Have you told anyone you are doing the 12 Week Programme...

[SVR28]

I am keeping it to myself this time. I have tried so many diets in the past, with varying degrees of success, that my supportive friends and husband, I think, are all a little bored of my attempts and hearing about the latest best diet that will end all diets.

Although never as thin as I want to be I have managed to maintain an OK weight for 8 years or so but I had a baby 2 years ago and am now the largest I have ever been.

The reason I am not telling anyone this time is a couple of comments made by people around me that have stuck in my mind, "let's face it you will never be a size 10, be happy the size you are meant to be", "another diet? you are always on diet", "you know diets never last, you will put the weight straight back on" you get the picture. All a bit negative and I don't need it, thanks, I'm hard enough on myself without other people adding to it.

Having decided to keep this attempt low key and stay positive I started the 12 week programme this past Monday and have been doing the 10min exercise routines on the NHS website before everyone gets up in the morning and during the day. My husband means well but when he asked me what I was doing in the mornings so early, I explained I was doing a 10min cardio routine his response was that I should be out running or doing an exercise dvd as I will get more out of that. I didn't want to discuss it at all with him as although I know he means to be supportive it just doesn't comes across like that.

I just want to be left to my own devices, follow the proamme's advice, work things out for myself even if my weight loss is slower than I would like and not have anyone else telling me what I should or should not be doing, what I should and should not be eating.

Does anyone else feel the same?

[Hidden]

Hi SVR28,

I'm doing / have done a slightly adapted version of the 12 week plan to suit my lifestyle.

Many people around me know I'm losing weight because quite simply, the weight loss is now very obvious and indeed has been for quite a long while.

I don't think I ever kept it a secret really, but also I didn't go around exactly broadcasting it at least not at first.

I'm now inclined to talk quite openly and candidly about it and rather hope that by doing that I might encourage others to take the leap.

I so enjoy being in this significanlty lighter body, that I do rather hope that other people who are currently oveweight will find the motivation, courage, or whatever to address their excess weight.

But I do agree with your sentiment. This is MY weight loss journey - no-one else's. I'm not here to dance to anyone else's tune about it and I'll do it at MY pace!

But perhaps some of that is an admission that only I can control / manage my weight and my eating habits and my levels of execise/activity - no-one else is going to do it for me.

Good luck with your weight loss journey.

[SVR28]

Thanks for the response. I guess when I say I haven't told anyone it's just that I am not broadcasting it like I usually do and am just getting on with it.

I'm hoping that, like you, my obvious weight loss in the weeks to come will show what I'm up to but hopefully not have to go into any lengthy explanation until I'm ready to talk about it and feel confident that the changes I've made are indeed here to stay.

What I really don't want is to be eating, say a chocolate digestive that I have planned for, and someone to say "Ooh, should you be eating that?"

I find as soon as someone knows you are on a diet they become your unsolicited conscience/diet monitor which is rather frustrating and demoralising. You can do no right.

I know I come across as rather defensive about all this so maybe I should address that as well. I just need to be firm in my resolve and not let what other people say bother me quite so much! Just take it that they mean well...

I like your blogs and you are an inspiration to us all with your weightloss journey and life style change. Thank you

[Hidden in reply to SVR28]

Hi SVR28,

On the other hand - hey, if it stops you from eating the chocolate digestive, i.e. you 'embarrass' yourself to keep to the new eating regimes until you settle in to them, that's as good a reason as many I could mention!

[notsobigmama]

Hi there. The company I work for decided to set up a "fit club" and 12 lucky folk were selected to improve their fitness and health. Being one of the 12, I have been subjected to public scrutiny by my workmates, but comments have been positive. One of my office colleagues has made a few comments about me "not being able to have a biscuit etc", but I quickly shot him down by having two and saying that I can have what I want as long as I allow for it in my daily intake. He never said the same thing again after that.

I have made a point of trying to not become what I refer to as a "diet bore". If someone asks me how I am losing weight, I briefly explain that it is by eating healthily and exercising. Only if I am asked further questions do I elaborate. I am sympathetic to others who express a wish to have the willpower to do likewise, and wish them luck.

My husband, like yours, had his ideas of what I should be doing exercise wise. I was firm and told him that I was enjoying the classes I was attending and the fact that one of our daughters was coming with me was benefitting her as well. I did get a year's free gym membership as part of the Fit Club and when I was discussing recently that I was going to sign up to continue with this, his comment was that I seem to be getting good value for the outlay and that I was obviously enjoying myself. So, no arguments and he has seen that I have stuck with it for just over a year now. It took a while, but perseverance on my part has convinced him that I have found the regime that works for me.

Keep at it and keep doing what suits you. You will reap the benefits and enjoy the compliments when they start rolling in! Your hubby will also come around when he sees you sticking at it.

Very best of luck and keep us posted.

[SVR28]

Thanks for your comments - good to have this forum and speak to people who share similar experiences.

notsobigmama - Great to hear about your classes and your husband getting behind you on it.

Over the weeks I think I need to prove to myself that I can do it and the rest will follow.

[pinkbow]

Only the two people I'm living with know about it because the plan is on the fridge and I have put restriction to not see any sweets in the house and to be hidden from me to remove any temptation and so far it has worked.

I feel even worse because I have neglected myself and I have no excuse, you on the other hand had a baby !! I can understand why you'd feel the need to remain silent and I do know how it is when people say it's silly.

Good luck with the programme ,keep us posted with your progress. I am only on week 2 but on week 4 on the couch to 5k programme.

[Hidden]

only u guys knows about my diet nobody else around me and I tend to keep it this way.

[carnalily1]

I too have had the same experience. I also feel that this time I will keep it to myself ( and you guys). I failed my driving test 3 times and hated seeing the expectant faces at the window , only to have to say I had failed... The 4th time I only told 1 supportive friend and passed... I kind of see this as the same. They will notice when the weight is off.

Good luck to you and we do not need the pressure of others especially if they think it is funny to be down and negative , x