Updated: March 27, 2020
If you’re a Jenny Craig member, you already know that you’re never alone on your weight loss journey. Your weight loss coach is always by your side, ready to provide advice and encouragement every step of the way. But having a weight loss buddy to lean on — someone who’s navigating their own journey — can be another effective form of support. In fact, research shows that people who pair up with a buddy may lose more weight and inches around their waists than those who fly solo.1 A weight loss buddy doesn’t need to be a romantic partner: A friend or family member can be just as helpful.1
Here are just a few benefits of having a weight loss buddy, and how you can find a like-minded friend to support you along the way.
They'll keep you accountable
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You and your weight loss companion are both striving for a healthier lifestyle and learning new skills to support your efforts. If you’re tempted by unhealthy habits, call or text your buddy! Your partner will help you remember your weight loss “why,” whether it's losing weight for an upcoming event, like a wedding, or getting in shape to walk your first 5K.
They'll face triumphs and challenges with you
Maybe you’ve overindulged or missed your workout for the day. Or perhaps you’ve hit a plateau; your weight loss partner understands just how important it is to refocus on healthy eating habits and exercise. If you’re having a difficult day, your accountability partner will be there to help you find the path back to your weight loss goals.
Together, you’ll provide each other with the peer support and powerful motivation you both need to stick to your diet and physical activity goals. Be open to your buddy’s encouragement and offer them support, too.
They'll help you celebrate your accomplishments
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A weight loss buddy not only helps you through the challenges of reaching your health and weight loss goals, but also celebrates your successes.
Your weight loss partner will join you in celebrating major milestones, like hitting your halfway mark or fitting into a new size. And don’t forget about non-scale victories, like sticking to healthy portions at a restaurant or enjoying your first yoga class. Those deserve recognition, too!
Marking day-to-day wins with a partner can help keep you both focused on your short-term and long-term goals.
How to find and choose a weight loss buddy
Find someone who shares your interests and your goals. Finding a weight loss buddy with common interests can make it easier to have engaging conversations and offer helpful advice. If you both are foodies and are just starting to become more active, that’s great! You could swap healthy versions of your favorite recipes and try to hit 5,000 steps on your first walk together.
Think of it as a partnership, not a competition. You don’t need to pit yourself against your companion to do your best. You’re in this together! Build each other up, find creative solutions to your struggles and be each other’s advocates.
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Consider having more than one buddy. Joining or creating a group of weight loss-focused folks offers a dynamic environment for everyone to grow. If one person in your group is busy, another friend is just a call or a text away. You might discover a new activity, share the best tips you’ve gotten from your weight loss coach, or even find exciting new ways to celebrate your wins.
Try finding an online weight loss buddy. Not sure how to find a buddy in person? No problem! Message boards and digital communities are great places to find support. You can join a group, like Jenny Craig’s Community, where you can chat with members, share your victories and discuss your challenges.
Connect with a weight loss coach. Chat with someone who knows all the ins and outs of weight loss and understands how to support you when you need it most. Many of Jenny Craig’s weight loss coaches have been in your shoes — they know where you’re coming from! With their personal stories and expertise, Jenny Craig’s knowledgeable coaches can be exceptional resources, in person and online.
Your weight loss journey can be a challenging and incredibly rewarding experience, but you don’t have to do it alone! Try these tips to find a weight loss partner who will encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle. If you’re looking for all-around support, Jenny Craig can help make your weight loss goals a reality. With delicious, chef-crafted meals and personalized support from a dedicated coach, we’re here to help you succeed. Book your free 15-minute appointment to get started today!
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29452062
Reviewed by Briana Rodriquez, RDN
Briana is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer for Jenny Craig, based in Carlsbad, California. She is passionate about utilizing food as functional and preventative medicine. Guided by a simplistic and optimistic approach, Briana’s philosophy is to help people improve their health and achieve their goals through the development of sustainable habits to live a healthy life. In her free time, you can find her strength training, indoor cycling, coffee tasting, and at local eateries with her husband and two dogs.
Favorite healthy snack: peanut butter with celery alongside a grapefruit-flavored sparkling water (so refreshing!)
QuoteThis article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles and was written by an experienced health and lifestyle contributor and reviewed by certified professionals.
Our goal at Jenny Craig is to provide the most up-to-date and objective information on health-related topics, so our readers can make informed decisions based on factual content. All articles undergo an extensive review process, and depending on the topic, are reviewed by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutritionist, to ensure accuracy.
This article contains trusted sources including a scientific, peer-reviewed paper. All references are hyperlinked at the end of the article to take readers directly to the source.
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