What is the Personality Type DietThe Personality Type Diet approach on Diet.com is a personality-based weight loss program developed by weight management expert Dr. Robert Kushner. This breakthrough approach recognizes that societal pressures create unhealthy lifestyle patterns and thus removes the personal blame so common among dieters. The Personality Type Diet helps you identify your dominant lifestyle patterns and then gives you pattern-specific strategies proven to cause weight loss and prevent the weight regain so common among other diets.
Who is Dr. KushnerPioneering physician Dr. Robert Kushner, author of Dr. Kushners Personality Type Diet newly released in paperback, St. Martins Griffin, January, 2004 has treated thousands of overweight patients and has published more than 100 scientific articles on obesity and nutrition. Board certified in internal medicine and nutrition, Dr. Kushner has studied in-depth the life patterns approach to weight loss, which is based on more than 20 years of clinical experience and supported by a groundbreaking new scientific study. From 2001 to 2004, he has been listed in Best Doctors in America and has become a noted national and international speaker. He is frequently quoted in the media and has appeared on such national television programs as Good Morning America and CNN. Read more about Dr. Kushner.
How does Diet.com workDiet.com helps you lose weight by guiding you through our simple 4 Steps to Success program based on the proven and effective Personality Type Diet approach. You can access this program by taking our 70-question Diet Personality Test and becoming a Diet.com premium member. As a premium diet.com member, this 4-step plan will be completely customized to help you lose weight now and keep it off long-term.
What makes Diet.com different from other programsDiet.com is a personality-based online weight loss program thats more about the dieter than the diet. Instead of just being about food, its about each persons eating patterns, lifestyle and emotions, all of which contribute to losing weight and keeping it off. The cornerstone of the Personality Type Diet approach on Diet.com is its scientifically validated Diet Personality Test.
What is the 4 Steps to Success ProgramOur 4 Steps to Success Program guides premium members toward losing weight now and keeping it off long-term with the following 4 steps.
- Step 1. Find your type- Step 2. Take action- Step 3. Get support- Step 4. Track your success
This plan can be accessed at any time by clicking on the 4 Steps to Success link toward the top of the left navigation bar on your home page. Each step has detailed strategies and tracking tools all personalized according to each members Diet Personality Test results.
What is the Strategies linkThe Strategies link at the top navigation bar is where premium members go to access their complete and personalized weight loss report. This report contains the weight loss strategies specific to the members dominant eating, exercise and coping personality types. These strategies are the same core action steps that have helped so many of Dr. Kushners patients become Personality Type Diet success stories.
Premium Membership andamp. Billing
What are the benefits of a Premium MembershipPremium Membership includes.
- Access to your customized 4 Steps to Success Plan- Your complete Personality Type Diet weight loss program for losing weight now and keeping it off long-term- Easy-to-follow meal plan customized to your Eating Personality- Practical exercise plan personalized to your Exercise Personality- Energizing coping plan personalized to your Coping Personality- Exclusive expert advice through the Premium Members Only Coaching Corner Discussion Board and Newsletters- Personal weight, meal and exercise trackers- Personalized Weekly Self Checklists to keep you on track
All this along with access to the Online Support Community, Support Buddies, Cheerleaders, Local Support Groups, Articles, news items and more.
How do I purchase a Premium MembershipAfter taking the 70-question Diet Personality Test and getting your free eating, exercise and coping patterns profile, you will be prompted to join Diet.com as a premium member if you want to get your complete weight loss program, meal plan and coaching benefits. If you do not decide to join at this time, you can be a free Diet.com member and enjoy free benefits. When you decide you want to have access to your Premium Membership benefits, simply purchase a Premium Membership package that will suit your needs.
What is the of Premium Membership
*All Savings Plans are billed in one lump sum.
How do I renew my Premium MembershipFor your convenience, your subscription will be automatically renewed on a monthly basis at the rate of 19.95/month if you are a Premium Standard member. If you have purchased a 12 month, 6 month, or 3 month Savings Plan Premium Membership your subscription will be renewed at a discounted quarterly rate of 32.85 10.95/month x 3 months at the end of your premium membership. Auto-renewal applies to credit/debit card payments only.
How do I stop renewing my Premium MembershipIf you wish to stop renewal your Premium Membership, please email billingservices@diet.com. A representative will contact you to confirm your request.
What are the benefits of free membershipFree membership includes.
