The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[BiggerInTexas]

You are doing so great! Way to go!!

[Pashta]

I appreciate the cheers guys, thanks!

/rant on

I'm not sure if I'm going to be hanging around much longer on these forums though. I am getting a definite "cult" vibe going on here from many of the maintaining crowd and it's creeping me out.

It's just a diet folks. No, diet does not mean "die" diet just means what you eat. That's the definition of it and that's all it is. This is not a way of life. Who wants to eat out of envelopes for the rest of their life to remain at a constant weight? Not me.

It teaches good portion control and what we should aim for when we do go back to normal everyday eating, IF you actually pay attention and learn instead of insisting on eating mindlessly day after day.

I know I am not going to be having MF when I'm done losing weight, sorry. I never overate to begin with but this diet has taught me what I need to eat to stay healthy and strong (less carbs, more protein) so even I have learned.

It's NOT a religion, it's a diet.

/rant off

[Lauren]

Hey, Pashta -

Congrats on the continued losses, and for getting so close to goal!

I am sorry to hear you've been having some negative thoughts about the forum, but I don't really think it's a cult vibe your sensing, but rather, a bunch of folks who've been in the same boat and down the same road together for quite a long time.

I think it is fantastic that you won't need to continue with MF after you reach your goal, but that's just the difference between you and most of the folks here - you said that you didn't struggle with overeating before, and most of us have. Your weight loss goals were directly related to the baby-weight gain, if I remember correctly, and while that is every bit as significant for the joining and starting MF, your lack of history of obesity makes it all the more possible for you to discontinue MF when you're done.

For many of eating is a constant source of trauma and drama for all our days and nights. For us, finding food in a packet is finally a relief, not having to think about food in the same way is a relief, and knowing that we can trust ourselves and our intake is a relief. For many of us it does feel like a "religious experience," as it's the first time we've found respite from the hell that is our daily existence of fat and dieting, and I'll tell you this, Pashta, it's like finally believing God or something is on our side.

So, I totally think it's awesome that you've found the tools to get you where you want to be, and that you have only needed it for a brief stint in life. I wish my own struggles with food were so easily remedied. However, like I said before, most of the people on this forum will need the support of this forum and/or MF and/or some other program to help them continue on in life and keep their foodie struggles at bay. This doesn't make it a cult, but unlike what you wrote, it most certainly has to be a way of life for many of us.

I embrace that way of life. Doesn't make me weird, just really relieved to have found something that works.

Lauren

[MerryMary]

Hey, Pashta -

Congrats on the continued losses, and for getting so close to goal!

I am sorry to hear you've been having some negative thoughts about the forum, but I don't really think it's a cult vibe your sensing, but rather, a bunch of folks who've been in the same boat and down the same road together for quite a long time.

I think it is fantastic that you won't need to continue with MF after you reach your goal, but that's just the difference between you and most of the folks here - you said that you didn't struggle with overeating before, and most of us have. Your weight loss goals were directly related to the baby-weight gain, if I remember correctly, and while that is every bit as significant for the joining and starting MF, your lack of history of obesity makes it all the more possible for you to discontinue MF when you're done.

For many of eating is a constant source of trauma and drama for all our days and nights. For us, finding food in a packet is finally a relief, not having to think about food in the same way is a relief, and knowing that we can trust ourselves and our intake is a relief. For many of us it does feel like a "religious experience," as it's the first time we've found respite from the hell that is our daily existence of fat and dieting, and I'll tell you this, Pashta, it's like finally believing God or something is on our side.

So, I totally think it's awesome that you've found the tools to get you where you want to be, and that you have only needed it for a brief stint in life. I wish my own struggles with food were so easily remedied. However, like I said before, most of the people on this forum will need the support of this forum and/or MF and/or some other program to help them continue on in life and keep their foodie struggles at bay. This doesn't make it a cult, but unlike what you wrote, it most certainly has to be a way of life for many of us.

I embrace that way of life. Doesn't make me weird, just really relieved to have found something that works.

Lauren

Lauren, I like a lot of what you've said ... but I also share some of the same sentiments that Tonia has raised. There have been some pretty heated arguments on this forum and I, for one, never joined it for that purpose. I joined for the mutual support and encouragement that is a major part of the forum. Still, there is a pharisaic attitute on the boards (and in PMs) that sounds much like, "my way or the highway." That is both sad (and cultish).

Unlike Tonia whose weight gain stems from her pregnancy I acknowledge being an emotional eater. For me it has been an eating disorder that developed during my childhood (and I am approaching 60). MF has provided the tools for me to get to the root of my problem--not just to loose weight. Nancy has recommended a book on this forum that I have found most helpful and have referred to others. The advisors present on this forum are outstanding and a blessing to us all.

MF is a system that works. It is simple. I love it and have referred others to it! But it is a system that works FOR you ... it is not a divine entity that is the be all and end all (though some people here seem to think so). There is something more important to me than loosing weight--and that is my relationship with God who is ALWAYS on our side--whether we are fat or thin. Perhaps some people believe that more when they are liberated from their disordered relationship with food. Still, real liberation from an eating disorder requires very personal and soul-searching work--getting down to its cause--for it to be permanent.

