My first challange is tonight. I have an art group meeting at 6:00 and they have goodies. Normally I would have a treat there and have supper when I got home. I decided on a plan for tonight.  Before I go I will have a meal shake, since they fill me up pretty well and  then I will just stay away from the table where the snacks are. This is too important to me to mess up.  I decided not to tell the group that I am dieting right now. My husband is real happy with me. Everyday he tells me he is proud of me and we are both happy I am not getting those sugar ups and downs.

I think there are two camps on this - if your loved ones are generally supportive, then the sooner you tell them the better. Just make sure to give clear boundaries on what type of help you want. My hubby is pretty supportive, so he always knows when I'm watching what I eat. I ask him to be flexible on expectations for dinner when I'm trying new light recipes and to not order apps when we go out to dinner. I have been pretty clear though that I do no appreiciate "food police". If I've gotten to the point where I have the item in my hand, the comment will only come across as hurtful, so I've asked him to avoid those types of things.

If your loved ones are more critical I would possibly wait until you have some success under your belt before letting them know. You might feel like you are keeping a secret, but truthfully most people won't notice what you do or don't eat. If you are having smaller portions than normal and that might raise an eyebrow, head it off by saying you had a big snack earlier, or you have your eye on a snack later. My grandmother was a bit of a food pusher - specifically with full fat milk. She would harp on me to have milk with every meal, which easily added up to me gaining a pound a week if I wasn't careful... But I went to bed earlier than her, so I just started telling her I was going to have a big glass of milk at bedtime. Problem solved.

I usually don't mention to friend I'm dieting unless it comes up socially. If we are going out I'm probably going to order a salad to come when the app comes so I can nibble something too... etc. Also I prefer to serve myself desserts etc because I really do want a "sliver" sized peice. Other people sometimes feel mean by giving you the small size you actually want.... weird huh?

I usually do mention I'm dieting to coworkers so they don't feel slighted if I don't eat the goodies they bring in. Then I make sure to bring in a fruit tray or a healthy baked good so they see I put my money where my mouth is.

Hmmm...telling people you are on a diet.  Well, if they will support you...do it.  If they will put extra effort in sabbotage...than no.  I do tell some people but not everyone because I don't like to be watched.  Is she losing?  Is she still on her diet?  Makes me crazy.

Thanks for the encouragement. I think you are right. I seem to run on sugar, but it doesn't make me feel good. I am feeling better this afternoon after a real good workout, my best in quite awhile. I took your advice and told my workout partner that I am on this diet. She is supportive and now I can have my snack bar while she has her coffee and cookies. I have been reading everyones messages in the morning and it seems to help set me up with the right attitude for my day. I am greatly comforted knowing you are there and excited by your success which will soon be mine, too.  Thank you for your help. I hope you are feeling better soon.

i always tell people about my dieting, because i like the support, people will support you when you are dieting and really trying hard to stick with it.

i have found that after the first week or so your body goes "hey, where did all my sugar go? i want donuts and chocolate, not veggies and fruit" i put it in the same catagory as withdrawl. i have never delt with giving up cigs or drugs or anything, but sugar to me is like a drug, i crave it, i want it all the time and its bad for me. but i found if i can fight through the second week then im over it and i feel so much better for it.

good luck to you and keep going! i have been sick, so sticking to it has been really hard but i have tried to at least keep up with the excersie.

I've been feeling pretty good and unusually happy so far, until yesterday, day 5, and I think my body started to figure things out. The shake doesn't feel as good as it did and I was really down in the dumps last evening. I did hold it together though so that is good and I love the idea that today is a new day.  I workout with a friend, a skinny friend though, three days a week so I am looking forward to our talking sessions afterwards. What do you guys think about telling friends and family that you are on a diet?