three years ago. Of course I don’t want to broadcast that my plan fell through, but the problem began when I told people that I would be dieting or when I mentioned it in passing. If you never mention that you started a diet, you never have to be reminded that you stopped. Of course you can’t fault the person for reminding them especially when you didn’t tell anyone that the diet fell through, but it’s better to save yourself the pain.

The important part is not to make it so obvious that you’re on a diet. This may be hard especially in social settings. If you’re on a diet that allows you to have little indulgences, then by all means eat that bacon-wrapped hors d’oeuvre; enjoy that slice of moist cake. Folks will be none the wiser. If someone notices that you’ve lost weight, it’s ok to him or her, but be liberal with your answer. You don’t have to tell them the specific diet. You can give them the same answer as the nosy customer: you’ve made a lifestyle change. I know it’s cliché but it is the truth and more importantly, it’s solely your business.