I have faith in MF as a weight-loss system. I continue to learn a lot about what my body really needs to be healthy. I appreciate the sincere and oftentimes loving support and encouragement provided here. What I don't like, and certainly don't need during this truly transformational time in my life is the bickering, cliquish and cult-like behavior I have sometimes witnessed here.

And that's the end of my rant ...

[nickieluv]

I think that it's a tough thing to embrace a 'live and let live' attitude about people and their alterations to the plan when you do look at it as helping to change/save your life. You want others to have the same experience.

We all are individuals, though. In what I've read, it seems the main concern is that no one wants a newbie to get off on the wrong foot thinking that something is OK when it isn't. But I think to that I would say shame on the newbie who doesn't read carefully.

MF works as written. It also works, albeit perhaps differently, for many who make changes. I don't think anyone is trying to be cult-ish about it but rather be a strong advocate for it in its unadulterated form.

I too love MF. It has been an important part of my success. Even if all my emotional issues were solved, I don't know that another program would have worked as well for me. *No* program would have worked if I wasn't ready to do the soul-searching required to change my attitudes about myself and food.

But this will not be life-changing for everyone. Some are just using MF as a tool for weightloss and do not need to overhaul their lives. I envy those people somewhat. But we all deserve to lose weight and feel good about doing it.

This is a community like any other and not everyone will get along harmoniously all the time. I've gotten uppity myself over some comments in my journal. But always the comments have led me to examine what I'm doing and decide if it's what I want or if I'm fooling myself.

Pashta, I hope you stay - all the different points of view here are important. I respect your decision whatever you do. And even if you do leave, forever or just for a time, I hope you'll come back when you reach goal so we can see your progress with MF!

[Serendipity]

I think that it's a tough thing to embrace a 'live and let live' attitude about people and their alterations to the plan when you do look at it as helping to change/save your life. You want others to have the same experience.

We all are individuals, though. In what I've read, it seems the main concern is that no one wants a newbie to get off on the wrong foot thinking that something is OK when it isn't. But I think to that I would say shame on the newbie who doesn't read carefully.

MF works as written. It also works, albeit perhaps differently, for many who make changes. I don't think anyone is trying to be cult-ish about it but rather be a strong advocate for it in its unadulterated form.

Thank you for that, nickie.

[MerryMary]

It also works, albeit perhaps differently, for many who make changes.

Amen to that, Nickie!

[ladyhawke]

Pashta, I'd hate to see you go...I have been on and off this board for a long time and it does have a different dynamic at times so plz don't go.

[BiggerInTexas]

I would miss you! We're just getting started! I appreciate your openness and sharing and encouragement!

[SuzyQ66]

Hey Tonia - glad to see that you are still doing great. And you had better not go anywhere. You have helped me tremendously especially when I was stalled. It's interesting that MF changed it's program to include fat because you were all along telling everybody they needed it. Congrats for only being 10 pounds away from pre-baby weight. What an awesome goal.

For me, I have struggled with my weight for the majority of my adult life. There are so many programs out there that promote drinking protein shakes and eating protein bars that when I do finally reach goal and end maintenance, I just may continue to have a couple of supplements each day. Last year I was using a lot of EAS protein drinks and bars - but MF taste so much better. I think it's just a preference. But I do kind of like the fact that if I gained a couple of pounds - I can revert back to the 5:1 to get it back under control. Maintenance will be interesting for me.

[Pashta]

It's interesting that MF changed it's program to include fat because you were all along telling everybody they needed it.

Thank you for noticing that, Suzy! I spent a lot of time researching weight loss and weight loss programs on the internet and have learned quite a bit. I was surprised that they changed it as well, but it is a good thing that corporate is keeping up with the current research and studies.

I thank everyone for their opinions on the matter and the support. I think all of you are kind people and wish everyone the best, even if your thoughts don't mesh with mine.

I will keep my ticker up to date as long as I am on the plan no matter what happens.

Serendipity, I kindly request you to not write in my journal, as it is supposed to be my "personal" space and I do not wish for any more drama. I'll stay out of yours as well. Thanks.

[Pashta]

I got a surprise this morning... 219.8. !! I even did pilates yesterday and extra housework. Though I didn't feel sore after I did them and I don't feel sore today either! Yay! That means that I did gain muscle, right?

My carbs were only 77 something for all day yesterday and I had 11 glasses of water. Low carbs, low calories (still around 1000 though) + lotsa water = good weight loss!

[nickieluv]

Alrighty, you beat me to the teens. Race you to onederland next!

[MerryMary]

I got a surprise this morning... 219.8. !! I even did pilates yesterday and extra housework. Though I didn't feel sore after I did them and I don't feel sore today either! Yay! That means that I did gain muscle, right?

My carbs were only 77 something for all day yesterday and I had 11 glasses of water. Low carbs, low calories (still around 1000 though) + lotsa water = good weight loss!

<img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_30_118.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D23%252F23_30_118/image.gif"> I am so happy for you!! You have the scale movin' in the right direction and you are giving your body a healthy balance besides!! WTG!

[ladyhawke]

Yep, it doesn't surprise me, with your smarts and your drive you can't help but succeed.

Pashta= 1 smart cookie or in our case, MF bar