I have used a POLAR for nearly 15 years and I followed your blog so I looked at the competition. Yours was by far the best. I actually went to FB – which I hate with a passion- to give you a vote. The problem was that the vote was contingent on you opening up all your preferences which I continue to think is a horrible and involuntary affront to privacy. If I could have voted on another platform, you would have got it! I wouldn’t feel too bad about it. You are obviously pretty nifty from a techie viewpoint – so it is gratifying that you haven’t fallen for the Facebook BS – so you get a vote from me for that!

you transformation is incredible. I just saw your pictures that you posted on your first article back in 2009. From 107.5kg to a lean machine that runs 25K races. Way to go Greg!

Also, I congratulate you on your weight loss and wish you continued success.

And now, I’d like to let you know what’s really bothering me about your responses to people. You are complaining that the waiter did not suggest any healthier options that can be modified from the existing menu or created from items they have in the kitchen. You say over and over again that the waiter did not offer up such information. You also state in your e-mails to the President of Razzoo’s that you did not ask.

As someone who works in the service industry, I want to let you know that it’s a very fine line we have to walk with customers. There is a limit that customers will tolerate when servers/smoothie makers/baristas/etc offer suggestions, alterations to existing menu items, etc.

Your waiter might have been yelled at one too many times for offering “off the menu” suggestions. You might have been a perfectly nice customer wanting someone to suggest things to you without prompting. Most customers aren’t. I promise. I work them every day. If your waiter asked your dining party a couple questions regarding ordering, suggesting bar drinks, etc and wasn’t getting positive responses, he stopped asking further questions or volunteering information to avoid getting yelled at.

Now, obviously I was not in your dining party, nor do I know your waiter. He could’ve just been a less than stellar waiter. But speaking as someone who gets yelled at or looked down upon for suggesting substitutions/alternatives/special items, give the guy a break. Also, not all of the suggestions I offer are better or worse for the customer than the standard menu offerings- it’s just a different take on it. Usually with the same caloric values. I’m not suggesting that anyone needs to look for a lighter option which could cause people to be less than happy with my suggestions due to an implied tone.

As someone who is an incredibly picky eater, I often have to modify menu items extensively or ask for items that aren’t really ‘listed’ on the menu, even though all of their ingredients are in other dishes. Places are always happy to oblige and I tip accordingly for their willingness to deal with my insanity.

I strongly encourage you to ask specific questions of your server or restaurant manager throughout your weight loss journey. It will make you happier, your food will be more to your liking and nutritional requirements, and servers will know what you want of them and their restaurant.

BTW, enjoyed the blog!