Losing weight is hard

Losing weight is hard. Doing it alone, though, is even harder. When you choose to diet and exercise on your own, you are the only one to hold yourself accountable, which makes it easier to ease up on your health journey.

This is where the benefit of support groups specific to your needs comes in.  Structured weight loss classes and support groups allow you to meet regularly to collaborate on ideas, and learn more from health professionals and others in similar situations.

Usually  you will get at jump-start your health journey and stay on track by holding you accountable, creating new ideas for meals, problem-solving challenges with social events and restaurant eating, sharing physical activity ideas and gaining support to push you through the tough times.

Don’t go it alone

“Don’t go it alone” is tried and true wisdom for weight loss

Research consistently shows that people tend to lose more weight and are more likely to keep it off when they have the right support during their weight loss process. In keeping with this insight, consider who can offer you both encouragement and expertise in your journey.

Whether you choose group support, an individual coach or a trusted confidant, you’ll benefit from the very beginning. In fact, don’t start without someone in your corner! Below are seven reasons why support is crucial for weight loss!

5 Reasons Support Matters for Weight Loss Motivation and Success

#1 You are likely to fall off track. 

At least once. It happens to everyone. Whether you hit a plateau, go through a stressful life event or experience weight loss plan fatigue, there will be a time when you will feel like throwing in the towel (if you haven’t already!).

#2 Accountability counts.

Let’s face it: when someone else is counting on you to show up, you are more encouraged and likely to do it!
I’ve had many clients claim that the simple act of me weighing them in each week gave them enough motivation to stay on track with their healthy choices

# 3 We learn best from each other.

With our unlimited access to Internet, we have weight loss research right at our fingertips. Knowing “what” to do and knowing “how” to do it, however, are very different concepts. The right support of a trained professional within a group can help guide you in the “how.”

# 4 Weight loss can be emotional.

Although losing weight is certainly positive for your health, it can absolutely stir up some mixed emotions that often distract us away from our goals or, even worse, completely sabotage the success we’ve experienced thus far. Having support can ensure this doesn’t happen to you. It also provides you with someone who will listen to the mixed emotions you’re facing and help keep you on track.

#5 Power in numbers.

When embarking on a weight loss journey, you’re likely to try things you’ve never experienced before. Whether it be joining a gym to exercise, grocery shopping for certain foods, etc., the confidence isn’t always there right from the get-go. Having someone accompany you during these new experiences can help take away any apprehension and help you feel more confident.

In Summary

If  I’ve learned anything as a Registered Dietitian and Coach, it’s that different people are motivated by different things. A support expert or group can similarly push your buttons for success! In a group setting, you are among like-minded individuals who are there for the same/similar goal and are likely to have many different perspectives and ideas on motivation.