Step 6. Get Support

By Dr. Jean Harvey-Berino, Ph.D., R.D., Joyce Hendley, EatingWell Editors, The EatingWell Diet (2007)

Losing weight is challenging—we can't expect to do it alone.

READER'S COMMENT:

"Is there anything in place, like for weight watchers, where you can join local meetings for support? Teresa, Cupertino, CA "

7 Steps to Permanent Weight Loss:
Step 1. Make Sure You're Ready for Change
Step 2. Set Goals
Step 3. Track Yourself
Step 4. Eat Mindfully
Step 5. Commit to Move More
Step 6. Get Support
Step 7. Have a Long-Term Plan

Excerpted from The EatingWell Diet Book.

Losing weight is challenging—we can’t expect to do it alone. As you make your way through losing weight, you’ll need to cultivate a network of friends, family, coworkers, professionals and like-minded dieters. Use our Call the Troops Worksheet (click to download pdf) to think about the support you’ll need and where you’ll find it.

Know your saboteurs.

Some people, unintentionally or otherwise, might try to derail your weight loss plans—like the spouse who buys your favorite flavor of ice cream. Many times these so-called diet “saboteurs” really don’t mean harm, but some truly might not want you to lose weight.

How to face saboteurs

Don’t wait to take action: talk about it. Let your suspected saboteurs know how their actions affect you. Chances are they’re clueless. Talk it over and work out a solution you can each live with. But if you find your loved one isn’t truly behind you, look elsewhere for support.

Find a cheerleader

List at least 2 or 3 people you can call on when you need:

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT:

Encouragement when you're frustrated or tempted, companions for celebrating success.

PRACTICAL SUPPORT:

Exercise buddies, healthy-food shopping companions, child-care or housekeeping help.

Support yourself

How do you encourage yourself toward your goals? Are you a “cheerleader” who treats yourself with love and kindness, cheering victories, forgiving slip-ups—or a “bad coach” who prods with negative thoughts and berates you if you don’t perform perfectly?

Your internal thoughts can have a huge impact on your progress. Without the support of your most important champion—yourself—it’s easy to feel demoralized and give up. Think of how you might offer positive words of encouragement to someone else, then use the same language on yourself. It works! See Rewrite Your Script (click to download pdf).