I've found that most people I know don't like being told what to do or think. In fact, I don't either :)

If people you know want to change their fitness lifestyle, then at least they have someone to go to.

edit: WEIRD, how did my post get on top??

Have any of you ever had a problem convincing people that their eating style was wrong, and if you're 50-100 lbs over weight, something has to change?

Ever since basically changing my lifestyle, I've seen the effect it has had on me, and have tried, effortlessly to convince my parents, my grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles....basically my whole intermediate family, and extended family, that our family has a history of obesity, and something has to change.

And not only that, but we have a history of heart problems. My grandfather alone has had 6 heart attacks, two of which were almost fatal. Yet, he did the whole diet thing for 6 months, lost 40 lbs, then went back to normal and gained that 40 lbs back.

I guess in a way its more frustrating then anything. Just today, they were talking about water, and how they read a 'report'....where someone had said drinking too much water will cause massive kidney failure. Now, I drink more water than two of them combined....almost 12-15 cups per day, and outside of a rampant use of the bathroom, I've never had a problem. But its impossible to convince them....they believe that too much water is going to kill them, and thats where it ends.

Secondly....they don't want to be told that they're eating wrong. I've had to change my eating style....incredibly. And it has resulted in weight loss. And everytime one of my family asks how I lost almost 50 lbs by now....I just tell them its a lifestyle change. Yet, when it comes down to what 'actually' has to be changed, they don't listen. And ALL of them, except one of my brothers is obese. Not only overweight, but obese.

Is it worth it? I can understand how I can be annoying....nobody wants to hear that consuming almost 300 carbs per meal is bad for you, and when you've formed the opinion that protein, not carbs turns into fat....what could I possibly say to change that? I've even talked to a dietitian, and asked her if she could come talk to them(my family)....and she gladly would, but my family wants none of it.

I think my biggest problem is the fact that for 18 years of my life, I became severely overweight. Shot up to almost 270 lbs at age 17, and nobody, not in my family anyways, told me that I had to change something. Instead, it took one of my friends to push me into exercising....and eating right. And I'm grateful...for what she did, and because I love my family, I want to pass it on. Yet, constantly I'm met with the 'I know better than you' attitude, despite me being the one who has successfully lost weight, and them being ones who just constantly talk about it, and never get something done.

And to top that all off.....they believe just about every 'fad' or 'diet' that comes along, and try it for a month.....don't get the results they want, and go back to their 'normal' lifestyle.

My youngest brother is turning out like I did....already obese, little to no exercise, and despite all my effort in trying to get him started eating right, my mom for one, is constantly telling him its alright....he'll loose the weight when he grows up.

I know people don't want to be told about being 'wrong'....and that something has to change, but does it have to be THIS hard? I'm almost to the point where I'm just going to give up. When my dad becomes incapable of moving because his knees can't support his massive weight anymore, or when my grandfather finally has that fatal heart attack because he refuses to control his cholesterol....maybe then they'll listen.

But now....hell, it ain't worth arguing over.

Bottom line? You can't change people if they don't want to change. If they ask for advice you can offer it, but it's up to them to take it. It's as simple and as frustrating (especially when it concerns people you love, I know) as that.

I understand what you're saying and yes it is a difficult task to motivate someone to change their lifestyle.

I believe this is one of those topics where it is nearly impossible to change someone's mind. They have to do it for themselves. Other examples would be - matters of the heart, religion, politics, etc.

You should definitely try to influence your brother - he's young and has the most life left anyway. My opinion is to focus that energy on him and do what you can with the rest of your family.

Maybe you could try preparing some healthy meals for the family? Show them it doesn't have to be difficult and that the food will still taste good.

Good luck - your family is lucky to have someone who cares about them so much.

I've never tried convincing someone who wasn't already open to the idea to begin with, and I don't think I will. There are a few things in life that are so profoundly and deeply ingrained into people that trying to talk to them about is like talking to a brick wall - there's no point. These things are:
Politics
Religion
Diet/Fitness
MusicThe vast majority of people are absolutely closed off in their minds about these things. Over the years, even before I started eating right and working out, I noticed that people are waaaaaay passionate about their food. People love eating, in general, and love the particular foods they eat. Food for a lot of people seems to be as important as sex and there's no way they want to give it up, regardless of how bad their health gets. It's sad.

