TIP 6: Get a Buddy!

we all need our friends.
for love, support, and of course- laughter.

TIP 6: Get a weight-loss buddy!

There are many reasons to get a weight-loss (or exercise) buddy:
- support for when you're struggling
- motivation for when you're feeling lazy

- inspiration and a "pep" talk when you're feeling discouraged
- someone to brag to
- someone to work out with, exercise is more fun when done together, and you can watch each other's form
- someone to hold you accountable for missing workouts or eating poorly
- someone to share tips and tricks with
- someone to encourage you to work harder, to push you
- someone who will remind you why you're working so hard
- someone to congratulate you for working so hard!

Basically, you want someone for support, encouragement, and to hold you accountable for when you mess up.

That last part is particularly important. If your buddy is too nice, you'll become lazy, so if you have to choose between Miss Nice, and Miss MeanyPants, go for the mean one, at least she'll piss you off so you work harder! hahaha! just kidding, but seriously, you need someone who's going to bluntly tell you you messed up and need to work harder.

If you have no idea where to start your search for a buddy, especially if you're too shy to talk about your friends, i suggest attending a class at your local gym (suited for your level of fitness), there you will meet like-minded individuals, who might want to work out together after class, or at other points in the week.

You could also join and online forum-type thing, and have an online friend.

HOWEVER, the key to the "buddy system" to to be completely honest about your habits- if you lie, you're only hurting yourself.

My weight-loss buddy is my boyfriend. Every night we talk about what activity we did during the day, and of course, what we ate! I'm lucky to have him, because he tells me when I mess up. We care about each other, and our weight-loss journeys are done hand-in-hand! haha. :) He keeps me active, when we're together, and mindful of what I eat when we're apart.

If you still can't find a buddy, theres other ways of keeping yourself motivated and accountable:
- use a food diary and exercise log to write down what you do
- "compete" against fellow treadmill runners or stationary bicyclists to push yourself
- enter into "competitions" - for example: Nike Plus Running has a website where you can log miles ran and compete, and local gyms may have "honesty-based" competitions for laps swam in a pool, or steps taken. use these for motivation, and enjoy your successes!
- once a week, weigh yourself, and make a small goal for the next week. write it down so you remember!

Stay motivated guys!

And remember, if you need someone to talk to, or to be your online "buddy," I'm here, just leave a comment. :)

Just another whale,
MyzzLyzz