Maintenance Weekly 17th July 2006 - After the Diet...

[Mitra]

Without a doubt, what follows "the diet," is the most difficult, but arguably the most important, phase of any nutritional plan.

Staying Power

Occasional some family member will ask why I'm still not eating piles of bread or potatoes or sugar. Clearly they don't understand why I should "still be on a diet," when I don't need to lose any more weight (they generally aren't interested in talking about other health benefits). Or, they'll ask when I'll be able to go back to eating pasta. Actually, I do eat all of those things either in small quantities, or very occasionally, but my friends and family seem to completely miss the point that if I go back to eating the way I did before, I'll go back to feeling the way I did before, and putting on weight the way I did before.

Even though I always knew that eating low carb was a long term change, not just something to do for a few months to lose weight, I still did have a bit of adjusting to do in transitioning to maintenance. It wasn't until then that I had to really take on board that this was it. I didn't have quite the naive view that I could "diet" then somehow eat everything in sight without paying the price, but I think there was still part of me that held on to a slightly romanticised version of life "after the diet."

I know that most of us here have found that "after the diet" isn't all that much less restrictive than "during the diet," but do you still find people expect you to eat "normally" if you don't need to lose weight? What do you say to them?

[mcsblues]

Well like you, I tell them this is for life, I am doing it more for my health than I am for weight loss/maintenance ... but I don't labour the point. I don't because diet is a very personal thing - more so than politics and probably for most people, more than religion. In polite society you don't loudly proclaim or defend your views on those subjects because doing so is not just stating your views, but by implication judging those of others (particularly so if they are asking the 'why would you do that/believe that/live that way' sort of questions!). This applies double for diet. If people are receptive ... fine, if they really want an argument ... fine, but generally they are just going to be hurt or confused by you passing on the "healthy whole grains", the cholesterol lowering margarine or the jam sweetened with 'natural fruit juice concentrate' ... so I don't make a big deal out of it ... and hopefully they can respect that - even if they are horrified by what you do eat!!:lol:

[Carmen Sandiego]

What do you say to them?

Normally not much! :) I do have so many people in my life (not necessarily close friends or family) that seem more concerned with what I'm eating or not eating...than I am!!! <Yet these people were completely silent when I was overweight and scarfing down doughnut after doughnut!>

Many also like to tell me about all the things I'm doing "wrong"...always unwarranted advice! :D Personally, I could never impose my views on anyone else as frequently and in such a demanding way that many people I know do!

I was previously on Atkins and that yielded much more scrutiny than when I say PPLP! :p

Now I normally just say that I limit my intake of refined carbohydrates, get in sufficient amounts of protein, and no longer fear fat! And my focus is long-term health gains!

[Shadow]

I know that most of us here have found that "after the diet" isn't all that much less restrictive than "during the diet," but do you still find people expect you to eat "normally" if you don't need to lose weight? What do you say to them?
Thankfully, after enough years of this WOE, no one even thinks about bringing it up to me :lol:. Now I just have to listen to comments made to 3rd parties how I am "the healthy eater" of the office :rolleyes:.

[banshee]

Actually, in my group of friends, we have so many different food allergies/issues, that I often feel like I'm just "part of the crowd". We have one person who's deathly allergic to anything with soy; another who can't eat wheat, tomatoes, and pretty much anything with preservatives; another who does low carb, but not quite as strictly as I do; and in addition to low carb, I'm also allergic to several foods. So when the group of us goes out to eat, I'm definitely not the strictest in terms of customizing my meal! In fact, we always warn the waitresses that we're a difficult group, but that we tip well if they get all the special restrictions correct!

Oddly enough, the one place I still have trouble is with my parents. They just don't understand why I don't want to have "just one bite" of some sugary dessert. But then, my Mom still offers me coffee whenever I'm home even though I've *never* drunk coffee. I just refuse politely and firmly, whether it's coffee or dessert I'm being offered. :rolleyes:

[Relief]

most everybody i know, knows that I am a nut/fanantic and doesn't bring it up anymore :D

The upside of that is that several people who know that i don't eat sugar have recently come to m e for help because they have realized that they need to eat better--either because a Doc has told them 'cause thier blood sugars are getting too high, or every diet has left them fatter and tired-er and they've seen my success ( and heard a rant or two :D :D )

THese days, with new people who notice or mention it, I just say I don't eat sugar or wheat 'cause both my parents were diabetic and I was borderline and leave it at that. It is a bit of a stretch of the truth but says enough to either shut them up and/or pique their interest!

[cmcole]

It's sort of funny (in a wierd sort of way) that recently when my hubby was sent to the diabetic clinic, they told him practically what I've been saying all along (and he even admitted that). However, they do add more starches than I would, and they keep saying "nothing is forbidden, it's just quantities and portion control".

I don't like their entire menu plan, with the fruit juices and breads, even if they are "whole grain", but it has made him stop and think for a moment (between bites of bars or "sugar free" cookies).

I wish there were a miracle turn-around wherein I could get him to eat better, especially between meals. We eat meals together, and they are usually in my line of menu choices (albeit he often adds potatoes or fries to his). He still has to learn to cook less when it comes to starches, because in that regard, his portion control stinks.

I'm rambling.

Yes, he's joked about it ("what restaurant are you going to drive crazy today?"), and wondered why "one bite won't kill you", but for the most part, he is supportive.

I do get strange looks when passing up cake at work, but they've grown accustomed to it, I think.