The Saboteur

Somebody may be determined to try to be a roadblock along your weight loss journey. Be prepared for the frustrating interference of loved ones who don't approve of or understand your desire to lose weight. Most of us will at some point have someone in our lives who will knowingly -- or completely unwittingly -- try to sabotage our weight loss efforts. Usually these types of people have ulterior motives for their desire to keep you overweight. Often it boils down to plain old-fashioned insecurity.

If you encounter this situation, you'll probably find yourself grasping for the reasons why. Perhaps friends who also have a weight problem think you may "leave them behind" if you lose your excess pounds. For example, your girlfriend may think your new lifestyle will put an end to your regular weekend visits to each stop in the food court together. Tell her you will enjoy your trip to the mall together, but you want to spend it window shopping instead. Changing your lifestyle doesn't mean losing your time together... just spend it burning calories instead of racking them up!

Anyone who truly loves you will want what's best for you. Once you've reached an unhealthy weight and you finally feel ready to change, losing those excess pounds safely and steadily should become priority number one for everyone involved. Eventually most of the people on the sidelines will see that what you're doing is a good thing... even if it does throw your social life or "normal" some family activities a curve ball. Do your best to get those around you to trade in their old habits for healthier ones with you so you can still be together (And everyone else will benefit from those healthier habits, too!).

But some folks may never come around. They may never accept that you are leaving a defective lifestyle behind for a better future. And you probably won't understand the reason why they won't accept it, no matter how many times you try to talk it out. Losing weight is hard enough in and of itself; you don't need anyone in your life making it even more difficult. If someone like this is hampering your weight loss success, you simply must decide to you put your own well-being as first priority. As difficult as it may be, you may find your only choice is to distance yourself from this person for the time being.

"Click" with Someone Online!

If you find that you don't get the support you need at home, there are other places to turn. You're very near one of those places right now! Studies have shown that people who turn to online support are far more likely to succeed in their weight loss efforts than those who try to go it alone. Just head over to our forum and post a message. There are always lots of supportive community members ready to talk dieting, share tips and motivation and discuss whatever else may be on your mind. We've even set up a special buddies section where you can post your message seeking a weight loss buddy and hook up with a "virtual pen-pal" to share each step of your weight loss journey.

Continue to Part Three:
Meanwhile, back in the "real world"... >>

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