- Access to the Online Support Community, including Discussion Boardsexcept for Premium Member Boards and Expert Round Table- Online Cheerleaders- Online Support Buddies- Local Support Groups- Great articles and newsletters
Are there any restrictions to membership such as age or medical conditionsDiet.com is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone with an eating disorder or someone under the age of 18. In addition, the consumer health information on Diet.com is for informational or educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should always consult a physician regarding the applicability of any information and recommendations with respect to your health condition.
My Personal Profile
How do I edit my profileWhen you sign in, you will see your photo in the top left hand corner of your screen. To change your profile, click on Edit Profile.
Can I make my profile private and invisibleYes. Go into the Edit Profile page and click on Edit next to your personal information. You can then set your status as Private, Semi-Private or Public. Selecting Private will block the view of designated information to all visitors, Semi-Private information will only be visible to friends and family on your buddy lists, and Public information will be visible to all visitors to Diet.com.
How do I load my photo onto my profileClick on Upload Photo. Locate your photo on your hard drive and upload your photo. You can select up to three photos to have in your profile for others to see. Select one photo as your main photo for others to view. Your photo must be less than 100K. See photo guidelines.
Someone removed my picture. WhyIf your photo does not comply with the Diet.com photo guidelines, your picture may be removed. Please see the photo guidelines for details or email community@diet.com.
Do I have to have a picture upWhile pictures make the community lively and fun, it is not necessary for you to post a picture.
How do I change my weight and goals in my profileClick on Edit Profile, located next to your picture in the top left hand corner of the HOME page. You can scroll down to your goals and click on Edit.
Can I make my goals and weight privateYes. When you edit the information in your profile sections you can choose to make your information private, semi-private, or public.
The Diet Personality Test
What is the Diet Personality TestThe Diet Personality Test is a 70-question test which is based on Dr. Kushners 20-year clinical weight management experience. This test was validated by Dr. Kushner in a scientific study that was published as a research abstract in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in February, 2002. The test takes about 15 minutes or so to complete and determines your lifestyle patterns that cause weight gain. After completing the test, you will be given a three-dimensional profile of your Eating, Exercise and Coping Patterns, upon which your customized weight loss program is based.
How was the Diet Personality Test developedThe Diet Personality Test was developed by weight management expert Dr. Robert Kushner, who is Medical Director of both Diet.com and Northwestern Memorial Hospitals Wellness Institute in Chicago. This test was validated by Dr. Kushner in a scientific study that was published as a research abstract in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in February, 2002. Dr. Kushner has had great success treating thousands of overweight patients using the Personality Type Diet approach. Many of his patients have lost over 20of their body weight.
How can the Diet Personality Test help meThe Diet Personality Test takes the mystery out of your weight loss program. It focuses you on your dominant lifestyle patterns that have caused weight gain. Following Dr. Kushners strategies, one pattern at a time, you can lose weight, gain confidence and motivation and take back control of what once was an uncontrollable problem.
What is the Personality linkThe Personality link on the top navigation bar is where all members go to access the results of their Diet Personality Test. Here you are given your complete eating, exercise and coping patterns graphs along with your 3 Dominant Eating, Exercise and Coping Patterns. Your Dominant Patterns each contain short pattern descriptions. However, if you want to learn the strategies that convert each pattern into a weight losing pattern, you will need to become a Premium Member.
How do you determine my Dominant PatternsWe use the highest test score within each dimension to determine your 3 dominant patterns. If the highest scores within one category are identical, we default to the dominant pattern based on past observations and experience knowing which pattern needs to be worked on first.
What are all the different eating, coping and exercise patterns
Eating Patterns
Coping Patterns
Exercise Patterns
Meal Skipper
Emotional Eater
Couch Champion
Nighttime Nibbler
Self Scrutinizer
Uneasy Participant
Convenient Diner
Persistent Procrastinator
Fresh Starter
Fruitless Feaster
People Pleaser
All-or-Nothing Doer
Steady Snacker
Fast Pacer
Set Routine Repeater
Hearty Portioner
Doubtful Dieter
Tender Bender
Swing Eater
Overreaching Achiever
Rain Check Athlete
What if I dont agree with my resultsYour results are based on the answers you gave us when you took the Diet Personality Test. If you feel that you dont agree with the results, you may want to take the test again to make sure that you answered all the questions correctly. If you still dont feel that you got the right results after the second test, you can discuss your results with us by emailing DietCare@Diet.com. Our research staff constantly monitors user feedback to improve their experience on Diet.com.
Will my results ever change over time and as I lose weightAs you learn to make changes in your everyday life and manage your eating, coping, and exercise patterns, you will start to lose weight. Naturally over time you will see your Diet Personality Test results change, too. This is why we encourage our users to return and retake the test every month to see how much you have changed and in what areas. As your weight goes down, you should see your Dominant Pattern scores go down also.
