Strategy 33. Create Your Support Group–Long Term Support Systems Work

Written by Administrator

A support system can make you more than twice as likely to maintain your weight loss.

One of the reasons I like to see movies is because they remind me of thoughts and feelings that get lost in the repetition of daily life. I get busy and my attention narrows down to just the stuff I need to do to get through the day.

Seeing a good comedy reminds me to laugh. Seeing a good drama reminds me to find the deeper meaning in life. Movies reconnect me with parts of life that are easily lost without a little reminder.

A support system is like seeing a movie for your diet. A support system keeps your mind focused on your diet. Otherwise you are likely to just forget about your diet and drift back into old habits that never worked in the first place. Doing something, almost anything, about your diet on a consistent basis will help keep you on target.

Keeping you involved may be the secret of why support systems work so well. Studies show a support system can make you more than twice as likely to maintain your weight loss. That’s a powerful force to have working on your side. And that’s why you should think seriously about making a support system part of your Safe Zones.

Internet based support systems can be as effective as structured group or one-on-one in-person support programs. Pick whatever form of support you think will work best for you. Weight Watchers, for example, has excellent in-person support groups. And there are a bunch of support communities on-line for you to choose from.

When looking for a support system, think about what kind of support has worked for you in the past. Do want to bounce ideas off people? Do want people to share with? Do you want encouragement? Are you looking for great recipes? Do you need help with goal setting? Are you looking for role models? Are you looking for a positive environment? Do want education and mentoring? Do you want daily email reminders? Would on-line food, calorie, and exercise tracking help you?

Figure out what will help to keep you on target the best.