 Find a buddy, drop the pounds
You may have heard about the recent study that determined that obesity is “socially contagious.” What the study concluded was that when we associate ourselves with heavier people, we adjust our norms and are more accepting of our own excess weight. I hope that these results will help to creates awareness. If we become more aware of our own motives and reasons for over-eating, it helps us to avoid making unhealthy choices.
It also creates a sense of responsibility. If we have a friend who has a problem with food, we can make sure that we maintain healthy habits to help influence that person positively. By keeping our influence on others in mind, it helps us to keep ourselves in check.
Weight Watchers was named Consumer Reports’ No. 1 weight-loss plan both for losing weight and for keeping it off. The plan itself isn’t necessarily any easier to follow than any other plan; the difference is in the group support and the camaraderie. People who go on a weight-loss plan together are more successful. And of course, as the study pointed out, it only stands to reason that when we go on a “weight-gain” plan together, we’ll be more successful too.
It’s quite interesting that the study also determined that geographical distance didn’t seem to affect the influence. This means that geographical distance does not need to keep you from finding a health-and-fitness buddy.
I found a huge amount of initial motivation from my best friend who lives in California. She was successful on Weight Watchers and gave me a lot of guidance and support in the beginning. Later on, we developed a friendly competition that helped to keep us both motivated.
You can even work out together with a long-distance friend. Hands-free earpieces are available for all phones; cellular and land lines. Long-distance calling is free on most cellular phone plans and most also feature a “calling circle.” You can schedule walks or gym time together in your respective areas and “chat” the pounds away!
Other situations in life can also provide reciprocal support. I have a friend that I meet at my gym weekday mornings. I always feel so grateful to have her there and generally see her as my support. The other day, she recounted a conversation she had with another friend about how she would not likely be as consistent in her gym time if it wasn’t for our commitment. I was thrilled to know that I was giving support as well as receiving it.
So start thinking about the kind of healthy changes that you would like to make. Who can help you make them? How can working together with someone else make a positive impact in both of your lives?
Until next time, stay healthy and be happy. |
