Dieting with a circle of support

Posted by markdegen on February 17, 2008 3:51 PM PST

Recommend this? YES NO

United we stand divided we fall works successfully when applied with all group efforts.

A friend of mine has been having a difficult time sticking to a diet plan. So when the going gets tough the tough get going and she called upon reinforcements. She has recruited her co workers in the same fight they all have trouble winning.

I really feel this is a terrific formula for success. Unlike dieting alone everyone provides each other with daily emotional support during their moments of weakness and most of us know when dieting this is a frequent occurrence.

At work everyone keeps a watchful eye on the other to keep them honest and ensure they don't stray. An extremely helpful strategy is that everyone contributes by cooking or bringing healthy foods and snacks for the day instead of an individual preparing all their meals and snacks daily.

Here is a common work situation that plays out frequently. Most employees cooped up in office jobs all day will order out and snack on any junk lying around. Like vultures they are on their own and will peck at everything throughout the day.

The plan above puts the work team back together on a personal level & that's truly teamwork.

Add To:

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter and we'll keep you updated with fresh new content.

5 Comments

One woman I know has formed a weight loss support group at work that they call "The Alliance". They set group goals, such as each of them losing 10 pounds. When the group reaches the goal, they share a reward together. The first reward is a pedicure and manicure together - as a group! They walk together at lunch, bring in healthy snacks for each other, and they've even started inspiring other co-workers to join in.

Posted by LynnRD on February 20, 2008 7:44 PM PST

Hey Lynn,

Thanks for sharing that. I like the group goal setting. I can see this being effective when individuals give their word and their peers are counting and rooting for their success. Oddly enough, at times people work better knowing that they their is someone else that will be let down if they do not live up to their promises. Rewards are always terrific for a job well done as long as their not not being rewarded with junk food of course! I will pass along your additional feedback to my friend.

Thanks

Mark Degen, BS, ACSM, ACE, LMT

Posted by markdegen on February 21, 2008 8:29 AM PST

I had a coworker setup a dinner club. So 3 to 5 times per week, they would gather together for a low calorie dinner after work, for a ball game, etc. I didn't even need to join for weight loss purposes, and I still went several times b/c the food creativity was increased thanks to the shared workload. Two years later, this club still meets at least once a week for tailgaiting or sports related activities to share a meal.

Posted by VTCastle on March 1, 2008 6:14 AM PST

VT,

Please share what type of creative low calorie diners you and others ordered. Dining out and eating healthy is not an easy task. Your eating experiences can benefit many.

Thanks

Mark Degen, B.S. , ACSM, ACE, LMT

Posted by markdegen on March 1, 2008 8:58 AM PST

We actually made the foods at our respective homes. This increased calorie control as well as taught those members who needed a few tips on low cal cooking. We routinely focused on increased vegetables and lowering empty calorie foods (refined grains). Dishes like roasted salmon and baked chicken, combined with larger portioned salads (with homemade vinaigrette dressing) were used to substitute for high carb meals. The "good for you" carbs were not eliminated, say from sweet potatoes or whole wheat grains, but were not the core food groups of the diet plan. Most participants lost ~ 5% to 10% of their body weight w/out making any major sacrifices.

Posted by VTCastle on March 1, 2008 9:37 AM PST