If you thrive on competition and need someone to hold you accountable for your weight loss efforts, get a partner. Whether you choose a friend, spouse or coworker, a weight loss partner can keep you motivated and help you lose more weight than dieting by yourself. Make your weight loss journey enjoyable with a variety of fun and competitive activities for you and your partner.
Write It Down
Write down everything you eat throughout the day and have your partner do the same. Don't just count calories. Include fat, protein, carbohydrate and sodium intake as well. Compare notes at the end of the day. Award points for the fewest calories, the fewest milligrams of sodium and the most protein. At the end of the week, the partner with fewer points treats the two of you to a small splurge, such as a cupcake.
Mark Small Gains
Don't wait until you've achieved your goal to celebrate. Race your partner to a 5 or 10 lb. weight loss. Racing to a certain amount of calories burned also is an option. Keep track of your daily burned-calorie total and compare with your partner. The winner gets a small prize. Set prizes before you start so you'll have something to look forward to. Agree to reward each other with non-food prizes, such as a manicure.
Get Outside
Make regular fitness dates to challenge each other. Jog around your block together and race at every other street. Sign up for a tennis league and play doubles together or join a basketball team. Competing together can make you work even harder. Head to a rock-climbing wall and race each other to the top or go swimming in an outdoor pool. Set a timer for 10 minutes and see who can swim the most laps before the timer goes off.
Get Creative in the Kitchen
Set up weekly "date" nights and take turns cooking dinner for yourself, your partner and a few friends. Record the nutrition information for all the food and beverages and have everyone grade the dinner. The object is to create a delicious meal that also is healthy and well-balanced. Award points in as many categories as you wish, including taste, presentation and healthfulness. At the end of the month, the cook with fewer points treats the winner to a dinner out.
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