In addition to the positive reinforcement, a spirit of competition is a healthy way to "keep the fire burning" and shed those unwanted pounds. This competitiveness can push an individual to avoid unnecessary calories, walk an extra mile or stick to the dreaded morning calisthenics.

It is so easy when dieting and exercising alone to become lax. Eating an extra helping, skipping an exercise session or completely giving up on a program is not as difficult for a loner. When you commit to a partner or a group, there is usually a greater chance that you will succeed. Quitting or failing to adhere to the plan carries a degree of guilt or shame that the individual seeks to avoid. Fear of failure will help outweigh the desire to quit.

When participating with a partner or group in a planned regimen, dieting and exercise can become fun rather than a dreaded chore. Together you can plan dietary menus, exercise that provides fun as well as benefits, and set individual and group goals.
Instead of striving for indefinite goals of weight loss and fitness, set demanding but realistic targets. Publish your targets so that each individual will know what your goals are. This will increase the amount of dedication needed to follow through and produce positive results.

When participants fail to meet targets, partners should encourage each other to continue to push for excellence and not give up or be discouraged. When achieving success, congratulate each other and make it a special event. Plan to reward each other for successes in meeting targets - spa treatments, a new CD or beauty product are great non-food rewards.

A common reason for failure when dieting or exercising alone is boredom. There is no doubt about it! Dieting and exercise is often BORING! Companionship can defeat that boredom. Suddenly, it is no longer a lonely venture to improve your health. It is a fun time to share the experience with a friend or a group of friends.

It is a fact that there is strength in numbers. Friends and associates that are participating in a common goal will introduce new aspects of diet and exercise that the individual may not have considered. Trading information, ideas and inspiration is a vital part of dieting together.

Companions can offer diet recipes, workout techniques, fun ways to exercise, encouragement, goals and most of all, support. If you are planning to begin a diet or exercise program, you will increase your odds of success exponentially by enlisting a friend or participating with a group.

If you don't have a friend who wants to join you, seek out a group that you can join with regular meetings such as Weight Watchers. They will record your weight and help you to set reasonable goals that will spur you on to success.

Don't be a loner when it comes to dieting.