It's like everyone believes that's just the way it is. "Humans are just inherently fat. That's all there is to it. I'm supposed to be like this. It's a fact of life." In my experience these people are not open to any discussions and advice regarding diet and fitness unless a true desire for change starts to develop from within them. I gather that's how it was for a lot of us here - we reached some sort of epiphany or breaking point and decided we wanted to change. We thus became open to information regarding what needed to be done.

I'm not sure it's possible to turn 99% of the people before they've had their own epiphany, breaking point, or "moment." People are just too attached to their food and their lifestyle to give it up. It's like food is family, or a lover, or like sex. It's like their food is crack or heroin. I don't understand it. I guess it must be some sort of evolutionary thing.

Speaking of evolution, our evolutionary ancestors spent thousands and thousands of years in an everyday life and death struggle for survival to develop the human body into what we know it as today (how many fat cavemen and hunter/gatherers do you think there were?). To me it seems like a disrespect to them and their hard work that we choose to sit in front of the tv all day getting fat eating twinkies and pizza.

I've not tried to convice those who weren't already open. I don't plan to either, since there's no point. Diet and fitness are one of the forbidden subjects for me (others being politics, religion and music), so I don't discuss it unless I'm talking to someone who's also into it, or open to the idea and wants to change. People are way too opinionate about it, even when they have no factual information about it. You can't even point to people and say "look at them. they're fit and healthy because they changed their diet and worked out," because they'll just say that person is just genetically gifted and special. They'd know, after all, since they've "tried everything," so it can't possibly be diet and exercise.

I can definitely relate...have a history of heart disease in my family and my father is the most stubborn man when it comes to listening to nutrition advice. "I need to get started on this or that,"--his favorite phrase.

I also have spent much of my youth overweight (11-25). Last year I lost about 40 pounds and was hoping to inspire him but the cylinders havent really fired.

One of the moments that did it for me was getting my Lipid profile done, and seeing the results, so many numbers in red (high). As I looked up things I never even heard of i started to see things like 'heart disease' 'liver disease' dysfunction....scared me straight. Being overweight in my youth it made me feel like i had missed so much life already and i didnt want to miss my adulthood too.

If you're trying to help out family and friends, my advice would be this. Baby steps. There's no point in getting someone to sweat the details of proper nutrition and fitness if they're not doing the basics right.

Tell them you're not going to put them on a 'diet.' Most people hate that word anyway (and so do I). Start with something simple, like getting the proper amount of protein everyday, or just timing the meals right. Suggest some filling breakfasts that suit their tastes, omlettes, (relatively) low sugar cereals, some yoghurt. Just eating 3-4 meals properly rather than 2 big snack binges and 1 huge meal in the evening is a step in the right direction.

Imagine if you told someone they could have a steak or pork for lunch (~200grams for a man), they'd probably like that. And it might actually prevent them from raiding the cabinets at 2pm and loading up on biscuits and chips. With the steak, throw in a pepper and some lettuce.

30 minutes a day get them to do walk to someplace they might drive to. Tell them to go shopping, buy some track pants, buy them a $5 itunes certificate so they can download some walking/workout music they'd like. Bottom line, get them excited about what they are doing. Make it as much fun as you can, and maybe they'll meet you half-way.

You might find with these small steps that they find doing the harder things more to their liking after a while.

Good luck with all your efforts!

I feel your pain. I come from a great, big Italian family who do nothing but eat every time the gather. They eat pasta, they eat pizza, sausages loaded with processed meat and fats, they eat bread dipped in alfredo sauce or marinara loaded down with salt and sugar - if it's carb-heavy and bad for you, they eat it.

As a result, they're almost unanimously a collection of obese people. My grandmother's had triple-bypass surgery, yet she still stands barely five feet tall and weighs a staggering 200-lbs. Her brothers have all suffered cardiac problems. My grandfather has suffered more than one stroke. Every "disease" in my family is fully preventable - my family members suffer from strokes, heart disease and cardiac problems brought on by obesity, Type II diabetes, and so on and so forth.

