Here is a definition of the word “FREAK” as a verb:
“behave or cause to behave in a wild and irrational way, typically because of the effects of extreme emotion, mental illness, or drugs”
Although the concept of “freak” seems to have no place in the weight control arena, here goes:
There are many times in social gatherings with friends and/or relatives when the “herd” mentality takes over and everyone takes part in eating lots of food (especially carbs) and drinking an abundance of alcohol. When we are on a weight control journey, the very last thing we should do is to participate in these eating/drinking activities, as by doing so, we will probably destroy the entire week of successful weight loss efforts.
However, when we shake our heads and politely decline to engage in these behaviors with the group one, several or many in the group will ostracize us to some extent. “Come on…what’s wrong with you? To some extent, we will be looked at as a “freak” for being different than everyone else.
During a long-term weight control journey one of the important behavioral changes needed for success is NOT being coerced by others into deleterious eating/drinking activities. There is no reason why we cannot attend fun functions with others and HAVE TO participate in the eating/drinking behaviors that place our health in jeopardy.
Do NOT allow anyone to make you feel “freakish” if/when you choose to not join the group in health-derailing activities. And anyone trying to make you feel this way may not be as close a friend as you think. We all remember that old advertising campaign “Friends Do NOT Let Friends Drive Drunk”. The same applies to the weight control field.
And, of course, any discussion involving the word “Freak” will bring to mind the famous Rick James song, “Superfreak”. This song was also used in a hilarious movie called “Little Miss Sunshine”. Enjoy!