Can other people view my resultsThere are three settings for your results.
Public - Everyone can view your information
Private - Nobody can view your information except you
Semi-private - Only your Local Group Members can view your information
Change your privacy settings by going into your profile and changing the settings for your results.
How do I share my resultsYou can send your results to friends and family by clicking on Send Results to a Friend at the top of your My Personality page. Simply enter their email address in the form that appears and click send. Its that easy.
Can I retake the Diet Personality TestYou can retake the Diet Personality Test at any time. In fact, as you follow your weight loss program and lose weight, you will want to retake the consultation to see how your patterns have changed.
How do I compare my results with the results of other peopleYou can see how you compare to other Diet.com members by visiting. Compare Results
Nutritional Philosophy
The underlying nutritional philosophy on Diet.com is two-fold. First, we strive to provide you with customized meal plans that are easy to prepare and taste great. Losing weight doesnt mean you have to sacrifice taste. You will get to enjoy a variety of foods each day and better yet, the meals plans were developed specifically to match your unique eating pattern. With no forbidden foods, Diet.com teaches you a healthy way of eating for life. Second, we give you eating strategies to convert your weight-gaining eating patterns into weight-losing habits. Our pattern-specific meal plans and strategies work together to help you lose weight now and keep it off long-term.
How much weight can I expect to loseIndividual results may vary but we aim for you to lose one to two pounds per week.
Meal Plans
What are the meal plan features Diet.com meal plans are all heart-healthy, carbohydrate and calorie-controlled, while being rich in healthy carbs, healthy fats and lean protein The weekly meal plan averages are 45-55calories from carbohydrates, 20-25calories from protein and 25-30calories from fat. Each menu is pattern-specific and provides specific tips and strategies to assist members in achieving for overall success. For example, if someone finds they are always on the go they will find fast foods, for restaurant dining and convenience foods that fit into a healthy weight loss plan. Or if someone finds they rarely eat fruits or vegetables they will see easy ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their diet. Whatever the users eating pattern, they are sure to find a menu that meets their needs and tastes great.
Do I have to follow the meal plan exactlyThe meal plans provided give examples of calorie-controlled meals and snacks that match your unique eating pattern. If you would like to adapt the meal plans to your tastes or preferences it is important that you pay attention to calories of meals and snacks so you can make proper substitutions. Lets take breakfast, for example. If you like having cereal for breakfast but dont like eating a fast food breakfast, eat more cereal breakfasts but try and stay approximately within the breakfast calorie level. For lunch, if you prefer eating a sandwich or a frozen meal lunch brought from home, skip over the eaten out lunches and replace them with more sandwich and frozen meal lunch ideas, but also stay approximately within the lunch calorie level. You can do the same kind of substitutions for your dinner meals and snacks. If there are foods you dont like, or are allergic to, please click on the Menu Substitutions or Food Allergies links toward the top of your Meal Plan page.
Do I have to take vitamins When on a calorie-restricted diet of less than 1200-1500 calories per day, it is generally recommended to take a multi-vitamin that contains 100of the Daily Values DV for the nutrients listed. Its also recommended to avoid supplements with over 1000of the DVs as large amounts of some vitamins and minerals can be toxic.
Reduced-calorie diets also make it harder to meet ones calcium needs. Our meal plans here at Diet.com range from 1200-1500 calories and 736 mg to 1266 mg of calcium please note, calcium levels are based on weekly averages.
To determine your calcium needs, it is recommended to check your intake against your requirements. Calcium requirements are as follows. Adolescents 9-18 yrs. 1300 mg/day, Men and Women 19-50 yrs. 1000 mg/day and Men and Women 51+ yrs. 1200 mg/day.
For people who think they are not meeting their calcium needs, it is generally recommended to take a calcium supplement or possibly a multi-vitamin be sure to check the label to determine the mg of calcium.
Since Diet.com does not diagnose, treat or offer specific medical advice, we recommend that you always consult with your health care provider about your individual needs.
Im always hungry. What am I doing wrongStart by looking at what you are eating. You can use our online tracker to journal your food intake. Make sure you are getting enough fiber from foods like whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables. Fiber helps keep you satisfied longer. Water also helps keep you full and dehydration can be perceived as hunger when all you really need is a glass of water. Also, read over your complete Eating and Coping Personality reports again. People with some Dominant Patterns experience hunger differently than others. For example, Emotional Eaters may think they are hungry when they are really sad, angry or even happy. Keep track of how you feel as well as what you eat to help identify patterns. Or, if you are a Hearty Portioner, you are probably used to eating large portions of food. Try adding high volume foods like low-fat soups, home-made fruit smoothies or steamed vegetables. These foods fill you up because they weigh a lot and have a high water content.
