How to Help Out a Friend Who is on a Diet

The chances are we all have or at least have had a friend who is watching their weight, whether they are just erring on the side of caution, or they have a full fledged obsession, they could probably use some support to help them avoid the many pitfalls that come with dieting.

I'm not saying that you have to politely listen if they are continuously rambling on about calorie counting, there's a line! But some encouragement and support certainly wouldn't go amiss.

Some of these things may seem really simple and obvious, but you would be amazed at how often they are forgotten and what a difference they can make.

• If/when they come round to your house, always respect the fact that they are watching their weight, this doesn't mean that you have to go out of your way to accommodate their calorie counting habits, but if they don't want to have a drink or a takeaway, it doesn't mean that you can't have one! Many people say that they feel guilty eating high calorie food in front of dieters, which is very considerate, but a dieter doesn't want anyone else's life to stop and they certainly don't want to deprive anyone else!
• Most people think that to offer someone that is on a diet a sweet or candy is bad form, but it's also quite impolite not to offer! If you offer and they decline, fair enough, but don't keep offering saying, "are you sure?" because trust me, they are sure.
• If they appear to have lost weight, tell them! There is nothing worse than when you have been strict with yourself and you feel like you have gotten nowhere, hearing that you have lost weight is a confidence booster and it can really help keep you going!
• If they are on the lookout for any low calorie snacks, sweet or savoury and you know of any, let them know! They won't think that you are being offensive and if you find them a low calorie treat that they enjoy, they will be singing your praises!
• If you are going out for a meal and they choose to order a salad, or a low calorie option, don't make a big deal out of it, and certainly don't tell them that they should be treating themselves if the choose not to order dessert, they know when they will treat themselves and what with.
• Tell them they look good or great or something like that, don't tell them they look "much better" even if you think they do, it just sounds insulting.
• Don't ask them how much weight they have lost, they might not be comfortable talking about that, and if they are comfortable with it, they will tell you.
• Don't talk about their weight loss with another person whilst they are in the room, it's just plain rude!