Does making friends and the "encouragement" really work?

13

Replies

  • wannatangle
    wannatangle Posts: 80 Member
    You are a great friend!! I think that having friends here makes me accountable to actually fill out that diary and go to the gym. It is embarrassing to go too far over on my calories too often (although everyone has good and bad days). I appreciate encouragement from my friends! In some ways this has replaced some of my time on facebook where I have friends I actually know IRL :)
  • bobbie1965
    bobbie1965 Posts: 32 Member
    IAM NEW HERE TOO.. so far done a 5 day food tracker & 30 walks on my tread mill...how offten should i track my weight?
  • teebeegeebee
    teebeegeebee Posts: 218 Member
    Hell Yes!

    you will find some work and some don't we are all pretty much here to gain some mutual support whilst we achieve our personal goals

    add me if you want or don't - I do not mind.......

    the journey starts and for me will always have a goal in sight !
  • bobbie1965
    bobbie1965 Posts: 32 Member
    Oh yeah...almost forgot ;) ..I m interested in tring the buddy system too! Friend me;)..
    B obbie
  • MG_Fit
    MG_Fit Posts: 1,143 Member
    I think it depends on your personality and what motivated you. Seeing my friends log on and put work in helps me get to the gym. Being accountable for what I eat helps too.
  • momofthreesons
    momofthreesons Posts: 162 Member
    Yep!!!!!
  • sangelic
    sangelic Posts: 207
    Absolutely! I know I never would've gotten this far without them :flowerforyou:
  • runningbs
    runningbs Posts: 132 Member
    I really think it does work :-) Feel free to send a friend request !
  • tgdillon
    tgdillon Posts: 35
    I have the best group of friends and they really keep me motivated. What I don't like is when reading some of the general blogs, there is some negativity. So when I see that I just block them.
  • macaya5
    macaya5 Posts: 75
    yup, the buddy system certainly works! me, I really need to see other people's progress and positive attitudes. it's a boost to get support for both good and bad days, achievements and setbacks.
  • Jim_1960
    Jim_1960 Posts: 399
    Trust me, it works!!!
  • nturner612
    nturner612 Posts: 710 Member
    yes. especially once you gain "accountability partener(s)" those REALLY make the differece, also, seeing new "success stories" every day is encouraging. and the fact that you can proudly post a new workout, an nsv, a weight loss, etc. and have your friends cheer you on is pretty cool. cant do that on any other site without being labeled.
  • Cinflo58
    Cinflo58 Posts: 326 Member
    I would say YES! YES IT DOES HELP! My friends keep me accountable. I'm totally honest and I know if I start not being honest, I will fall back into the old habits that made me gain weight in the first place. That "Yea!"" Way to go! You are awesome!" - really makes it easier to stick with a plan.
    I wish mfp friends lives nearby so we could do stuff together! My real friends and family are so lazy.
    And having friends with the same goals to bounce off ideas helps also
  • KrissyKris10
    KrissyKris10 Posts: 68 Member
    i might also add that it makes it fun. when something is fun, you are more likely to stick with it.
  • nczuczu
    nczuczu Posts: 611 Member
    I like the friends I have made because they help encourage me along the way. I can read about their struggles and push myself knowing they are in the same boat as me. My friends are usually people like me...either over 40 or have over 50 lbs to lose. It is really motivating!
  • MiggyAZ
    MiggyAZ Posts: 14 Member
    Hi, newbie here. How do I add friends, to see posts etc? I think we all need support and encouragement! :)
  • fightininggirl
    fightininggirl Posts: 792 Member
    it works for me and the support has helped me lose 14 pounds thus far
  • shannypoo21
    shannypoo21 Posts: 329 Member
    It certainly helps me! I look forward to logging on here everyday to see what my pals are doing and to help encourage them. And the return the love just the same.
  • The_New_Christina
    The_New_Christina Posts: 818 Member
    Yes! I recall a time I almost quit because my weight was yo-yo-ing for a couple weeks and my MFPals talked me out of quitting and now I'm down 55 lbs!
  • mazzasweet
    mazzasweet Posts: 266 Member
    YES!!! Makes a huge difference! I truly LOVE my pals on here! They're my friends, supporters, cheerleaders and angels!!! It is so important :-) xoxo
  • MoonGypsyQ67
    MoonGypsyQ67 Posts: 121 Member
    Add some friends and see if it works! What is there to lose really (except maybe extra pounds)? I actually do enjoying seeing what everyone else is doing and I LOVE it when they hit a goal they have set or had a suprise NSV! I welcome all friends!
  • lbmade2crave
    lbmade2crave Posts: 29 Member
    I began with no friends - just wanted to keep my calories accountable. But I have since added friends and they are inspiring to me! I see when they exercise and what they are doing and it keeps me going even when I don't "feel" like exercising. I would recommend it!
  • olDave
    olDave Posts: 557 Member
    It doesn't make a difference to me.
  • AmandaW01
    AmandaW01 Posts: 138
    I enjoy having friends - and also that extra bit of accountability, as well as the support and encouragement. It does depend on the person, but I find 'cyber' friends just as motivational and encouraging as 'real' friends - and not so judgemental either :-)
  • iveyroze3
    iveyroze3 Posts: 89
    I really believe the support from "like minded" people is valuable. I like getting motivation and encouragement where you otherwise might not get that support from loved ones in your life who don't understand. I think friends on here and accountability has made a big difference for me. I've tried many diets,but gave up on them because I felt alone. This works. I really like friends that take this seriously and log on consistently. I am on here several times a day. Anyone can add me. The more the merrier. It kinda gets you out of self to cheer others on and see their success and help if they are having difficulty. Sometimes a kind word is all we need to turn our day around. Good luck!
  • asizesix
    asizesix Posts: 131 Member
    my MFP friends are awesome! it really is more encouraging to know that there are other people in the same situation as you. plus, i like looking at their diaries and getting ideas for healthy snacks for myself or even for different exercises.

    personally, i love it when i'm at the gym and look down at my phone and see all the "way to go!" comments they leave on my wall...it does make me want to work out a little extra harder :)
  • Msjay2blue
    Msjay2blue Posts: 26 Member
    It does for me because I'm an all-or-nothing girl, and very accountable to others, but not myself. I am working on that,
  • MeanSophieCat
    MeanSophieCat Posts: 200 Member
    It has helped me. Not every friend will make a difference but there will be one or two that will help you along the way.

    I don't have many friends here but I have one who everytime she sees I'm not logging, will send me a friendly message. That notification in my email pulls me back to MFP.

    Many of my real-life friends easily maintain a healthy weight or are heavy and don't care. Your friends here understand how hard it can be to stop at one slice of pizza or to put on those running shoes. We are people going through a similar life experience and that is always helpful.
  • HollyTsab
    HollyTsab Posts: 120 Member
    For me it's very important. I enjoy my friends on here and I'm a part of two groups on FB that offer me amazing support, encouragement, tough love and advice. It feels good to have people who I can talk to about this. Often times we go through this alone.

    Anyone can friend me if they like. :)
  • RacheeeRay
    RacheeeRay Posts: 46 Member
    for me it totally does. when i log on and see so and so burned so many calories and then a few minutes later someone else popped up with some other workout and i didn't feel like working out before that i think, "hey! i want to work out too!" and i always end up going to the gym.
    seeing others work hard, makes me want to work hard :)

    Totally agree with that! Feel free to add me! Its encouraging seeing others succeed, lets you know you can do it too!!

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