Leverage Friendship to Make (Not Break) Your Health Goals

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Think about what you do on the weekends. If you’re like most, there’s probably at least one or two outings that involve people in your social circles.

And what do those outings involve? Food? Alcohol?

When you’re trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, maintaining friendships while sticking with your goals can be one heck of a problem.

So how can you help your friends understand your new lifestyle -- and better yet -- stay on track with it?

We rounded up 5 ways to leverage friendship to make (not break) your fitness goals.
 

1) Let them know.

No one’s a mind-reader. Spend some time alerting your friends to your goals and the changes you’re trying to make in your life. That way, next time you order a salad and water at the restaurant, they understand and support you (rather than question why you’re not drinking).
 

2) Make the plans.

There are many, many things you can do with friends that don’t involve high-calorie meals and alcohol. Invite them to go for a hike. Go bowling. Take a fitness class together. Heck, plan a weekend wellness retreat. The sky’s the limit when it comes to what you can do that’s outside the box.
 

3) Ask for encouragement.

Tell your friends about your achievements along the way. Chances are, they’re going to be excited for you. And if they’re not, ask them for encouragement. Again, no one’s a mind-reader. If you tell people that care about you what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, they’re going to want to support you.
 

4) Ask them to hold you accountable.

True friends aren’t afraid to tell you when you’re about to make a mistake or screwing something up. Tell your friends you want them to help you stay on-track. Tell them you’re okay with them speaking up if they see you about to make a poor choice. Ask them to check in on you. Chances are, they’ll be glad to offer their support.
 

5) Ask for support.

Why do we have friends anyway? For camaraderie, for laughter, for happiness -- and for support. Friends are there to help us through tough times. Are you having a bad day? Don’t let that sink your efforts. Instead, pick up the phone and call a friend. Work through your bad day and use that to find your strength to keep going.
 

What are some other ways friends can help you stay on-track with your fitness goals?
Share them in the comments below!

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

Lifestyle/Wellness

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