I havent lost weight in 2 weeks. What do I doThough we aim for you to lose 1-2 pounds per week, this does vary from person to person depending on your age, gender, genetics and of course, how much you are able to follow your pattern-specific strategies. A good way to monitor yourself is to click on the Weekly Self Checklist link which is on the bottom of the left navigation bar on your home page. Here youll find a series of questions that relate to your dominant eating, exercise and coping patterns. The more you can check yes to these questions, the faster you will lose weight.
I see there is a cooking temperatures chart. Why is this helpful to meFood safety is very important, which is why Diet.com provides a cooking temperatures chart. It provides members with guidelines on safe cooking practices. Since our meal plans involve cooking certain meats and eggs we provide guidelines for proper cooking temperatures.
How do I print out my meal plan You can print out your daily meal plan by clicking on the Print Meal Plan button, located at the top of your meal plans.
Special Nutritional Needs
Im vegan. What do I doCurrently, Diet.com members have the option of choosing either Vegetarian or Regular meal plans. Vegetarian meal plans are Lacto-Ovo, that is, they contain dairy and egg products.They can easily be made Vegan by using the Menu Substitutions list. This list provides members with alternates to food items such as dairy products and eggs. Pre-packaged foods and meals that contain animal products can be substituted for Vegan alternatives that contain similar calories.
What is heart-healthy Heart-Healthy refers to a diet low in fat, trans fatty acids, saturated fat and cholesterol while rich in healthy carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean proteins. Research shows eating a heart-healthy diet helps prevent heart disease.
Diet.com meal plans are concurrent with the American Heart Associations recommendations on fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. All meal plans have a weekly average of 25-30of calories from total fat, less than 10from saturated fat and less than 300 mg of cholesterol. They are also high in fiber and sodium-controlled.
Im allergic to dairy products. What can I doMany people have food intolerances or allergies. Thats why we have a link toward the top of your Meal Plan page called Allergies that you can click on to access information about common allergies and common substitutions. However, we do not diagnose, treat or offer specific medical advice. We recommend that you get specific advice about your personal allergy situation and ways to adapt our meal plans to your specific condition from your health care provider.
Im pregnant. Can I follow my diet planDiet.com is a personality-based weight management website dedicated to helping people lose weight through consumer information and education and is not recommended for women who are pregnant. Diet.com does not diagnose or treat medical conditions or give specific medical advice. Please consult with your primary health care provider or Ob/gyn regarding your individual needs.
I need to reduce my cholesterol. What do I doDiet.com meal plans are all heart-healthy, carbohydrate- and calorie- controlled with a weekly average of 45-55calories from carbohydrates, 20-25calories from protein and 25-30calories from fat. They are also low in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fatty acids, all of which can contribute to high cholesterol. The meal plans include heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados and nuts and Omegas-3 fatty acids like those found in Salmon. In addition, they are high in fiber and diets high in fiber have been shown to help reduce cholesterol. Please consult with your primary health care provider regarding your individual needs.
I am a Type 2 Diabetic. How can this diet plan help meDiet.com meal plans are all heart-healthy, carbohydrate- and calorie- controlled with a weekly average of 45-55calories from carbohydrates, 20-25calories from protein and 25-30calories from fat. They are also rich in healthy carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean proteins.
All meal plans include 3 meals and 2 snacks which are balanced and portion-controlled. All meal plans are high in fiber and low in simple sugars. Evenly spaced, portion-controlled and balanced meals have been shown to help manage blood sugar levels. However, you should always consult with your primary health care provider regarding your individual needs.
Can I substitute food in my meal planThere is a handy food substitutions list located above your meal plan. Youll find many healthy and tasty alternatives ready for you.
Can I still eat out in restaurantsYes, it is still possible to fit eating out into a healthy weight loss plan. All meal plans include meals eaten out.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my planPremium and Free Members can go to the Discussion Boards and post questions to the experts in the Expert Roundtable discussion. Premium Members have exclusive access to both the Expert Roundtable board and the Premium Members Coaching Corner board.
You can also post questions on the eating, exercise or coping patterns exchange discussion board that corresponds with your dominant pattern for other members of the Diet.com community to read and respond to with their own words of wisdom.
