Note: This is a web-only companion to Shera Dalin's "Dieting by Disposition" feature, published in the April 2010 issue.
The Go-Getter
Nothing stands in your way, at least not for very long. You are insistent, persistent and achievement oriented. You’re one of the most successful diet types around.
- Is accomplishment super-important to you?
- Do you always shoot for being No. 1?
- Do friends and colleagues call you competitive or determined?
The Slow-Goer
Patience and keeping your eyes on the prize are among your biggest strengths in life, as well as a key to your diet personality. In the fable of the hare and the turtle, you’re the latter.
- Is your motto “Slow and steady wins the race”?
- Do you tend to divide projects into small, achievable steps?
- Are you rarely accused of being impatient or pushy?
The Rusher
You’re the type who stands in front of the microwave and yells “Hurry!” You feel the same way about weight loss. You want it yesterday, and you’re willing to go to extremes to drop five dress sizes overnight.
- Do you only consider weight loss plans that promise quick results?
- Have you ever tried an actress’s latest cleanse?
- Does your family always tell you to slow down, be patient?
The Adventurer
Boredom is a buzz kill for you. You’re always looking for the next new thing, a whether dieting, dancing, or enjoying life. Variety is crucial for you.
- Do you need constant stimulation?
- Do you get bored easily?
- Is your bookshelf filled with an assortment of cookbooks?
The Planner
You follow the same path day after day—and like it. When change happens, you prefer to see it coming well in advance. Being a planner is a major diet strength since it can help you avoid slips.
- If you lost your PDA or organizer would you feel faint or out of control?
- Do have a deep need to control events or people around you?
- Is your organizer filled with every detail of your life?
The Teeter-Totter
There are few emotions you haven’t experienced and felt deeply. Perhaps you’re coping with a childhood trauma, or you’re just the sensitive sort. Either way, life is about emotional turmoil for you, which makes it hard to stick to a diet without loads of support.
- When you have a spat with a friend, do you grab your favorite bag of chips?
- Do people comment that you wear your heart on your sleeve?
- When dealing with good or bad news, do you feel an urge to eat?
The Pleaser
You’re the sort of person who doesn’t want to stand out or appear odd, so you tend to go along with the crowd—even if they’re guzzling beer and nachos. The trick here is to focus on pleasing yourself, not others.
- Do you tend to dress like your friends, let others pick the evening’s restaurant or movie, and yield to other people’s opinions?
- Do others’ opinions about you matter?
- Do people often comment that you’re responsible or a reliable volunteer?
