Start a size-down challenge
Is there a certain style of clothing you’re dying to fit into? Go shopping with a friend and each pick out one item that is one size too small, suggests Koff. Then check-in with each other weekly to see how it is fitting. “This is great because you can do it with your college roommate from years ago or another friend that lives miles away via Skype or by texting or e-mailing photos.” It also forces you to focus on how you look and feel—not the number on the scale.
Send a surprise
Encourage each other with small, health-boosting gifts. “We love giving discounts when you buy for your buddy at
HappyBellyBags.com,” says Koff. But you don’t even have to spend money. Forwarding e-mail coupons or Facebook freebies from wellness companies, such as
Gaiam or
Kashi, is also a great way to inspire better buys.
Email your diet logs
You're more likely to keep a food diary if you have someone to share it with, says Aschan. Review each other's notes and then discuss your strengths, weaknesses and what you'll do to improve.
Pay up
Motivated by money? “Agree to pay one of your friends if you don't achieve 3.5 hours of activity per week,” suggests Aschan. “It will help you to implement your activity plan and stay motivated.” Want to raise the stakes? Wage at least $100 on
LoseItorLoseIt.com. The website is run by two computer programmers who will keep your money—not even donate it to charity!—if you don’t achieve your weight loss goal.
Swap playlists
“Music is a huge motivator and definitely gets people excited to work out,” says Bauer. “Sharing your
iTunes or
Spotify playlists will provide you and your friends with more options than just your own, overplayed songs and will push you to work out longer.”
Ask for free guest passes
“Bring your friends to try out a new workout such as boot camp or pole dancing at your local gym,” says Aschan. Variety helps prevent boredom and can make you more likely to work out at a higher intensity, enhancing your results.
Host a mini seminar
“Once every two months hold a wellness group in your home or community center where you invite local experts to discuss how to beat hormonal weight gain, eat healthier or exercise smarter,” suggests Aschan. It will help you stay informed about the best and newest ways to stay in shape.
Exercise together
Sign up for a group fitness class or get together at a friend’s house to do a
fitness DVD, says Haley.
Spread the news
“In many cases, just telling your best friends that you are starting a weight loss program helps keep you accountable and can motivate you to stick to your plan,” says
Mickey Harpaz, PhD, nutritionist, exercise physiologist and author of
Menopause Reset!
Block off time
Make your health a priority by planning a girlfriend’s wellness weekend, suggests
Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and author of
The Active Calorie Diet. Spend the weekend (at home or away) cooking nutritious food, exercising and indulging in spa treatments.
Journal with a friend
Writing down everything you eat can be time consuming, especially with a busy job and family obligations. “Instead of logging every calorie, be creative and jot down how you are feeling each Monday, or describe the day of the week that is hardest for you to workout or stay away from sweets,” suggests Cardiello. “Then, share these emotions with a friend or someone who will hold you accountable to your goals. This way you can constructively plan to control and conquer those feelings and get to the gym.”
(
Source: http://www.more.com/weight-loss-diet-exercise-friend)
Healthy Fundraisers for School
). Just pretend you are stranded in boat, and you need to ration your food, so you will have something to eat each day until rescuers arrive. I know you can do it! Here is a double dose of support for you.