Still wondering Contact DietCare@Diet.com with your questions.
Exercise Plans
What is your exercise philosophyThe underlying exercise philosophy of the Personality Type Diet approach on Diet.com is that we give each Premium Member personalized exercise strategies to safely advance their activity program to help them lose weight now and keep it off long-term. Activity programs are customized to meet members needs and vary depending on their Dominant Exercise Pattern. Activity program features vary from clipping on a pedometer and engaging in a regular walking program to doing stretching exercises, aerobics and resistance training to doing alternative activities such as Pilates, yoga or Tai Chi. Our strategies give Premium Members the small action steps that can have a big impact on their health and their weight and that can be enjoyed and continued for life.
How did you come up with the exercise plans Your exercise plan is personalized to your Dominant Exercise Pattern from the Diet Personality Test. Your dominant exercise pattern has 4 proven strategies for you to follow that will convert this pattern into a weight losing pattern.
I hate exercising. Do I really have toThe Personality Diet approach on Diet.com is all about helping you lose weight now and keep it off long-term. It is well documented that people who are most successful over the long run do end up changing their activity habits. You dont have to become a marathon runner or even join a fitness club but you do need to start moving your body more than you have been. The exercise pattern-specific strategies are filled with creative and fun ways to add activity to your life.
What is the 10,000 Steps ClubThe 10,000 Steps Club is a way to motivate our Premium Members to take more steps daily by tracking their steps using a simple pedometer clipped to their belt. The long-term goal is to strive toward taking 10,000 steps daily. Premium members receive strategies so they can safely join the club. The 10,000 Steps Club is a great motivator to most people because it encourages you to park your car farther away from the restaurant, walk to mail a letter or do more window shopping at the mall.
What is a pedometer Do I need onePedometers or step counters are small devices that you wear as you go about your normal day. They count the number of steps you take each day, giving you an objective way to monitor your progress. They are especially recommended for people with specific Exercise Personality Types as they make being more active fun. Your Exercise Personality Report may include information about pedometers and how you can use them to safely advance your activity routine.
Special Exercise Needs
I have concerns about hurting myself or having a heart attack if I exercise. What can I doIf you have any concerns about the state of your health you should talk to your doctor. He or she can perform tests and let you know exactly what your risks are and help you develop a program that will help you get active without risks. You should also consult your health care provider regarding the applicability of any Diet.com information and recommendations with respect to your health condition.
I have arthritis and other body aches. What can I doIf you have any medical conditions such as this, its best to speak to your doctor about what you should and should not do for physical activity. You should also consult your health care provider regarding the applicability of any Diet.com information and recommendations with respect to your health condition.
Coping Plans
Why is it important to have a plan for emotionsYour emotions or coping patterns are a major reason why typical diets fail. You may know what you need to do to lose weight but when your emotions or coping mechanisms get in the way, your program may derail. Thats why the Personality Type Diet approach on Diet.com has 3 equally important dimensions to help you lose weight. your eating strategies, your exercise strategies and your coping strategies. Special Emotional Needs
Im so depressed about my weight. What can you suggestDiet.com is a personality-based weight management website dedicated to helping people lose weight through consumer information and education. Diet.com does not diagnose or treat medical conditions or give specific medical advice. Please consult with your primary health care provider or mental health professional regarding your individual needs. For information about finding a mental health professional near you, you can contact your local hospital or to find a psychologist in your area by calling the American Psychological Association at 1-800-964-2000.
I started off great, but now I feel like Ive lost my motivation. What can I doIf youve started to lose motivation, we encourage you to go back and review your 4 Steps to Success plan so you can get back on track. Steps 2, 3 and 4 of this plan are filled with action steps that will help you be most successful. In addition, we encourage you to participate in Diet.com discussion boards, email questions to Diet.com experts and reach out to your online buddies or support group. Remember, you are not alone and we are here to help.
Online Diary
What is an online diaryAn online diary is a place for you to record your thoughts and feelings throughout the day. It is also a good place for you to keep track of your meals and snacks for the day.
How do I make a diary entryTo make an entry in your diary, simply click on My Diary to go to your diary page. Type your entry into the Enter your thoughts box and click on the Submit button.
How do I edit or delete a diary entryYour entries are listed under My Diary Entries. Simply locate the date that you want to edit or delete and click on edit, located to the right of entry. You can make changes and either save your changes or delete the entry.
Is my diary private Can I share my journal with othersYou can set your diary as private, semi-private or public by changing the status in your personal profile settings. Access your personal profile settings by clicking on Edit Profile, next to your picture in the top left hand corner of your screen.