And as I approached age 25, standing barely 5'6" and weighing a disturbing 210-lbs, that was considered normal to them. People in my family "normally" got out of college, got a job, and got "fat". Fat is a sign of prosperity to them.

If they'd change their habits, they'd likely avoid medical problems altogether, but they don't see that.

Why?

I don't know. I've tried to educate them, but it hasn't made a dent over the past five-plus years now. I gave up a long time ago.

In fact, they think there's something wrong with me for being so conscious about my health. When I initially went through my transformation (37-lbs. in 15 weeks), they thought I had a disease and was losing weight because I was dying - I kid you not, they sat me down and asked my wife and I if I was sick - just because I was losing fat.

My best advice is to lead by example. I have converted a couple of people in my family, but it has been slow going. My mother now goes to the gym and eats five or six small meals a day. She's lost about 20-lbs. It trickled down to my best friend, who post-divorce, came to me for weight loss assistance. Four months later? He'd lost 40-lbs.

There has to be an obvious, looming impetus to get people to change, and without that, you're wasting your time. So the saying goes, you can lead the horse to water... but you cannot make it drink.

-R

The "I know better than you" attitude doesn't work, even if it's coming from an expert.

People eat the way that they do because it seems to be the best thing for their immediate situation. When recommending particular methods of diet and exercise, keep in mind how it fits into the goals and schedule of the person you're recommending it to.

Everyone knows they should be eating a well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and limiting their consumption of sugar and saturated fats. But it's easier said than done, and for a lot of people, it's a very difficult and unpleasant way to eat. It takes a lot of patience to wait for the palate to adjust, and for the sugar cravings to lessen. It's more pleasurable in a lot of cases to try out the fad diets that sound tasty and exciting.

I'm in the middle of a fight with my daughters' schools which I started last spring. The school board has a policy, which I'm trying to get supported by administration and staff. But it's not going anywhere. In theory, the kids are not allowed to bring chocolate, chips, or candy in their lunches. They are not allowed to fundraise with any of those items, nor put on any special functions that serve anything with "minimal nutritional value". But they continue to do so because they are profitable items which are in a lot greater demand than nonfood products or healthy foods.

I'm not trying to tell people how to control their diet; I'm just trying to keep unreasonable food products outside of the educational institution, because it sends inconsistent messages about the school's position on health, and because it allows poor nutritional habits to take hold in young students.

People don't want to remove enjoyable things from their daily routine, and they don't want to add distasteful things to their routine. Better to whip up a fabulous delicious salad and share it with your family, or invite them to play a strenuous game of basketball with you than to tell them they should eat more vegetables and be more active.

My mother now goes to the gym and eats five or six small meals a day. She's lost about 20-lbs. It trickled down to my best friend, who post-divorce, came to me for weight loss assistance. Four months later? He'd lost 40-lbs.
That's awesome to hear! Congrats to them both, and good job to you! :) :tucool:

oh jeez that must be hard- knowing that the people you love are slowly 'killing' themselves and don't want to hear anything about it... I have an older bro adn we are quite competitive, i started geting buffed up and he started working out- he had no routine or anything and thinks he is going to get results, i tried to talk to him and was really suprised at how bitter he was about it. I kinda got him on track by doing little 'lies' i would say stuff like "wow i saw a guy on youtube who has 3% bodyfat and it completly ripped" (my bro was mad cause he couldn't see his abs) i don't know maybe just drop in little things like "i remember when i was fat and i tried getting into the car" just little discreat things that might get them to realize how much better the quality of there lives would be with exersize and all that.

For me it's nearly the opposite. My dad worked out with weights, exercise bike, etc. He looks heavy, but it's mostly muscle. My brother is just naturally skinny (the only one in the family).

My mom, on the other hand, lost the weight from being pregnant with my brother (20 years ago), but gained it all back and then some and has been trying various fads over the years to lose it, but I think she's finally just settled on a gym membership and eating better and is very slowly starting to come back down in weight.

Me, however ... well, I knew I wasn't fat, just had fat "parts." Most parts. But I always said I was allergic to sweat. And I love Doritos. However, I never discussed it with anyone, especially my parents, 'cause I didn't want them to think that I thought it mattered what I looked like.

