How to Get the Support you Want for Your Ideal Weight Loss Journey

Losing weight is possible on your own, but having the support of your family and friends can increase your chance of success. While there may be people in your life who aren't as supportive as you'd like, there are simple things you can do to get them on board and helpful ways to cope when they don't.

Get the support you need to improve your journey

Be specific about the kind of support you want

A great place to start is to be clear and specific about what you want. General statements like "I need help with my weight loss attempt" can be too vague. Instead, get specific about the exact type of help that you’re looking for.

Start by identifying your challenges. Do you struggle with meal planning? Is having certain foods in the house too tempting for you to avoid? Once you know your weak points, you can ask for targeted support.

For example, you might ask your partner to join you for a weekly meal prep session or ask your family to put tempting foods somewhere other than your pantry so you can avoid them.

Get your family involved

No matter how determined you are to lose weight, your immediate family may not want to change their eating habits.

Thankfully, GOLO helps you create complete meals with delicious ingredients so your whole family can enjoy the same thing without feeling like they're eating 'diet food.'

If you happen to cook a different meal for yourself than the rest of your family, ask them to eat the same meal as you once a week. If they like your GOLO-friendly meals, they may want to start eating healthier more often.

Here are a few of our customer’s favorite family-friendly recipes:

Healthy Cheeseburger Skillet
Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta
Healthy Shrimp Gumbo

Be sure to check out our extensive recipes page for meal ideas. You can sort by category, like 'breakfast' or 'seafood,' or search for a specific ingredient to ensure that you're creating meals you love with your favorite foods.

Make healthy eating about wellness, not weight

Getting everyone on board may be easier if you approach the changes with the mindset that you're helping to make your family healthier. Talk to them about the benefits of better food choices, like having more energy and building strong muscles!

Lean on your friends

If you asked your family for help but they still aren't on board, it's time to turn to your friends.

Again, be specific about your goals and how they can help you. You might ask them to be your accountability or exercise partner. You could even ask them to help plan fun activities that don’t revolve around food. Things like group hikes, going for a pedicure or visiting a museum.

Show your appreciation

Lastly, don't forget to express your appreciation. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in making your supporters feel valued. Recognize their efforts and remind them that their support is making a significant difference in your journey.

How to overcome a lack of support during your journey

If you find yourself ‘flying solo’ on your weight loss journey, there are simple things you can do to give yourself the support you need.

Believe in yourself

First, you need to believe in your ability to reach your goals and recognize that you can lose weight on your own.

Ask for positive vibes only

A reasonable request to your friends and family is that they keep their negative comments to themselves. No one needs to give you their opinion on what you're eating or why you want to get healthier. You're making healthier choices for yourself, and that's what matters.

People may feel threatened by your decision to lose weight. If this happens, remind your loved ones that you're changing your lifestyle, not your feelings for them.

You can also reassure your loved ones that improving your health will make you a better partner and friend. You'll feel better and have more energy to do activities you both enjoy.

Address concerns

Losing weight can also cause genuine concerns about your weight loss or eating habits.

If you have family members who are overweight and they notice that you've lost weight, in their minds, they might think you look 'unhealthy.' Similarly, if you turn down an unhealthy treat or a second helping of food that a family member made, they might think you don't like their cooking.

That's why it's important to explain to your family that you're trying to get healthier and feel better about yourself.

Set boundaries

If you're a people-pleaser, you may find it difficult to decline invitations to social events or turn down food being offered. But it's important to understand declining invites or food offers doesn't make you a bad person.

It’s easier said than done, but it can be helpful to avoid people in your life who don’t understand what you’re trying to do or refuse to compromise on what you need from them. You don’t need to cut people out completely, but you can be more intentional about the time you spend with them and what you do together. 

Expand your circle - join the GOLO Facebook Community

GOLO has an official private Facebook group with thousands of people in a similar place on their journey. Our successful testimonials often mention this group as one of the best things that GOLO offers!

The group is run by GOLO employees and only people who have purchased can join. You can find the answers to just about any question you may have, along with encouragement and new friends! This may be the best way to help you build the support system you’ve been looking for.