Calendar
What is my calendar forThe calendar lets you choose a date to note reminders to yourself such as birthdays and holidays, or even write down mini-goals for yourself. Its also a quick way for you to click on a date and see what your entry for that day was.
How do I use itSimply click on any date to bring up your Diary for that date.
Online To-Do List
What is my To-Do List forYour To-Do List is a great way to keep track of important appointments or reminders throughout the day. You might want to schedule in some exercise, check off a hair appointment or remind yourself to pick up some fresh vegetables. A To-Do List is handy. You can even print it out.
How do I make a To-Do List entryGo to your To-Do List and enter the time, priority and description fields. Click on Save and it will be added to your calendar.
How do I delete or edit a To-Do List entryEdit or delete entries by choosing the entry you want and clicking on edit. You can make changes and save them, or delete the entry.
Meal and Exercise Tracker
What is my TrackerYour Tracker is the place where you keep track of your progress. It is where you.
- Record your weekly weigh-in- Record your daily meals- Record your daily exercise
Its very motivating and easy to use.
Why is it important for me to write down what I eatRecording your meals and snacks is important in showing you exactly how much you are eating and what you are eating - and why. It will help you become more aware of your diet and help you lose weight. Studies have shown that people who record their intake are more successful at losing weight.
How do I make a meal entryClick on Add Entry. This will bring up your Add a Meal screen. Choose your food group, the time of day, and then type in what you ate for that meal.
How do I edit or delete a meal entryYou can edit or delete entries by locating the meal entry and clicking edit, located to the right of the entry. You can then make changes and either save the entry or delete it.
Why is it important for me to write down my exercisesWriting down your physical activities is one of the best ways to see how much progress you are making. When you first start off you might only be able to exercise for 15 minutes, but over time you can see yourself increasing your exercise. If you are not getting the results you want out of your routine, being able to see your pattern laid out in front of you will help you find areas for improvement and change.
You can also keep track of the steps youve taken on the pedometer in the notes section of your exercise tracker.
How do I make an exercise entryClick on Add Entry to go to the Add an Exercise Routine screen. Enter the activity you have done, the duration and the difficulty and click Save. Its that easy.
How do I edit or delete an exercise entryYou can edit or delete entries by locating the meal entry and clicking edit, located to the right of the entry. You can then make changes and either save the entry or delete it.
Online Support Community
What is the online support communityThe online support community consists of the Community Interest Boards, online support buddies, cheerleaders and support groups. Its a place where people just like you gather to talk about the Personality Type Diet approach, their meal plans and their goals, make friends and cheer each other on. If you have questions to ask or tips to share, or youre looking for someone who knows exactly how you feel, you can bet youll find someone to listen on the discussion boards. Theyre people just like you.
Do I have to be involved in order to be part of Diet.comYou do not have to post on the discussion boards or participate in the local support groups in order to be part of Diet.com. Studies have proven that those people who do reach out for support have a better result in the long run.
How do I send someone a private messageYou can send someone a private message by.
1. Click on any member photo or profile to be taken to their profile page and click on Send membername a Message.
Or
2. If you are on the message boards, you can click on the button marked under any message posted by a member. PM stands for private message. This will take you to their profile page where you can send them a message by clicking on Send membername a Message.
Or
3. If you are on the message boards, you can click on the profile button under any message posted by a member. This will take you to their profile page where you can send them a message by clicking on Send membername a Message.
How do I know if someone has sent me a private messageWhen you first login, you will see your message center located under your photo. New responses will be indicated by the number next to New Messages.
Example.3 New Messages 6 Unread Messages
Unread messages will be indicated by the number next to Unread Messages.
How do I respond to a private message1. Click on the New Messages link to enter your message center. 2. Click on the SUBJECT line of the message you want to open and read.3. To reply to the message, click on and enter your reply message in the box. 4. When you are ready to send your message, click on SUBMIT to send the message.
The message will appear in your friends private message center.
Can other people see my private messagesNo. Your private messages and all messages sent to you through the message center are completely private.
Local Support Groups
What is a local support groupLocal support groups are gatherings of people in your city who meet on a regular basis to support each others weight loss efforts and cheer each other on. Support is very important and having people in your own city to meet up with and talk to can really help you lose weight.
How do I find a local support group in my areaClick on the GROUPS tab located at the top of your screen to see all the groups at Diet.com.
Use the SEARCH menu on the left side of the screen to.
