How the Community Groups Help You Stay Motivated

Seeing how many participants are utilizing the Community Groups function of XWeighed.com is truly fantastic!

Because of this, we are hoping that next time we run the Challenge (fingers crossed that we'll be able to do it again next January) we intend to have increased group functionality and the ability to message your friends/ fellow group members directly.

We spoke with a couple of the participants who are active in the groups to see how they were doing.

Tawney Johnson (aka Tpartee) is an active member of the Yummy Mommies and says, "I love my group of ladies! I am getting a tremendous amount of support from my fellow members. Through the group I have made some really genuine connections with women that are going through the exact same struggles that I have in the past, or will eventually go through - such as the inevitable plateau."
 
She says that she has met some phenomenal women in her group: "You can actually see their mental transformation, which is such a huge part of the whole weight loss process, through their blogs."

Tawney thinks that her success so far is partially due to being a member of the group. "We are very supportive of each other, and I personally feel that whole Karma thing plays a big part, as in I get online daily and like to encourage any members that need it on their blogs, because I know that there are days I will need some encouraging words too." 

Needless to say, Tawney is really enjoying being part of the Challenge. "I am loving this Challenge, not only for the chance to win some fabulous prizes - I'm shooting for the makeover in TO and the chance to meet Fred - but for the added support it offers with all the tools, camaraderie, and the tracking tools which help us to see our progress. Personally this Yummy Mommy knows that the challenge is a huge motivational factor in my personal journey to a happier healthier me."

Kathleen McCabe (aka KathleenM) is in 2 groups: Cowtown Cuties and Calgary Girls Gone Slim. "I have been getting support from a few members who have read my blog. I met one girl at the first weigh in and she is very nice, we have gone for a walk together. Another girl is one I know already, so yes, relationships are building."

Kathleen says that she enjoys how the groups function and the ability to see how others in her groups are doing. "Overall I think that the Challenge is great and I am having a lot of fun. I am going to try to plan a hike in the spring with some of the participants," she says.

Betty Tercier (aka Betty) is also in 2 groups: the Saint John "Losers" and 50 Pounds to Lose. In the groups she has connected with people, and says, "We have become a group of "solution finders", instead of just whining about the things we find challenging, emotional eating for instance, we discuss the challenge and brainstorm for ideas to solve the issues. It makes a big difference when you focus on the solution and not the frustration or problem."

On bad days, Betty says that the groups help her know that she is not alone in the struggles of losing weight.
 
"I am really enjoying the challenge mostly because it has given me the motivation to get "IT" done," says Betty, "I find the support, tools and tips from X-Weighted to be very helpful."

What groups are you in? Are you finding the groups useful? Tell us below....