But, after feeling self-conscious for years; having a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes; feeling cramped in airplane seats; and being dateless this decade, I've finally gotten into the whole "lifestyle change." I weigh less now than I did when I graduated high school, but I've still a ways to go.

Well, at least I'm not alone. :tu:

I've decided to leave it alone for a while. I got them talking at least....even if it turned into an argument.

Great replies all around.

But now....hell, it ain't worth arguing over.

I think it is worth arguing, just have to find the right argument to let them counter their own excuses.

I have a good friend, couple of years younger than me who's about 50 pounds over. We argue in a quiet way about it because he continues to "diet" all the time, rides a recumbent bike every night but never loses much at all. I understand his arguments too. His whole lifestyle is one big excuse and he can't see his way clear to doing much about it. Difficult family, high blood pressure, anti-depressants, medication for both and medication for the side effects of both which wreak havoc with his weight gain, and he has to work continuously just to maintain parity in the job. There is very little home life and his breakfast and lunch is a bag from McDs washed down with a 4-pack of diets shakes.

I worked beside him for a few years and so I'm empathetic to forced lifestyle of too much commute, work and too many family problems and too few choices in lunch. They're good excuses if there is such a thing. Not much time to do things right so you start making excuses why you can't shift to a regimen that will do you some good. I read one post this morning with some excellent journal references on effective weight loss through diet and resistance training so tonight I'll be mounting another assault on him by email. Fortunately he is a scientist and so journals are gospel to him. I realize that for most that doesn't work quite so well. But I'm hoping I'll win the argument this time. ;)

Initially anyway, to make a lifestyle change means adding additional time taken where there may be none. I think it feels like the straw and the camel thing to people. Just going to the store and shopping in advance for diet so you aren't at Ronald's merciless death grip is one example. They won't realize that it may actually save time in the long run to adopt the lifestyle that will get them out of it (well and save money too). For example, he's spending a lot more time on that bike that he would if he'd just drag the kid's weight bench into the house.

If you care, I think the best thing to do is keep trying new ways to reach them so they can see it and give them a bit of hope again. If you think about it, that what gets them going with the fads, a moment of hope. That's why my friend is gorging himself on packaged diet shakes and riding the bike, he's hoping he's doing something. With fads it gets dashed pretty quickly when they don't work but the fact that they get that moment of hope means they must want it and, they have the potential of hooking up on something that does work. I know he doesn't want to live that way and it actually compounds his problems. It doesn't work for self-image and keeps a feeling of failure spread all over life (hence additional money on anti-depressants ;)). They just have excuses you have to work around so they can believe too.

To some degree a friend did that with me and I'm lifting now, loving it and no excuses ever come to mind. I think it's worth the argument.

Yes I know what you are saying. If everyone listened to me the entire world would be a better place to live. But they always think they know better. :tucool:

If everyone listened to me the entire world would be a better place to live. But they always think they know better. :tucool:

I think that nearly everyone thinks that way. :p

I feel pretty fortunate after reading this thread. My family is overweight (though significantly less so than several years ago), and their eating habits are very difficult for them to change, but they really want to change. My sister and cousin were working out with me for a while, but they stopped once work stress got in the way.

Now my sister is pregnant, and my dad desperately wants to get in shape, so he has actually started lifting weights with me! I pray he'll remain consistent with it. I'm training him in the way I wish I would've started (starting from the get-go with a balanced full body work out 2x a week including squats, moving to 3x/week split routine in a couple months, ideally).

Early on, I was the "food nazi", and my family figured it was a phase. I quickly got quieter, but I never quit my lifting. Now they see that I eat healthy, but still enjoy the occasional junk food with my cheat meals, yet I stay slim. They are noticing, and slowly they are changing. I know that if my dad sticks with this lifting and gets in shape, it won't be long before my whole family is fit :)

My advice would be to keep your mouth shut and lead by example. Volunteer to help them with things often, simply because your in good enough shape to do so. They'll notice that you can carry 2 at a time of those 40 lb bags of salt to the water softener without breaking a sweat ;)

Quickest way to turn someone off is to give advice when you were never asked. Frank O'Dea (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_O%27Dea) (co-founder of second cup and an incredibly interesting person) put it best (based on his inital life of poverty and alcoholism) that people need to find their own bottom. For instance, he suggested that sometimes it's better to give a person with a problem what they crave, so that they hit their bottom sooner. Not saying you push sweets and fast food on anyone....but sometimes it's just better to bite your lip and say nothing.

