As an online weight loss coach, I believe that losing weight shouldn’t be a journey you travel alone. If you’ve had success dieting and losing weight in the past but have trouble keeping the pounds off for good, an online weight loss buddy can provide the support and commiseration you need to make a permanent change.
It’s no secret that building a strong support system helps most people lose more weight.
I’ve written before about how self-accountability isn’t the best way to reach your weight loss goals if you struggle with losing weight in general – it can be much more tempting to take care of the daily demands that come from simply existing as a professional woman before we prioritize ourselves.
But if you’re serious about losing weight, science shows that certain strategies are more effective than others – and I’m all about sharing healthy, science-backed weight loss shortcuts with my online weight loss coaching clients. Enter the online weight loss buddy.
An online weight loss buddy is a person on a similar journey whom you can rely on for accountability and encouragement. When it comes to diet and exercise, numerous studies conclude that individuals who link up with a weight loss buddy lose more weight and inches from their bodies than people who try to lose weight alone.
While finding the right support is an integral part of long term slimming success, not everyone has the time to attend a meeting at a certain time in a certain place. An online weight loss buddy can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals.
3 Benefits of an Online Weight Loss Buddy
Most people put all their effort into finding the right diet or exercise program but don’t put any energy into creating a support and accountability system. Getting an online weight loss buddy that is on the same journey you are will help you stay motivated towards your goals. How?
1. Finding ways to make weight loss more fun and enjoyable does wonders for increasing motivation. Teaming up is always more fun, and a weight loss buddy can help inspire you to push forward.
2. You may find support from friends and family, but if they haven’t walked a mile in your shoes, they might not be able to give you what you really need. A weight loss buddy is someone to share your progress with, and at the same time learn from their experience. A buddy who is in the same boat will be better able to relate to the type of support you need.
3. When you feel frustrated, an online weight loss buddy can encourage you, share effective advice and help you problem solve past your barriers. After all, they’re right there with you.
So if you’re struggling to stay on track with your weight loss goals, finding an online weight loss buddy to keep you accountable and motivate you can help you lose a few more pounds.
What to Look For in an Online Weight Loss Buddy
So, you’ve decided an online weight loss buddy is right for you. Now you need to find the right ally. Choosing a weight loss buddy is a very personal matter, and there is no one type of weight loss buddy that is better than another. The truth is, even if we share the same goals, what it takes to get us there is different for every person.
With that said, there are some practical qualities that you can look for in a partner that will likely make your relationship more successful:
1. Choose a buddy you can relate to.
In general, it’s best to have a weight loss buddy with similar goals to your own. This way, both of you will be progressing at a similar pace throughout both of your weight loss journeys.
If you have any dietary or medical issues, choosing an online weight loss buddy with the same issues will make it easier for you to relate and problem-solve common stumbling blocks.
2. Your online weight loss buddy should be consistently available.
You’ll want to choose a partner who is regularly available and has a schedule similar to yours. Of course, your buddy doesn’t have to be on the exact same schedule as you, but taking things like daily routine and time zone into account can help make sure the support is there when you need it.
3. Your online weight loss buddy should be kind and encouraging.
When you find an online weight loss buddy, you and your teammate will need to talk about how to best cheer one another on. In general, your buddy should be excited at the prospect of helping you lose weight, and expect the same excitement towards helping them with their weight loss goals from you.
4. The key to an effective weight loss buddy is accountability.
Keeping each other accountable means agreeing to help one another meet goals. It’s important that buddies spend time listening to each other, so assure your weight loss buddy that you will be encouraging of their success – even when you’re frustrated on your own end.
5. You aren’t in competition with your weight loss buddy.
While a little friendly competition can actually be a good thing, extreme competitiveness has no place in a weight loss buddy relationship. To avoid this, choose a weight loss buddy who’s there to meet their own personal goals each day. That way, you and your buddy can be mutually encouraging of each other’s goals.
Setting boundaries and expectations is important when building your relationship with your weight loss buddy. As long as you both know what the other needs and expects, you can be there for each other.
How to Dump an Online Weight Loss Buddy
If your weight loss partner has a different schedule or different goals than you, it can be challenging to find a weight-loss buddy that’s consistent (unless it’s someone you pay).
Don’t be afraid to call it off when an online weight loss buddy isn’t working out. If you’re not getting the support and accountability you need, or if your buddy wants more than you can give, it may be time to move on and find someone new.
The purpose of an online weight loss buddy is to enhance the experience for both partners, and make it easier and more fun for each of you. If that’s not happening, there’s no point in sticking it out.
Your weight loss journey can be a challenging and incredibly rewarding experience, but you don’t have to do it alone! An online weight loss buddy can help motivate you to stay the course.
If you’re looking for more professional one-on-one support, Masala Body’s online weight loss coaching can help make your weight loss dreams a reality. I’ve coached hundreds of busy, professional women on how to successfully lose weight and keep it off without calorie counting, depriving themselves, or intense exercise.
When you join my program, you’ll receive an invitation to my weekly live Q&A so I can answer your questions personally and you can learn from other women who have already lost 20-40 pounds or more.
When you join my program, you’ll have regular check-ins with me, and we will connect regularly through email, text message, and video, including 1:1. I’ll guide you and support you, and give you specific advice on what to eat and combine to boost metabolism based on the foods you like to eat. Because I’m checking in on you in a friendly, supportive way, my clients find that they achieve more transformational results faster and easier. You’ll also be part of my exclusive 8-Week Slim Down Jumpstart weekly video Q&A, and you will hear me answer other’s questions before you even have the question, which gives you more transformation more quickly.
Learn more about our 8-Week Slim Down Personal Weight Loss Coaching online program or schedule a one on one call to learn more about all of our weight loss programs.
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