Not offending a group member

One of my group members is trying to lose weight & get healthier, as are we all!!. This person is doing carb restriction, and I think is possibly following Atkins. The thing that gets me is that I want to be supportive, give motivation, and good feedback. But he/she is doing something that I believe is actually very unhealthy ...eating about 6 pieces of bacon a day. Since nitrites are implicated in cancer, and all those saturated fats are truly bad for your arteries, I would like to say something. But I have only been in this group for a week or so, and I don't want to offend this person, who sounds like a smart, fabulous and vibrant individual. What should I do?

Sat. Mar 15, 7:47pm

I'd agree with that. If she were eating a pound of bacon, maybe...but 6 slices? We all consume something that probably isn't the best for us, but unless it's hindering her weight loss goals or seriously putting her health at immediate risk - let it go.

If you feel you must say something (and sometimes that compulsion gets the best of us, doesn't it?) the only way I can think to bring it up is to ask if she's worried about the trade off of eating bacon on a daily basis or saying something like "I'm envious, my cardiologist would strangle me if he knew I was eating bacon every day."

Saturday, March 15, 2008, 8:40 PM

I'm in a group with someone who, I swear, invents stress for the sole purpose of justifying a string of fast food binges. I don't say anything because it's obvious there's nothing I could say that will change her behavior, but it's not easy sitting back and watching the very predictable train wreck unfold every couple of days. I've been down her path in the past and it's hard to spectate on my own past behavior.

If you really do want to say something to your group member, check out the guidelines for the most current verion of Atkins - I'm pretty sure it no longer includes bacon as a 100% "free food" because of the nitrites and the high sodium content. They did that to cheese too, can't remember the reason for it though.

Saturday, March 15, 2008, 8:54 PM

Let the Dr be the one that tells the group member it's not healthy...just be as supportive as you can be.

Sunday, March 16, 2008, 12:27 AM

That's the reason that I don't join groups with calorie counters. Or vegans. Each person has their own idea of what is healthy- and there is are virtually no conclusions out there- sure mainstream has it's ideas, but many of us think mainstream is bought and paid for by agribusiness.

So don't say anything. They may think something about your diet plan is wrong, but if they've been keeping their mouth shut, so should you.

Sunday, March 16, 2008, 11:48 AM

Actually, I think science pretty well supports if you eat fewer calories than you need - you'll lose weight.

Sunday, March 16, 2008, 12:43 PM

If you want to support this person, just concentrate on what you do agree with. You're not there to judge other people in your group, just as they're not there to judge you. If someone tried converting you to their faith, what would you do? Would your first reaction be to say, "Wow, I never knew about that," or "Do you think I can't think for myself?" You can't control what others do to themselves, just as they can't control you.

Sunday, March 16, 2008, 9:04 PM

You should totally say something! People are here for help i.e, PEER TRAINING! now this person likely knows that eating a ton of bacon is not healthy, but ytou should mention your health concerns it in a supportive, non-judgemental way - "hey, teammate, you're doing great woth staying on your plan/loosing weight! I just noticed that what your eating might lead to health complications down the road, and I'm worried about you. Have you read up on the risks of eating high amounts of animal protein and fat?"

Sunday, March 16, 2008, 11:38 PM

Sounds like a tough situation you got yourself there... I myself think the Atkins diet (while it may work) is very foolish. Your body needs carbohydrates to function properly and a carb restrictive diet, if not followed properly, can seriously hinder a persons overall performance, and even worse, can have negative effects on their health.

Obviously this group member will follow the diet she chooses, but it can't hurt to raise your concern on the matter. Like others have posted, this is Peer Trainer.. your here not only to help keep yourself on track, but to discuss and perhaps learn new techniques for dieting and weight management...

Sunday, March 16, 2008, 11:58 PM

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