- Search for groups in any area or narrow your search down to your city or state.- View the newest groups.- View the oldest groups.- View groups with the most members.
You can also scroll through the groups by clicking on the page numbers at the bottom of the screen.
Click on Return to Your Group Page to go to your own groups page to view the groups you have already joined.
How do I view details about a certain groupYou can read the group description and view the members of a particular group by clicking on the VIEW PROFILE link located to the right of the group description.
I found an interesting group. How do I joinTo join a group click on the JOIN GROUP link located to the right of the group description.
Or
Click on the groups VIEW PROFILE link and then click Join this group located at the bottom of the support groups page, under their message boards.
How do I start a groupIf you have not started a group.
Click on the GROUPS tab on the top of your screen to be taken to the My Group Information page.
Click on Start a new Group at the top right hand of your screen.
You will be taken to Create a New Local Support Group where you will enter in the name of your new group, category and an introduction.
Make your group private for only certain members to join, or public for anyone to join.
After you create your group you will be taken to the Search For Local Support Group Members, where you can view members of Diet.com who live in your area and send invitations to them to join your group.
When you find someone you would like to join your local support group, click on Invite to Join My Group.
On the invitation page enter their username and the names of other members you would like to invite, and send them a message.
You can also invite friends and family members to join your support group from this page.
How do I read messages posted by my support groupsClick on GROUPS located at the top of your screen or click on View My Groups from your home page to enter the My Support Groups page.
Under SUPPORT GROUPS I AM IN click on the group you belong to.
This will take you to the page that shows your group members, information about your group and your group leader and your group DISCUSSION BOARD.
New messages will appear on your boards as members of your group post them. If you do not see any messages, it means no one in your group has posted a new message.
How do I read, post and reply to messages on my support group discussion boardTo post a message on your group discussion board, simply click on POST TOPIC located on the top right side of your discussion board.
To read a post click on TOPIC.
To reply to a post, simply click on TOPIC to read the post, and enter your reply in the reply box under the post. Click on POST REPLY.
How do I quit my groupIf you no longer wish to be a member of your local support group, simply click on Leave This Group located on the left side of your groups main information page, to the left of your group discussion board.
How do I report a problem with my groupIf you are having a problem with members of your group or your groups conduct, it is a good idea to take it up with your group leader. If you feel you are not receiving help from your leader, or if you wish to report your group leader, contact community@diet.com.
What are local support group eventsThese are fun events like face-to-face meetings or gatherings where you can talk, have fun, and even exercise together if you want.
How do I add an event to our local support group event boardTo post an event on your group event board, simply click on POST EVENT located on the top right side of your event board.
To read posts simply click on TOPIC.
To reply to a post, simply click on TOPIC to read the post, and enter your reply in the reply box under the post. Click on POST REPLY.
I am the leader of a local support group. How do I make a member of my group a moderator or remove a member from our groupGo into your My Group Information. Click on your Group to enter your activity page. Click on Administration located in the orange group description box located on the left side of your screen to be taken to the Edit Your Local Support Group page.
From this page you can.
- Change your group name.- Change your group description.- Make your group private or moderated.- Invite more people to become a member.- Make members of your group moderators.- Remove members from your group.
Discussions Boards
What are discussion boardsDiscussion boards are message boards where people post their thoughts, opinions, questions and answers to other members. Theyre fun, informative and a great place to make friends.
How do I make a new post or new topicFind the category you want to post a new topic under and click on the button that says New Topic. This will bring up a blank message for you to fill in. When you are done typing, simply click on Submit and your note will go up for everyone to see and respond to.
How do I reply to someoneWhen you have read a message and want to post a reply to that person, click on Post Reply located at the top left corner of that persons message. This will bring up a blank message for you to fill in. When you are done typing, click on Submit and your note will go up in response to the original post.
How do I know if someone replied to me You can tell if someone responded to your message by looking at the name of the last person to post a message next to your message. You can also tell there are new posts in a topic that you have not read by a little orange note symbol located on the left side of the messages.
When you post a message on the discussion boards, you can also click on the box located under your message that says notify me when a reply is posted. You will get an email telling you when someone replies to your message.
How do I edit or delete my postTo edit your post bring up your message and click on the edit button.
To delete your message, bring up your message and click on the little X button.
You can only edit or delete your own posts.
Can everyone see my email addressNo, your email address is not seen by other members of the community.
How do I find out more information about other peopleTo learn more about the other members of the community you can click on their name to view their profile. You can leave fun and supportive testimonials for them on their profile page.
