Teaming Up At School Or Work To Lose Weight

Teaming up either at school or work to lose weight may be one of the best ways to accomplish your diet goals according to a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. The study followed a group of friends who partnered up in an effort to lose weight as well as several individuals with the same goals. At the end of the study, researchers found that people who partnered up were not only more likely to complete their diet program but also lose more weight than individuals who dieted without a support partner. Furthermore, dieting partners were more successful in maintaining their weight loss than individuals dieting alone. So, what makes the strong difference between dieting with a partner and dieting alone? Researchers believe that the element of social support is a compelling factor. A weight loss partner can provide both the moral support and discipline you need to stay on track. While just about anyone can serve as a weight loss partner, researchers believe that buddies from school or work make better weight loss partners because they are not as likely to be judgmental as family or even close friends. In addition, a weight loss partner from school or work is more likely to understand the unique frustrations dieters face in the real eight to five world of work or school. When making the decision to team up at work or school, dieters should consider several key factors in selecting a weight loss partner. One of the first factors they should consider is the type of weight loss partner that would best suit their needs. For example, ask yourself whether you are more in need of someone to work out with you or someone to help you avoid those tempting dessert laden office parties and the ritualistic afternoon snack hour? You should also consider finding a partner who will mesh well with your personality as well as schedule and location. While you may work at the same company as someone else interested in losing weight; if your schedules constantly conflict, chances are you won’t be able to provide much support to one another. The same is true when looking for a weight loss partner at school; the buddy system will work much better if your schedules are similar and classes located near one another. Finally, be sure to look for a weight loss partner that is not too strict or too indulgent in their support. Look for someone who will be supportive but firm in keeping you on track. When you do find the right support partner, be sure to sit down with them to discuss mutual goals. Consider ways in which you can support one another in your weight loss efforts, such as these: • Take turns bringing healthy snacks to work/school. • Set aside a time during the day when you can discuss progress, setbacks and tips. • Get together to visit the gym or take an aerobics class during your lunch hour. • Exchange low calorie, low-fat or low-carb recipes. • Celebrate one another’s victories. With the right amount of support and encouragement, you may be amazed at the success you can achieve in your weight loss goals.

Alcohol And Weight Loss

When trying to lose weight, it is highly recommended that you refrain from drinking alcohol. This reasoning is based both in the fact that alcohol has a high concentration of unhealthy sugars and empty calories as well as the knowledge that alcohol generally drives you compromise your habits, which might make you eat the wrong foods if they are available. However, if you do wish to have a night cap, it is recommended that you drink alcohol in moderation and opt for a low-sugar red wine as opposed to a carbohydrate-dense beer. Alcohol is generally consumed in social situations, such as at a meal or party. Generally, when drinking one glass, an additional glass or two are offered. Because you are in a social situation, it can be difficult to refrain from over-indulging, at least as far as the parameters of your diet are concerned. If you do have a weight loss partner and are in a situation involving alcohol together, you two can share the responsibility of helping each other avoid unwanted glasses. Each additional alcoholic beverage boosts the number of calories you consume per day as well as the amount of sugar running through your blood stream. Many people feel uncomfortable rejecting a drink in a social situation. They do not want to be party poopers by reminding friends of their diet or they do not want to seem to stiff in front of others. If you find yourself in a situation where it is tough to avoid consuming a beverage, then consider ordering a diet coke on ice. A diet coke has no calories or fat grams, but will come in a nice glass that will appear to be an alcoholic beverage. If you must consume wine, then opt for a deep red wine. Red wines are wines that are generally lower in sugar than a white wine or a beer. Red wines are made keeping the skin of the grapes on, which also makes the wine more rich in minerals than the white wine counterpart, which is made from only the core of the grape. Also keep in minds that beverages such as beer have yeast, fat and sugar. There is a reason that frequent beer drinkers develop a beer belly – they consume vast amounts of beer but do not work it off right away. Like fruit, it is also a good idea to consume wine when you are also eating a meal. The meal will help to regulate the spike in your blood sugar level so that your body is not shocked by the addition of new alcohol calories or sugars. Keep in mind that while alcohol consumption might not be avoidable for you, the munchies and desire to consume high-fat and high-grease foods needs to be controlled. If you do find yourself in a situation where you have consumed too much wine, it is important for you to avoid tacking on additional calories from food. Moderation and education are the two keys to effective weight loss when it comes to wine consumption and the hunger that follows.