Henry Ford was on to something when he said, "My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." Choosing your friends wisely — the crew you hang out with on Saturday nights, the coworkers you go out to lunch with — can have a big impact on your diet.
After all, says Naomi Weinshenker, MD, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine, "If you hang out with people who go to McDonald's every day, you're more likely to go to McDonald's every day."
And if you hang out with people who exercise, you're more likely to exercise. Lisa Priestly, director of fitness products for Town Sports International New York Sports Clubs, has seen great success in her fitness program for buddies, 2FIT.
"There's been a demand, because working out together is fun," says Priestly. "People like the camaraderie. When you and your friend are sort of doing this together, you're more likely to do it."
But a good friend is more than just an exercise or diet buddy. Beneficial buds will understand why you're trying to lose weight, and will be your loudest cheerleader every step of the way, whether or not they're trying to lose weight themselves.
Says Weinshenker, "Social support is crucial. There are even studies that talk about the importance of social support in recovering from disease states, so it makes sense that it would also be important in a health-maintenance state."
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