For many women, anything that has to do with our bodies — including weight loss — can seem like something that needs to be dealt with privately. We try to “do it ourselves” only to fail again and again and end up feeling defeated. But there’s truly no shame in any of it. Losing weight and getting healthy is hard. It’s hard for everyone. It’s hard to stay motivated, it’s hard to know how to start, it’s hard to discern what works and what doesn’t, it’s hard to resist temptation — it’s all just hard. When you’re trying to figure it all out yourself while keeping up with the rest of your life, it can become totally overwhelming.
Relying solely on your own willpower when things gets tough can be a recipe for failure. That’s why so many people have better weight loss success when they build in some type of support system. Lots of us just do better with a bit of built-in accountability. But if early morning boot camps or post-work meetings don’t fit into your schedule or just aren’t your thing, no worries. There are actually a number of online services and apps that feature a virtual weight loss coach, including Noom, which helps subscribers come up with a custom weight loss and nutrition plan tailored to their individual lifestyles and goals. Here are some of the benefits of using a virtual weight loss coach:
1. It Saves Time
These days, time can be the biggest hindrance when it comes to achieving weight loss goals. So first and foremost, using a virtual weight loss coach is a major time-saver. You don’t have to use valuable time to drive to an office or center, sit through your coaching session, and then use more time to drive back home or to work or to pick up the kids at day care. A virtual weight loss coach is literally at your fingertips whenever you have a spare minute — many are available 24/7 — no matter where you are, as long as you have an internet connection and a smartphone. That also means you won’t have to wait long for answers to your pressing weight loss questions.
2. You Can Still Maintain Your Privacy
While some people can afford private weight loss coaching, many people go with a group option in part because it’s what’s within their budget, whether they are comfortable sharing their weight loss struggles with strangers or not. And of course, there are many people who opt out of weight loss coaching altogether because neither of those options works for them. However, virtual weight loss coaching is affordable while still allowing you to maintain your privacy and not be forced to share your goals, successes, and failures with a group of people you probably don’t know very well. So if you’re the type who’s overwhelmed by group situations, or you’re a particularly private or reserved person, a virtual weight loss coach can be a game changer.
3. Encouragement Is Objective
Your online weight loss coach is likely to offer plenty of encouragement along with real-life solutions for any issues you may have on your weight loss journey. And unlike your friends, colleagues, or family members, their encouragement will be totally objective. You coach will look at your particular situation and offer encouraging solutions and information without any judgment or expectations, which can help you feel a lot more comfortable asking for the help in the first place.
4. Advice Is Practical and Instant
Your virtual weight loss coach can look at your specific food log and your exercise plan and immediately find any gaps and/or challenges and help you make tweaks instantly, in many cases keeping you from making mistakes, encountering major setbacks, or getting discouraged. You’ll get practical advice and tips when you need them, without having to overthink things yourself or get stressed. Whether you need emotional support, nutrition tips, or fitness feedback, most virtual weight loss coaches can offer help exactly when you need it.
