by Ben Sissom

Created on: February 10, 2010

Dieting alone can be a challenge, and not always the most successful way to achieve your goals. This is why programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig online have been a hit. It brings your goals together with people who are going through it with you and support from those who have experience what to avoid. Yet, these programs cost money and in today’s economy not many of us have extra cash lying around the house. This is how I stumbled across

www.sparkpeople.com

Out of desperation and lack of funds I found this community of people who weren’t only changing their diets but their lifestyle as well. Fitness, Health and community all in one website; supporting your efforts to change even if it is one morsel at a time.  The site is set up “user friendly” so you won’t get frustrated trying to utilize the many resources they have combined in one spot.  It is a website created for you to use daily and incorporate into your lifestyle.  Not one to be reviewed then tossed aside.  Plus it’s free so what do you have to lose?

After becoming a member (free), they have provided you with places to track your food daily and print graphs to show you progress.  Many health experts say if you track what you eat, then you will lose more weight than trying to keep it all in your head. This feature is jammed pack with places to put goals for your weight loss, calorie assistance and water intake.  

To be honest the Nutrition tracker is enough to make this website a success, but they have added a Fitness tracker and Weigh in features in addition to assist in your journey. All free can you believe it? Free is one thing, using the source is another. Don’t fret they have included a community for you to keep you motivated and moving towards your personal goals. These community groups typically have something in common from your faith, family status, age or geographical location. Group leaders and members push and promote each other to do more each day, week, or month. Most groups have monthly challenges geared to help change your routine and make fitness fun.

Tracking, graphing and community all at your fingertips waiting to be used and they add a bit of fun to go along with the “work” format. Spark Points are giving for entering your weight, reading health/fitness articles, etc. You can achieve Spark Trophies too! It may not be money but every little bit of recognition helps along the health journey.  

Learn more about this author, Ben Sissom.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.