Week 2: Tee's Two Cents on Weight Loss - Building your Support Network

Hi-Ya !

Building a support network can be a powerful tool to help you succeed on your healthy journey.
Your support network consists of your friends, peers and family.  It's important to let the people know in your circle what your healthy journey entails.  If you have decided to ween off soda (in baby steps of course) then let that be known.  The end result will be that your support circle of friends won't be so quick to offer you a bottle of soda pop.

You don't have to organize a support network with regular meetings, although if you need the extra "oomph", go for it.  You can opt to have a quick chat w/ a co-worker at the copier machine, a phone call (or text) to a friend, or a visit with a family member to have a healthy dose of support !

Types of Support Networks

Social Media Sites (Facebook, MyFitness Pal, Runkeeper)

 From the pages of Tee's Journey - I have had the pleasure of being a part of the most supportive group on Facebook.  Nicole Mason-Parks is the admin and she has several groups geared toward getting healthy and staying healthy.  The group offers tons of motivation, tips and mostly support.  Check it out, I think you would love it.  The group is called "Getting to Goal-Staying to Goal".  If you are serious about a change this group is for YOU !!

Join a gym

Regular exercise (an upcoming series) is important to your healthy lifestyle.  You can make friends while working out.

Volunteer

Volunteer your time to something that is dear and near to your heart (walk/run event, food bank, etc..)

Weight loss/Health programs (Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig)

Weight loss programs may help you to build your foundation.  You need a sturdy foundation to support the structure that you will be building upon (your healthy lifestyle) 

From the pages of Tee's Journey - I took advantage of a FREE program that was offered through my medical insurance company.  It is a year-long program and I have my own personal life coach and the first 12 weeks we met on the weekly basis; now I attend on the monthly basis.  Yes, folks !  There are a lot of free programs available to you. A lot of these programs are not advertised, so take upon yourself to do some research.....you won't regret it.

The Benefits of a Support Network

Sense of belonging - building a relationship with like-minded folks tend to keep you on track. You may be having a rough day (and you will) and someone in your support network will make your day with words of encouragement and motivation.     

Feeling of security - being in a support network gives you access to a slew information, advice, and guidance.  It's encouraging to know that you have people in your corner that you can turn to if you find yourself backed in a corner.

Longevity - There have been countless research studies that eludes that high levels of support allows you to stay healthy and live longer.  There are even some studies that have found that healthy lifestyle changes could reverse the age clock and age-related diseases.  Who doesn't want that ?!?!?  Read article in the Huffington Post

Let's start making more friends or improving the relationships you already have. Whether you're the one receiving the support or the one doling out the encouragement, you'll reap a plethora of rewards.


Until next time.....