Healthy eating: Getting support when changing your eating habits

Introduction

So you've decided to change your eating habits. Great!

Have you thought about getting support in making this change?

Having the support of people close to you is an important part of change. It doesn't matter if you're changing a job, a routine, or how you eat—support gives you a better chance of making the change work.

Key points

• Support can come from lots of people. Your family and friends can help you change how you eat, but you also can get help from others.
• Support comes in many forms. It can be positive words and actions or gentle reminders to stay on track.
• Support works. Research shows that getting support from spouses, family members, and friends is important in making behavior changes that affect health.^{1, 2}
• Some people that you may expect to support you may not help you and may even make it harder for you to succeed.
• You can decide who you want to share your plans for change with.

 What is support?
 Why do you need support?
 How can your family and friends help you?
 Where to go from here

Return to topic:

• Healthy Eating
• Weight Management

Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: February 6, 2009
Medical Review:	Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator
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