Top 10 Ways to Help a Dieter Succeed

Weight loss and dieting can be challenging and takes great courage. Helping a dieter achieve their weight loss goal requires positive, supportive mindset. Here are some rules to follow to show your support for a loved one who may be dieting.

1. Stay positive. Only offer encouraging words, never judgments, scolding or negative opinions.

2. Support healthy eating habits by joining along. For example, eat foods that are friendly to the dieter’s meal plan or join them in their efforts to exercise. Also be sure that your participation doesn’t turn into competition perceived or otherwise.

3. Help the dieter celebrate small and large successes. A scale is only a tool. Celebrate the dieter’s effort, hard work, and sacrifice.

4. Offer a supportive ear when dieters experience stressful days. Stress is a common trigger to eat or cheat on one’s diet. Your support and positivity could be just what a dieter needs to work through stressful periods.

5. Focus on the health benefits of dieting, not the weight loss.  Regardless of the movement of the scale, healthy eating yields many benefits for the mind, body, and spirit.

6. Pay sincere compliments. Most people plan to lose weight to feel better about themselves, so recognize their efforts NOT the pounds lost.

7. Ask about their diet program and how it works. Show genuine interest in a dieter’s weight loss plan and find ways to respect and support their efforts.

8. Never tempt a dieter with foods that aren’t friendly to their diet protocol. Keep junk food, fast food, and dessert items out of sight and never offer them to a dieter – not even one little bite.

9. Offer to prepare, shop or order a diet friendly meal or snack for a busy dieter, especially when they are pressed for time or working late. Make it convenient for dieters to stay on track, even on the most hectic days.

10. Avoid any use of judgmental statements or questions. Remember, a diet is a personal journey, and it’s never your job to police a dieter—no matter their choices.