Did you know that it’s easier to stick with a weight loss plan when you have support and accountability? It’s true and research backs it up.
Studies have shown that people who started on diet programs that have a social component were far more likely to keep their weight off than going it alone.
There are different types of support to help you on your healthy lifestyle journey:
#1. Emotional Support
Starting healthy habits can be hard and it can affect how you feel on the inside too. If you’re an emotional eater, or just find comfort in unhealthy foods, switching to healthy eating take away your emotional support – so you need to find it elsewhere.
Instead of reaching for ice cream or french fries, reach out to a friend. That comfort food really doesn’t boost your mood anyway, but a friend will.
Think of this type of support as having “cheerleaders” in your life who help you celebrate all the good things you are doing.
#2 Practical Support
It’s not enough to be mentally prepared for your new lifestyle, you always have to take action.
If you’re a procrastinator, or haven’t exercises in years, it’s really tough to just get started. You need a little motivation, and practical support is the key.
Practical supporters will remind you that it’s time to exercise, prompt you to fill-up your water bottle, share new recipes with you and give you tips to make living your new lifestyle easier.
When you’re looking to develop better habits, finding a trusted network of emotional and practical supporters is crucial.
By sharing the health and fitness experience with others, you can help each other stay motivated. With two or more of you working together, there’s more motivation to actually achieve your goals.
You can make a big deal out of each others’ success, congratulating yourselves on all the small and big ways you’re changing your life.
Maybe you already have a close friend or a family member who relates to your particular challenges, but if not there are plenty of ways to find a group that will understand the goals you’re working to achieve – especially online.
