Supporting Your Challengers
Think clearly about your personal journey with your weight. Yep I said it YOUR WEIGHT. Was it a sensitive topic? Was it an emotional experience? Were you battling some sort of anxiety? Depression? Battle wounds? Weight gain comes somewhere very mental, not just physical. Usually weight gain is the physical product of emotional scaring. Trust me… I know. I am a product of emotional eating and binge eating that caused me to YO YO diet my entire adult life. It caused constant tears and constant self pity which led to more weight gain! Do you get it?! Okay, so if you get it put yourself in your challengers shoes. We are not just here to encourage and motivate them to lose weight, we are here to be a shoulder. We are here to be an ear. We are hear to be a friend. Here are some tips for treating supporting your challengers:
1. Do not use such negative words as “fat, lazy, tired, bulge, couch potato, muffin top.” These words are derogatory and negative. Remember, we have fat, we are NOT FAT. If you have never had an issue with your weight, it may be hard to understand why these words cut deep. They are negative, and are usually hurtful. When discussing weight loss, your wording needs to be positive, encouraging, and friendly. Here are some examples:
“Fitness, self improvement, unwanted weight gain, healthier, work towards more energy, extra weight.” Your words need to always be positive and uplifting.
2. Be kind to your challengers in the group. They need to feel trusted by you and the other challengers. When they post their nutrition daily, you need to be there to encourage. If you see something that is “not so healthy” do not publicly tell them that what they are eating is bad. Do not tell them that they need to improve on something publicly. Private message/text/email/call your challenger and ask to have a private conversation with them about their choices, and encourage them with some ideas on better eating choices, and recipes. Be careful when offering advice! Do not cut them down or ridicule them. A great example would be to say “I am so proud of you for always posting your nutrition. It really does give me a good idea of how you a re doing as my challenger and how I can better help you achieve your goals! I noticed that you have had McDonald's fries three times this week. I understand that they are delicious! But perhaps next week try having it for one cheat meal on Friday night! Or a great alternative would be to make your own fries! Perhaps chopping a potato into slices and baking on high with a little sea salt! This is a much healthier alternative and I think it will serve you better in your goals”.
3. Create a group chat on the side with your challengers, especially if you are sharing the group with another coach!
This is a great way to get some group conversations going! Ask your challengers in the page if they would like to be included in this conversation! Send them daily encouragement and messages about self improvement.
4. Check in privately with 2 challengers a day. If you only have 5 challengers check in with them privately more than once a week! In fact check in daily if you can! Give them a personal touch! You could even grab their phone number and text them encouragement in the morning as they start their day. Remind them why they are making this change!
5. Offer daily recognition for your challengers. Congratulate those who won the weekly group prize, those who have seen big changes in their body, those who stayed on point with their eating. People love to be recognized and it does offer encouragement!
6. Share your progress, your food, and your fitness. Be a leader and set the example. Post your nutrition, and your weekly posts.
Assignment
(Please post to the comments section for this day in the group page)1. What is another way that you will support your challengers?
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