Weight loss can seem like an uphill battle much of the time. When food is your weakness, you can't simply avoid eating to lose weight. Instead, your temptations are available 24/7, which is why it's difficult to stay on track. One of the most important components of a weight loss program isn't a fad diet or the latest fitness graze -- it's proper support. By surrounding yourself with those who care about you and your health, you can gain the strength that you need to stay on track and lose weight.
Step 1
Ask your spouse or significant other to help you stay on track. Attempting to eat more healthfully and exercise more can be nearly impossible without the support of your significant other. Bad habits may be harder to break, especially if you see your spouse engaging in the habits that most tempt you to derail your plans for weight loss. Even if your significant other doesn't particularly need to lose weight, ask that he support you while you become healthier.
Step 2
Tell your friends and family members about your weight loss efforts. Letting them know about your struggle can help them to be more sensitive when offering you certain foods or drinks or engaging in sedentary activities. Unless you tell them, your loved ones may not know that you've been trying to lose weight. They'll likely be glad to help by cooking healthier meals and engaging you in various fitness activities.
Step 3
Arrange for a buddy system between you and a friend who is also trying to lose weight. Check in with each other via text, email or phone at least once per day. Knowing that someone is holding you accountable for your choices throughout the day may make you more aware of the foods you eat and how you spend your time in correlation with your effort to lose weight.
Step 4
Join a weight loss support group in your community. An Overeaters Anonymous, Food Addicts Anonymous or Take Off Pounds Sensibly group is free to join and will put you in contact with others who have similar struggles with food and weight. With the group, you can find tips on healthy eating, coping with temptation and finding ways to exercise, as well as form real relationships that can give you support when you're faltering.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Taking a definitive step toward becoming healthy makes you accountable to someone other than yourself and your loved ones. Your doctor can issue tests to find some of the causes of weight gain, such as an under-performing thyroid. She can also offer tips on staying healthy, and check with you at regular appointments to ensure that you're staying on track to becoming healthier.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Weight Loss Help: Gain Control of Emotional Eating; Dec. 1, 2009
- CDC: Getting Started
- "The Structure House Weight Loss Plan: Achieve Your Ideal Weight Through a New Relationship with Food"; Gerard J. Musante; 2008
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