People resist change, so I'd only mention what you do, when asked.

The other day someone was trying to push eating some godawful dessert on me when I was full and really didn't want it. I politely said no somewhere around 5 times. It really bothered this person that I wouldn't eat it, even though I offered it to them.... that kind of thing I have little paitence for.

Still can't figure out how I started this thread....but Rapp's post is before mine. :confused:

Anyways, some more good responses.

I guess in a way I CAN only lead by example. The problem with that is it takes a LOT of commitment to actually eat/live the right way. I unsuccessfully tired to start losing weight 5 times before I actually became FULLY committed. And I think that scares a lot of people.

Its easier to take that slice of apple pie, or eat fast food instead of going into a restaurant and sitting down for a healthy meal. Its easier to drink juice, pop, beer, etc, etc.....rather that committing yourself to ONLY drink water.

I've done all that....and I know EXACTLY how hard it is to look at junk food I would otherwise binge upon....and just turn away.

My problem is that they're getting older by the day.....sure I can help my brother, which I am.....but the rest of my family is already 30 plus years old. And as they get older, its EVEN harder to change.

Still can't figure out how I started this thread....but Rapp's post is before mine. :confused:

In the technical forum yesterday John said (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=42336) there was some kind of error where these servers are housed that, for a short time, cause the times to be off by 5 hours.

I'm not sure it's possible to turn 99% of the people before they've had their own epiphany, breaking point, or "moment." People are just too attached to their food and their lifestyle to give it up. It's like food is family, or a lover, or like sex. It's like their food is crack or heroin. I don't understand it. I guess it must be some sort of evolutionary thing.

Their lifestyles are neurologically rewarding and collectively reinforced. If they've always been out of shape, and if the entire family is in the same situation, particularly when it is cross-generational, then change seems like an impossibility to them; it must be genetics, this is simply their lot in life, etc.

Proper nutrition and exercise are maligned while crash diets, food fads, and other insanity is promoted as "the way". When the crash diets inevitably fail and the weight tumbles back on, the notion that change is impossible / not worthwhile / unnecessary is reinforced. It's an incredibly difficult barrier to break through.

If an individual tries to break the mold, they are often scolded/scorned as their improvements challenge the collective security and comfort of the group. If the individual succeeds, the worldview of the group is challenged/invalidated. Change in this case means trading in things that are familiar/rewarding/safe (the food, the sloth, etc.) for things that are new/challenging/unknown (proper nutrition, exercise) -- such a trade can be a frightening prospect.



"I need to get started on this or that,"--his favorite phrase.

The problem with that is it takes a LOT of commitment to actually eat/live the right way. I unsuccessfully tired to start losing weight 5 times before I actually became FULLY committed. And I think that scares a lot of people.

Its easier to take that slice of apple pie, or eat fast food instead of going into a restaurant and sitting down for a healthy meal. Its easier to drink juice, pop, beer, etc, etc.....rather that committing yourself to ONLY drink water.

Planning is key. The desire and motivation to change have to come first, but once you have that you need a plan or you're going to flounder (speaking from personal experience :D).

RE: commitment, I think the trick is to create a plan that inhibits your poor fitness habits and encourages your positive fitness habits. Carry a water bottle around to ensure that you choose that over soda. Make time to work out in the evening if you find it challenging to wake up early in the morning to go to the gym. Throw out all of your unhealthy food if you're tempted to cheat. Cook and freeze your meals in advance if you're too tired at the end of the day to make a healthy dinner. Bring a healthy lunch to work if you find it hard to resist eating out with your coworkers. Enlist the help of your family and friends, or start a journal on JSF, to help keep you on track. Find whatever works for you and incorporate it into your plan.



The other day someone was trying to push eating some godawful dessert on me when I was full and really didn't want it. I politely said no somewhere around 5 times. It really bothered this person that I wouldn't eat it, even though I offered it to them.... that kind of thing I have little paitence for.

