Sometimes when you take on a new lifestyle to become healthy, people who you would have expected to support you will be initially excited for you, but then their excitement fades or they withdraw their support completely once you start making visible progress. The reasons for this are many, but the fact remains that it’s harder to go alone than it is with support. Sure, some of you out there have a steel will, but not all of us do.

If you find that family or friends who were initially enthusiastic about your new lifestyle are now ambivalent or even critical of the changes you’ve made, find like-minded people to lean on. I had my cousin Sarah for Whole30 and Paleo and my sister for exercise. These two were a huge inspiration to me, and I drew my strength from their examples in those times when I needed an extra kick to keep doing the right thing. My friend Matt was a huge influence too; he’s been super-supportive and always has something smart to say when we talk about nutrition and exercise (and he’s a helluva D&D player!).

I’m fortunate that many of the people who mean the most to me have converted to the Paleo lifestyle. It makes it easy for us to share meals together, to plan events, and to go places together. Some are less strict than others, but at least they speak our language. They are also able to lean on Sherry and me when they need help, advice, or motivation and vice-versa. It’s a community effort, and we all want to help each other succeed!

If you need someone to talk to, to ask questions or to get some motivation, please feel free to contact me. I would love to help (and it’s free and I’m not selling anything!).