Weight loss can be a rollercoaster of a journey, not only physically but also mentally. It can be tough when you are the only one in your network of friends that is traveling on this journey to a healthier life, especially when those around you who could careless and tempt you with tons of food. It’s definitely not always a walk in the park for most people, which is why having accountability is key. Accountability gives you a number of benefits.

You won’t feel alone on this journey. You have a support team that understands what you are going through and can relate to those difficult days when you are going crazy over food or just want to throw in the towel and give up.

It keeps you on your toes. In the back of your mind when you reach for that extra cookie or stop by the candy store of the way home, you know that you are going to have to report this to your accountability partner or support group.

It also gives you that extra push to go the extra mile with all the encouragement and motivation.

Your partner or support group can give you tips and kick you in the butt when you aren’t on track.

The benefits can go on…

So, where can you find these support groups? They are everywhere! Of course paying for a support group like weight watchers or a personal trainer is nice, but there are so many other ways to find that accountability without costing you a dime. Here are a few ideas that won’t break your budget.

* Find a workout buddy and set daily workout times. I am less likely to hit the snooze button when I knew that my friend is at the gym waiting for me.

* Join Sparkpeople.com. This is a social network just like facebook or myspace all centered around weight loss. They set up a diet plan specific to your needs with meals and snacks picked out for the day, a workout plan, low calorie recipes, tips, community forums and more. Check it out here: Sparkpeople

* Record everything you eat… and I mean EVERYTHING (even those little mints) and share with a friend every week.

* Start a food blog. This way you know that the whole world is looking at what you are eating… making you less likely to reach for that snickers bar!!! You can sign up for a free blog through wordpress.com or blogspot.com

* Start a weight loss blog. I have found a huge support group in the weight loss blogging world. There is a community of bloggers that leave you encouraging comments and tips through your posts. A few of those bloggers are on my sidebar to the left.

* Find online weight loss forums. These give you great encouragement and advice as well. Here are a few:

SparkPeople

Weigh-Loss-Forum

Calories Per Hour

3 Fat Chicks

The Biggest Loser

Buddy Slim

* Check out your local church. Many of them have free accountability groups that meet weekly and aerobic classes.

* Lastly, you can always use me as accountability and support. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to comment and I will help in any way possible.

So stop trying to battle through this journey alone and find a support team to help you through this journey!

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.