I hear you. Some people have a peculiar emotional attachment to the foods they prepare. To refuse a dish is some kind of personal injury to them. I'm an incredibly picky eater so I fully appreciate the notion that everyone has a unique palate; a plate of food should not be a referendum on your relationship with the cook. :rolleyes:




Azure, I'll echo the other advice you've gotten here and suggest that you lead by example. You can't force change upon them. Continue working towards your fitness goals; your success in that regard will have a much greater impact than words alone and it avoids any unpleasantries. Eventually, hopefully, they will come around -- the point at which they become interested in what you've done signals the point at which they are open to learning, and that's when you can help them. It can be frustrating, particularly with family, but that's the way it goes.

Its easier to take that slice of apple pie, or eat fast food instead of going into a restaurant and sitting down for a healthy meal. Its easier to drink juice, pop, beer, etc, etc.....rather that committing yourself to ONLY drink water..

One thing I had to point out, sitting down in a restaurant to eat can be the furthest thing from healthy. It is always best to limit eating out. I think McDonald's is healthier then most restaurants.

One thing I had to point out, sitting down in a restaurant to eat can be the furthest thing from healthy. It is always best to limit eating out. I think McDonald's is healthier then most restaurants.

The only reason I may believe that McDonald's is healthier is that their portions are small compared to most real restaurants. But in terms of "parts is parts" in their "meat," the caloric density of much of their food, and the hidden calories in their "healthy" items (like the salad with bacon and eggs and 300-calorie dressing, or their apple slices ... with caramel), I think McD's is much worse.

^^^ Great post.

Especially the first section; I think it perfectly exemplifies the problem that a LOT of people have.

I saw my doctor again today, and he ALSO said that leading by example is a FAR better choice than trying to force someone to change.

Throughout this whole process, and the past year, the thing that has helped me the MOST has been to look at food as something that 'fuels' my body, and something that I require to keep going. Not as something that I SHOULD enjoy. Sure I might eat a cheat meal now and then, but for the most part I'm trying to focus on feeding my body the CORRECT way.

And it helps. More than words can express.

One thing I had to point out, sitting down in a restaurant to eat can be the furthest thing from healthy. It is always best to limit eating out. I think McDonald's is healthier then most restaurants.

True.

But at times you're on the road, no lunch packed, and you need something to eat.

So, go to McDonald's....or go to a steakhouse and buy a steak?

Even Subway is a LOT better than McDonalds.

Throughout this whole process, and the past year, the thing that has helped me the MOST has been to look at food as something that 'fuels' my body, and something that I require to keep going. Not as something that I SHOULD enjoy. Sure I might eat a cheat meal now and then, but for the most part I'm trying to focus on feeding my body the CORRECT way.

:blank:.....:eek:.....:heart:.....:love:


I love you.

Even Subway is a LOT better than McDonalds.

When I drove across the country last summer (Colorado to Ohio and back) I ate at Subway for lunch and dinner for 5 of my 6 meals on the road. So much healthier than a burger and fries. It's "little" things like that to change that help - you can try to ease someone into the lifestyle change and it's much easer (speaking from experience on myself, here).

True.

But at times you're on the road, no lunch packed, and you need something to eat.

So, go to McDonald's....or go to a steakhouse and buy a steak?

Even Subway is a LOT better than McDonalds.

They can be better but you have to watch them also. That steak and a couple of side dishes might total 1500-2000 calories even without desert. One of the best features of Men's Health is the "Eat This, Not That" section. They have publlished a book of them.

A recent study found that subjects ate 350 calories more at Subway than they did at McDonald's. Researchers call it the "health halo": the tendency for diners to overeat when they believe they're eating at a healthy restaurant.

You might not want these at subway, if you are on a diet.

Meatball Marinara
Calories 560
Fat 24 g
Fat 11 g
Sodium 1,590 mg

Turkey Breast Salad with ranch dressing
Calories 430
Fat 37.5 g
Sat. Fat 6.5 g
Sodium 1,140 mg

But what about say ruby tuesday - a veggie burger? That is heathy??

