Weight Loss Sabotage: By Melody

Today is a crazy day, so today I have an blog post my friend Melody (who is awesome) wrote for a weight loss blog that we started for our office.

The Saboteur
So you're working hard and its starting to show. You're feeling really good about yourself, so you share your happiness with your friend/coworker/family members etc. And they come back with not-so-encouraging words. What the fuck? Why is someone you thought should be happy and encouraging coming back with negativity? Some example comments...

- They urge you to eat sweet or fattening foods
- They use discounting and condescending remarks when you talk about your weight loss
- Continually offer you second helpings of food despite the fact that you say you are no longer hungry.
- Keep a watchful eye on everything you eat, make snide comments, and check up that you haven't eaten "bad" foods in their absence.
- Be overly critical of your weight loss methods.
- Discourage you from getting regular physical activity


Most likely the saboteur finds themselves threatened by your efforts to lose weight. Instead of getting angry, lets think about why they are so insecure about your happiness!

- Friends may think you want to change your life in other ways - maybe you'll be leaving them out of your "new and improved" circle of friends along with your new, healthy lifestyle
- A friend may feel your weight loss makes her extra weight seem more noticeable to others.
- Your significant other may be jealous of, or dislike the attention you are getting from other people
- A family member may resent the time you spend exercising or preparing healthy foods (particularly if they themselves partake of neither) when you could be spending time with them
- A friend may feel guilty about continuing to eat your formerly favorite foods while you eat lighter fare. Or they may miss their "partner in crime" if you frequently ate together or shared "bad" foods or habits .

How sad, aren't they? First it helps to realize that they really are just jealous of your determination and efforts. From there, why not flip it around, and remind them they can join your efforts. If they can't/don't want or need to, call them out on their bad behaviour!

Flat out say "Well that isn't encouraging." Remind them one-on-one that as your friend, you need and value their support. Don't be afraid to call them out on their actions - they should appreciate you putting yourself on the line saying you need them, and turn around to join you in the healthy lifestyle land of goodness.

If this doesn't work, let ME talk to 'em!! hehe