While losing weight is a personal and private goal for many people, you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, a good weight loss support system may be the difference between the success or failure of your weight loss goals. Even with the current challenges of sheltering in place and social distancing measures due to COVID-19, you can still create and connect with a support system.
One-on-one coaching and support is the secret sauce of the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Protocol. Your coach is there for you during your entire weight loss journey. Ideal Protein Coaches have all completed the Protocol and are well equipped to give you guidance and support you need along the way. Your coach should be your first level of support, but you may find you need additional support. Here are some tips on how to set up your support system:
Think about what types of support you want and what form this support system should take to best meet your needs. For instance, you will likely need emotional support, someone to listen to you and encourage you—not just about weight loss but about any issues you’re struggling with. Someone you can turn to soothe your emotions, someone who can encourage you and celebrate your successes.
You may also need practical support—an accountability partner. This may be someone to keep a regular walking date with or someone to swap recipes or share eating strategies with.
What about inspirational support? Having someone you admire and look up to can also be motivating when you’re striving to reach goals. Who inspires you to work hard, do your best, and reach higher? You don’t even have to know your inspirations personally—that’s where the Internet, books, or videos can help.
Another thing to consider is the emotional tone the support should take. Are you looking for encouragement, accountability or both? What type of motivation do you respond best to?
Some people do best if they announce their weight loss intentions to the world, while others need only to set a weight loss goal for themselves privately. Be honest about what you need with both yourself and your support system.
Right now, your opportunities for in-person support may be limited by public health safety measures, but even if you can’t be together, you can still find support by phone, text, and online. And continue to reach out to your Ideal Protein coach for in-person, socially distanced one-on- one coaching (if available) or virtual coaching!
No matter what type of support you need you can find it online or in real life. Lean on your support system when losing weight feels hard and celebrate with them when you meet your weight loss goals. You’ve got this!