953 calories
52 g fat
75 g carbs

or
Parmesan Shrimp Penne
Calories 1,221
Fat 64 g

Southwestern Spring Rolls (4 rolls)
Calories 708
Fat 40 g

Broccoli & Cheese Soup
Calories 443
Fat 34 g

Get the idea? you could go to McDonald's for:

Asian Salad with Grilled Chicken and Newman's Own low-fat sesame ginger dressing
Calories 180
Fat 12.5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Sodium 1,630 mg

6-piece Chicken McNuggets
Calories 280
Fat 17 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Sodium 600 mg

Egg McMuffin
Calories 300
Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Sodium 820 mg

or what about a quarter pounder hold the cheese?

Calories 410
Fat 19 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Sodium 730 mg

Like everything it all depends.

So, go to McDonald's....or go to a steakhouse and buy a steak?

Even Subway is a LOT better than McDonalds.
:nono: You can't make generalized statements like that. One restaurant is not healthier than another. It depends what you choose to eat there, and what kinds of foods you enjoy.

A recent study found that subjects ate 350 calories more at Subway than they did at McDonald's. Researchers call it the "health halo": the tendency for diners to overeat when they believe they're eating at a healthy restaurant.

But what about say ruby tuesday - a veggie burger? That is heathy.

you could go to McDonald's for Asian Salad with Grilled Chicken and Newman's Own low-fat sesame ginger dressing
I hadn't heard it referred to as the healthy halo, but I absolutely agree. Some of the same people who would call a foot long tuna on whole wheat and a fruit punch a decent meal (1160 calories) would insist on calling anything from McDonald's standard menu unhealthy. Crispy chicken classic sandwich, side salad, and diet coke (470 calories)

I usually choose to eat at a fast food restaurant when given that choice over a sit-down place, because more reasonable serving sizes are available. I usually order that Asian salad, (and sometimes a cheeseburger too). It's still a better choice for me than a standard stir-fry at most restaurants.

Might as well open up another can of worms. We see guys that are eating dainty foods trying to cut calories. Well some of you might have seen me suggesting eating frozen dinners because you are sure of portions and calories, they won't give you more because it cost money.

Here is an example, I ate tonight. Marie Callender's old fashion Beef pot roast with seasoned green Beans. It cost $2.50 at Kroger's a chain grocery. 15 ozs of food. the breakdown:

Total fat 10g
Total Carbs 32g
Dietary fiber 9g
total Protein 27G

Calories 330

You get 40% of Vitamin A, 30% of vitamin C, 25% of Iron, and 10% of calcium. 6 minutes in a microwave and you have a filling balanced meal. 32.7% protein, 38.8% carbs, and 27.3% fat ratios. Try one.:eat:

I know it has some faults, but I don't cook, wife is out of town. Others don't cook. Look at the labels. Don't dismiss them.

I just thought I would chime in here. I am new to the forums, and new to 'working out'. The best thing you can do is lead by example. People who are overweight KNOW they are overweight, and often don't want to talk about it. I know I never did. Quite frankly it is embarrassing.

My father in law inspires me ever time I see him and I don't think he even knows it. He used to be over weight years ago, but he one day decided to work out, and fix his diet. He cooks us grilled chicken and veggies whenever we are over, and works out while watching golf. He's the reason why I want to change, and he has never said a thing to me about my weight, or about working out, or about diet. Just seeing how great he looks at 55 makes me want to make the change and better myself. So even if you don't think that people are paying attention, they are - probably especially your younger siblings. When your family is ready (and some of them may never be ready) they will make the change as well.

I just thought I would chime in here. I am new to the forums, and new to 'working out'. The best thing you can do is lead by example. People who are overweight KNOW they are overweight, and often don't want to talk about it. I know I never did. Quite frankly it is embarrassing.

My father in law inspires me ever time I see him and I don't think he even knows it. He used to be over weight years ago, but he one day decided to work out, and fix his diet. He cooks us grilled chicken and veggies whenever we are over, and works out while watching golf. He's the reason why I want to change, and he has never said a thing to me about my weight, or about working out, or about diet. Just seeing how great he looks at 55 makes me want to make the change and better myself. So even if you don't think that people are paying attention, they are - probably especially your younger siblings. When your family is ready (and some of them may never be ready) they will make the change as well.
Great post and story.

