Losing weight is hard. Evidence: The massive industry of products and programs dedicated to weight loss, and the many people who continue to struggle, yo-yo diet, and fluctuate between weights. With the right support, however, sustainable weight loss is absolutely achievable.
But what does the right support look like? Well, it depends. And, of course, weight loss and getting healthy is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Weight loss is first and foremost about food and diet, of course, but also exercise … and behavior patterns. .. and emotions … and community. So whatever type of support you seek should ideally address all of these factors. This is where a weight loss coach comes in. A good weight loss coach will have a wide variety of expertise, meaning that the right one will serve as something of a dietitian, a physical trainer, a therapist, and a supportive friend — all in one. But even among weight loss coaches, there are a lot of options. Online, in-person — where to start? We’re partial to Noom, which offers a weight loss support program that lives in your pocket! Noom is a weight loss and healthy lifestyle program that has a menu of options to help users during their weight loss journey, including a virtual weight loss coach accessible to users at any time! Read on for more about how an online weight loss coach can help you reach your health goals.
Real-Time Feedback and Instant Access
When you’re on a weight loss journey, the work is constant. Every meal, every workout, and every little decision can have an impact on your results. So why should you settle for help that only pops in once a week or so? Noom’s online weight loss coach is available 24/7. Instead of waiting for periodic in-office visits, you get feedback and support when you need it and where you need it. Very little about weight loss is easy or convenient, so a flexible and accessible program is essential for achieving success that lasts.
Food Logging
While what you eat isn’t the only element of weight loss, it’s certainly an important one. Noom’s online weight loss coach has access to the database you use to log all the food you eat, which means your coach can see and provide feedback on your daily intake. Instead of copiously logging your food for days on end and then trying to break down a week or more of nutritional choices during an in-person visit with a weight loss coach, the in-the-moment feedback provided by Noom’s online coaches allows you to make better choices for your very next meal or snack. Since your phone is with you all the time, tracking your food — which can quickly become a nuisance or drudgery — is as easy as tapping a few buttons. And it’s not just about logging your meals after you’ve already consumed them. Noom’s extensive database of food options provides instant information on the nutritional value of just about any item, helping you make smart and informed decisions before anything touches your lips. The combination of always-accessible advice and frequent feedback is instrumental in keeping you accountable and helping you reach your goals in a healthy way.
Exercise Advice
Personal trainers are great, but visiting a fitness expert IRL requires considerable coordination. Trainers have a busy schedule, you have a busy schedule, the gym is only open at certain hours. Life can get in the way. Plus, ongoing sessions with a gym trainer can get pretty pricey! Using an online weight loss coach, on the other hand, allows you to work out whenever and wherever your schedule permits, report your progress on the app, and then receive expert feedback — all for far less than in-person sessions at a swanky club. Just like training yourself to eat better and make healthier choices, exercise is an ongoing endeavor. Having a place to store all your workout data as well as someone to review it on a regular basis provides personalized guidance and support. This allows you to make necessary changes with every workout and put the advice you receive into practice immediately.
Another benefit of an online weight loss coach is that, well, they’re virtual*.* It’s great to have someone in person who can observe your form, but it can also be stressful and, for some people, a bit awkward. Not everyone feels this way, of course, but for many people, showing up at the gym with a trainer in tow draws more attention to themselves than they want. Having a bit of space and autonomy in the weight loss process is exactly what some people need to motivate them to do the work.
Mindset Support
While it sure would be nice to be able to schedule roadblocks and pesky obstacles ahead of time, that’s not how life works. It’s impossible to predict when a weight loss challenge will present itself. That’s why an online weight loss coach is so useful. By helping you break down what’s happening and reminding you of your bigger goals in real time, an online weight loss coach can help you avoid the kind of small slip that can turn into a much bigger slide if not caught in the moment. Many times, a short message of support or quick bit of reassurance is all you need to get back on track and help yourself remain on the road toward sustained weight loss success.
This article is sponsored by Noom as part of a paid partnership.
