Support: We All Need It

Support: We All Need It

“Two are better than one
because they have a good return for their labor.”
-Ecclesiastes 4:9 nasb

Many of us embark on a major change thinking we should be brave and go at the challenge alone.  We think all we have to do is to eat less and exercise.  How hard can that be?  Some of us think we will wake up one day and, like the Nike slogan says, “Just do it.”  Sorry folks, but losing weight doesn’t work that way- - not if you’ve spent years unfit and overweight.

If you look around you there are a lot of people who are involved in your weight-loss process.  You have your doctor, your spouse (if you’re married), your friends, your DREAM support group, your family, all of whom are supporting and encouraging you.  This is one reason why at our DREAM meetings we’ve got buddies to help us when we need it during the week.  We need the help from others to accomplish our goals.

I remember when I was in my late teens and early twenties, I joined a weight-loss group called TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly).  I loved it!  Finally I had people who were in my corner and offering me encouragement and support that I was not getting at home.  Even though I cried when I got home from my first meeting, I was determined to take the weight off. (I cried because of my first weigh-in and didn’t realize I weighed as much as I did.)  I remember coming home from having a pretty good loss of four or five pounds only to hear my dad ask me where I lost it.  So, not much encouragement there.  My friends at my TOPS group helped me.

Everyone needs someone.  Someone to help you reach your potential.  Someone to challenge you. Some professional athletes hire a personal coach when they are trying to reach a certain goal, all in trying to get and  be better than they are now.  A coach can be a professional (if you’re working out in a gym they are full of trainers), a mentor, or even a sibling or friend who is your cheerleader during your weight-loss journey.

We need to be honest enough with ourselves to admit that we need help.  We all need to be pushed to go to higher levels.  Accountability can lead us to new heights.  Challenge yourself today to ask for help where you need it.

Mini-Challenge of the Day

If you haven’t already, find yourself a “coach.”  Someone to whom you can be accountable on your weight-loss journey.  Think of it as an investment in your life.  This could be a life coach, a dietician, or a personal trainer.  It doesn’t matter who as long as they are willing and able to help you on your quest to thin-ness.

Tip of the Day

Use natural sweeteners whenever possible.  Stevia and Xylitol are the best because they have a natural base.  Natural is always better than artificial.