Welcome to JSF! :)

A recent study found that subjects ate 350 calories more at Subway than they did at McDonald's. Researchers call it the "health halo": the tendency for diners to overeat when they believe they're eating at a healthy restaurant.
Wow, someone else actually looked at that napkin they give you, I guess. I was thinking the same thing about a month ago as I sat in subway. Sure, they compare a 6" sub with no dressings to a big mac and large french fries... OK. But what about the "all foot long subs for $5" special they were running when 6" subs cost $4? Well, I watched a girl in front of me order a 6" sub and get convinced to buy the foot long for ONLY A DOLLAR MORE!! Wow, a deal, right?! No, not really. It's only a deal if you were going to buy that anyway.

Standard Subway visit:
I was next in line and said I'll have a 6" subway club to which I was asked the same thing (ft long for $5) and I said no thanks, I only want the 6" sub. They guy looked at me like I had 3 heads, but guess what? I didn't overeat AND I saved a dollar (and I was full). The next thing you need to decide on is the type or bread:
Garlic herbs & cheese
White
Italian
WheatThe next question I was asked: Do you want chips or cookies with that? Do chips and cookies come with the McDonald's meal? Their bags of Doritos are quite large and probably have similar calories to french fries. The cookies are just plain nasty. But wait, that wasn't the last question I was asked to improve my Subway visit... Would you like a soft drink with that? You know, one of the huge sodas or fruit punch with 9875983745#s of sugar in them. I said nope, I have a bottle of water, thanks. I left without having to spend more than 5 bucks (its close to 10 with all that other crap) and I felt great after I ate.

The bottom line: you need to get what you want to eat, not what they are trying to sell you.

Sit-down restaurants, especially those good old-fashion American diners, have got to be among the worst places to eat when you're trying to lose weight. When I look up the nutritional content on the internet of some of the dishes I used to eat...wow, what an eye opener.

As for the Subway foot-long, why not just get it and eat half now and the rest for your next meal?

Another fast-food option I sometimes take when in a bind is an In-and-Out burger (no cheese, no fries) and a diet coke.

Wow, someone else actually looked at that napkin they give you, I guess. I was thinking the same thing about a month ago as I sat in subway. Sure, they compare a 6" sub with no dressings to a big mac and large french fries... OK. But what about the "all foot long subs for $5" special they were running when 6" subs cost $4? Well, I watched a girl in front of me order a 6" sub and get convinced to buy the foot long for ONLY A DOLLAR MORE!! Wow, a deal, right?! No, not really. It's only a deal if you were going to buy that anyway.

Standard Subway visit:
I was next in line and said I'll have a 6" subway club to which I was asked the same thing (ft long for $5) and I said no thanks, I only want the 6" sub. They guy looked at me like I had 3 heads, but guess what? I didn't overeat AND I saved a dollar (and I was full). The next thing you need to decide on is the type or bread:
Garlic herbs & cheese
White
Italian
WheatThe next question I was asked: Do you want chips or cookies with that? Do chips and cookies come with the McDonald's meal? Their bags of Doritos are quite large and probably have similar calories to french fries. The cookies are just plain nasty. But wait, that wasn't the last question I was asked to improve my Subway visit... Would you like a soft drink with that? You know, one of the huge sodas or fruit punch with 9875983745#s of sugar in them. I said nope, I have a bottle of water, thanks. I left without having to spend more than 5 bucks (its close to 10 with all that other crap) and I felt great after I ate.

The bottom line: you need to get what you want to eat, not what they are trying to sell you.

Yep.

That is exactly what I do when I eat at Subway.

$5 for a foot long sounds like 2 meals for $2.50 to me.

If you're into subway, that is. I'm not a big fan of their slimy meat. Blech :blank:

The only way for people to change is when they want to change. Until that point lead by example.

Your example will be much more valuable to yourself and them before the mental/emotional stress you will undergo by trying to change anyone who does not want it.

EDIT: I also personally believe if you check the nutritional information at Chick-Fil-A out you will be quite surprised how healthy their food is compared to other substitutes.