The Benefits of the Buddy System

We all struggle with trying to stay motivated after starting a new diet or exercise program. It tends to be that most people are very motivated in the beginning and then sometimes that initial determination to succeed can wear off. Recently one of my friends and I were going for a walk and we started discussing how we tend to go through a cycle where we will be very good at eating well and exercising for a few weeks and then inevitably we go back to our bad habits. Sound familiar? So we decided that we would form a partnership and we are now meeting at the gym every morning and posting our food intake to a website that allows us to track what we eat, as well as view each others pages. It has proven to be very motivating!

Why does the buddy system work so well?
The main reason that the buddy system works so well is because of the accountability it provides. Research suggests that people who are held accountable are more likely to be successful. That's a huge part of the reason our patients continue to be seen even after they have met their weight loss goals. The staff at our office is always here to provide that needed support to our patients.

So, if you're having trouble sticking with your diet and exercise plan, get out there and find yourself a buddy. Your accountability partner will be there to motivate you when you're giving in to that urge to quit, as well as to be your cheerleader when you are doing really well.