When "Virtual" Friends Mean Real Support

I would guess it's a common occurance that, for someone who loves food as much as I do, weight control issues often follow. I have been "Battling the Bulge" for probably half of my life now. I have tried every plan: diet shakes, grapefruit diet, pills, patches, Weight Watchers (more than once) --- you name it. None of these plans seemed to work for me. Then, almost 2 years ago, I joined Jenny Craig--about the same time that Valerie Bertinelli became the JC Spokesperson and took her own weight battle on camera in front of the country.

One of the features of Jenny Craig was an on-line posting system where people who joined JC could meet others and discuss their progress, concerns and tips for success. There was a specific thread called "Val's Pals" that was particularly supportive. This group became incredibly close as a bunch of women--sharing each other's triumps and frustrations. Together we learned that many of our weight issues go way beyond poor food choices. We learned that stress from work, home, school or other life events can cause a binge. We learned that we were all wired to celebrate happy and sad occasions with food. We learned how to say "no" when offered things that would derail us from our goals. When one member of the group was down, frustrated with lack of progress or upset about something going on in life--there was always a resounding chorus of support from each person who would post her own perspective--from that I learned I'm not facing this battle alone. When someone met a milestone or got to her weight loss goal, we had a virtual party on the "Skinny Train".

As time passes, some of these ladies have moved on--no longer posting or keeping in touch, and I truly miss them. Each person that I met this way has special characteristics that I miss when absent. For those who have stayed together, we are an extremely tight bunch of ladies! Many of us have met face-to-face in various parts of the country in a "re-union" of sorts (can it be called a reunion on your first meeting?) There was a group that met in California last year to walk with Jenny Craig and her daughter in the Race for the Cure. Another group appeared on Oprah when Valerie announced the release of her book. I got to meet some friends in New York City several times while in the Big Apple on business. And I had the best time in my life when "Sleepy" and "Teecy" joined me on the Cooking Light cruise last November. Just as we had on the boards, we enjoyed meals together, watched each other's backs to prevent over indulgence, and encouraged each other to get out and get some exercise in every day.

As I continue with my weight management struggle, I know I can't make it alone, and am truly thankful that I met these incredible, wonderful and inspirational women who help me on this journey.