I posted a message and it was removed by the Community Super Leader. What happenedYour post may have violated the Diet.com terms of usage or contained language not suitable for other members of the community. If you have concerns about posts or questions, you should contact your Community Super Leader.
What is the Premium Members ForumThis is a forum for Premium Members only to receive Personality Type Diet program coaching from Dr. Kushner and the experts. Premium Members are also able to join the 10,000 Steps Club and get motivated. Only Premium Members have access to this area.
Friends and Family Support
Do I have to let my family and friends know Im on a dietNo. No one has to know you are on a diet unless you tell them.
Why is family and friends support importantHaving friends and family support you on your journey is important. They can encourage you, help you make food choices at family functions, and help you through those times when its hard to feel motivated.
Online Support Buddies
What are online support buddiesTheyre people just like you who are doing their best to lose weight and get healthy. An online support buddy is someone who may live in another city or state who can share progress reports with you, and be there for you along the way. Cheer each other on and make a new friend.
How do I search for online buddyYou can find a buddy by clicking on the blue Buddies tab on the top of your screen. You can search for a buddy according to your eating pattern, exercise pattern, coping pattern, age, location, or gender. Its so easy.
How do I invite someone to be my online buddyThere are two ways to invite someone to be your buddy.
1. If you see someone you would like to invite as your buddy, simply click on Invite as Online Buddy located on the right side of their profile. 2. When you view another members profile, you can invite them to be your online buddy by clicking on the link that says Invite their name to become your buddy.
What is expected of me as a buddyYou need to know that as a buddy you are there to support as much as you are being supported. This means talking to your new online support buddy about what is happening with their plan, sharing ideas and being there when they need you just as theyre there when you need them.
I had a buddy, now shes gone. Did I do something wrongNot necessarily. Your buddy may be on vacation or unable to access his or her computer. You can always send your buddy a private message to touch base again.
Cheerleaders
What are cheerleadersYour cheerleaders are friends and family who are supporting you and cheering you on as you lose weight.
How do I invite someone to be my cheerleaderTo invite someone to join the community as your Cheerleader, click on Cheerleaders, located under STEP 3 - GET SUPPORT, located on the left side of your main page when you sign in.
Click on Invite friends and family to be your cheerleaders.
The more people you invite the more fun and support youll have.
How do I know if someone invited me to be their cheerleaderYou will receive an email from your friend with an invitation to become their cheerleader.
How do I accept or reject an invitationYou can view all your cheerleaders on your My Weight Loss Cheerleaders page. You will also see the invitations that have been sent to you. From here you can Accept or Reject the invitation by clicking on the Accept or Reject link beside the pending invitation.
Testimonials
What is a testimonialA testimonial is a message about another member that you post for others to read. They are found on everyones profile page.
How do I leave a testimonial for someoneTo leave a testimonial for simply visit that persons profile page and click on Write a testimonial about You can tell everyone about the great progress that person is making, how they make you feel and anything else wonderful you can think of.
How do I view my testimonialsYou can view testimonials by visiting your profile page.
What if someone leaves a negative comment about meYou can contact community@diet.com and have the comment reviewed and/or removed.
Can other people see my testimonialsPeople can view testimonials others have left about you by visiting your profile page and clicking on Read testimonials about
Can I make my testimonials privateYou can stop others from viewing testimonials about you by setting your testimonials status to private. Go to Edit Profile to access your privacy settings.
How do I view other peoples testimonialsYou can view other peoples testimonials by visiting their profile page and clicking on Read testimonials about
Site Experts
Who are the expertsDr. Kushner - Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, is the author of the American Medical Associations Obesity Treatment Guide for Physicians and Dr. Kushners Personality Type Diet.
Shauna Shultz Registered Dietitian
How do I contact themYou can post questions to Dr. Kushner and Shauna Shultz in the Experts Roundtable discussion.
Premium Members receive coaching from both Dr. Kushner and Shauna in the Premium Members Forum.
Can I talk to Dr. KushnerBesides the Expert Roundtable discussion and the Premium Members Forum, you can email Dr. Kushner at drkushner@diet.com. Please note that due to the volume of email he receives, you may not get a personal response. Dr.Kushner and Diet.com experts will not diagnose or treat medical conditions or give specific medical advice via email or telephone.
Community Super Leaders
What are Community Super LeadersOur Community Leaders are simply the best. They generously volunteer to support and lead other members of the support community by hosting different forums and participating in live chats. Theyre people just like you. Offering tips and advice, answering questions about the Diet.com community, and cheering on the members of their forum, the Diet.com Community Leader has the opportunity to lead by their own good example.
