Learn Why Bee Delicious is an important part of the BeeWell for Life Program

The saying “It takes a village” rings true when it comes to maintaining your progress for the long haul.  This month we’ve talked about getting started and getting organized, which are critical steps in meeting your health and weight goals.  But, the work doesn’t stop there.  In fact, setting up support systems is just as important to your success.  Use these tips to set up support systems that work for you.

Friends: We’re often with friends when we’re presented with opportunities to make healthful versus not so healthful eating and exercise choices, so setting up a support system involving your friends can be extremely beneficial.  Just think, we’re usually with friends when choosing restaurants, deciding if dessert is an option, choosing to drive or walk, deciding between a sedentary or active Sunday afternoon, etc. 

Tip: Choose friends who make healthful choices.  This might mean seeing some friends less often – for non food-related activities – and spending more time with friends that you can depend on to motivate you to  order healthful options, park further from the destination to fit in a walk, or opt for a nice hike rather than getting ice cream more often. And don’t forget to offer support to your friends too, by making healthful choices and suggesting active plans.

Family: It’s true, family is there when you need them… and there when you don’t!  This can come in handy – or be detrimental – to our healthy eating progress. We can’t exactly decide we’re not going to hang out with families as easily as we can with friends. 

Tip: Be open with your family about your goals and lifestyle changes and let them know what they can do to make these changes easier for you.  Be sure to point out that they don’t have to make the same lifestyle changes (though you’re there to support them, if they decide to), but you would like them to be positive and encouraging of your efforts.  Often, when family feels like they’re a part of your efforts, they’ll be more likely to be supportive.

Virtual: There some great virtual support systems out there – like www.beewellforlife.com. Virtual support is a wonderful way to stay accountable on a daily basis by using online food and exercise journals.  In addition, the recipe ideas, meals plans, and community forums  provide support from both a nutritional and emotional standpoint.

Tip: Don’t miss out on virtual support – www.beewellforlife.com is free and provides access to thousands of other people across the United States who are also working towards their health and weight goals.  You can even ask nutrition and fitness questions and get answers from not only other members, but also our team of experts!

Community: There are plenty of people in your community working towards making healthier lifestyle choices.  And oftentimes, it really helps to meet with them on a regular basis to talk, vent, share tips, etc.  From Weight Watchers meetings and healthy living clubs at your local YMCA to services like www.meetup.com, where you can look for people in your area interested in healthy eating, cooking, hiking, etc. having a group of people to check in with can help solidify your long term success by providing a sense of accountability.

Tip: Combining community-based support systems with friend, family, and/or virtual support works best, since you likely will not get community support on a daily basis.  Think of community support as occasional, ongoing support to supplement your daily support systems.