Support Network
Key Points
- The most effective support network will consist of a wide variety of people (professionals, people close to you and those who share common interests).
- Share your goals with your support network and ask them to help you achieve them.
Topics
1. Why a support network could be important for you
2. Who should form your support network?
3. Identifying your support network
Introduction
For some people, the most effective approach to achieving weight and lifestyle goals will be to focus on themselves, without the support of others. However, the majority of people will thrive with a strong support network that covers medical, diet, exercise and emotional assistance.
This module outlines where your support network may come from. Take the time to think about the best people to surround yourself with, and how you can ask for their assistance. Remember that you are not alone on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
1. Why a support network could be important for you
A weight loss support network will work with you to achieve your goals, providing advice and encouragement to help you maintain your focus.
Networks are particularly helpful during the rough patches, when you feel overwhelmed, lonely or disheartened. They are also fantastic for helping to celebrate your successes along the way.
The key to an effective support network is to choose people from a variety of sources. Make sure your network is made up of people you can trust and who you feel comfortable sharing your feelings, fears and desires with. Ideally they will share common interests with you and help you work towards your goals in a positive, encouraging and disciplined way. They should be able to be honest with you, and vice versa, so that they may pull you back on track during lapse periods.
2. Who should form your support network?
You will need to think about the best approach for you and who to enlist to make up your support network. Look for support among people with common interests and who are committed to a healthy lifestyle themselves.
Your network may include professionals such as the Healthy Weight For Life™ Support Team and your doctor. You may seek the support of other professionals such as a personal trainer or dietitian. All these professionals are there to help, so make the most of their expert advice and extensive experience.
Your network will also be made up of the people close to you (such as your family, friends and colleagues). You may also seek support from local walking groups or link up with others who are working towards their own healthy weight goals.
There are also extensive online support networks that can be useful for sharing tasty recipes, weight loss tips and forums for sharing weight loss experiences. With the internet, your support could come from someone living on the other side of the world through online forums.
Talk about your goals with members of your support network and how you are going to set about achieving them. Also, by sharing the Healthy Weight For Life™ goals with your support network, they will gain a better understanding of the lifestyle changes you are making and the role they could play in supporting you.
3. Identifying your support network
Who currently forms your support network?
In what ways do these people help you?
In what ways could they be of more help to you?
Can you think of other people you would like to include in your support network?
How would you like these people to support you?
End of Phase Two - Self Assessment
What have you learned from Phase Two? Take this quick quiz to find out.
- Hunger is the only influence on what we eat.
(True or False) - The terms "low fat", "99% fat free" and "fat reduced" all mean low in calories.
(True or False) - A support network can help you celebrate your achievements as well as help you through the rough patches.
(True or False) - Stress can cause people to either gain or lose weight depending on their personal response to it
(True or False) - Healthy cooking tips include all of the following except:
a) To maintain nutrient content, it's best to scrub your vegetables clean, instead of peeling them
b) Salt should be added to food to bring out the flavour
c) Steaming or microwaving vegetables is better for you than boiling them
d) Try to avoid cooking with oil, but if you do, canola or olive oil is best
e) Focus on the presentation of your meal as well as the taste to increase enjoyment.
6. Problem solving skills can help you succeed in the long term by overcoming the _________________ that everyday life presents.