To stick to a diet there’s a handful of ingredients you need. But there is one essential that comes before all the rest. It’s the secret sauce that kicks up the results.

It’s what everyone “in the know” uses to get results. And it’s been documented as the greatest marker of long term success when dieting.

It’s to know that your actions will be viewed by another person and they will measure your commitment and hold you to change no matter what. The magic ingredient is called accountability, that’s why you need a group, a friend, a loved one or a professional coach that will keep you on track all the way.

Picture this: You are at the first day of school and the teacher comes in with a big text book. He says, “inside this book is everything you need to learn the subject and you will be tested on it in 3 months’ time. Study hard for the next 3 months to prepare yourself for the final exam.”

“Good luck to everyone!”

And he walks out of the room never to be seen again.So how many people will pass this class? Not many! What if you have a question or have a problem? Well basically you’re on your own.

When a teacher just gives you the book and expects everyone to do the work, he is setting everyone up for failure. Yes, a few outliers will find it easy and pass (but we hate those people!)

The point here that most major fad diets and programs you buy on the internet do the same thing. Here is a meal plan, the calories you’re allowed, your “How to” information and some exercise videos for you to follow.

So it’s easy to see how 95% of people fail on diets and most only last a few weeks – maybe more or less depending on the person. So you know how to guarantee failure - but how do you guarantee success?

You get guidance, support and most important accountability.

On your own you make big sweeping commitments to eat healthy and exercise more but don’t. Why? Who will know?

When you don’t see the point of it anymore, who cares if you make it? When you are tired and want to call it quits, who will be there to keep you going? If the answer is no one, you can guess what happens.

Like many millions of others you repeat a cycle of starting and failing over and over. The diet industry is making billions of dollars and you are not losing weight. But it’s not your fault!

This is just naturally what happens to people without accountability and support. It’s the reason why the world’s most successful diet program Weight Watchers has been around since the 1960’s. It’s the only one that has a group setting and support system. Its why 12 step recovery programs work for alcoholics and drug addicts - the group meetings and support of fellow AA’s create a level of accountability and a sense of community towards a common cause.

Without being tied to the accountability of others, it’s easy to rationalize your choices and throw in the towel. So before embarking on another solo program – and failing again - consider getting some help:

Join a weight loss support group – in person or on Facebook. (Here you can check my Facebook page by the way)

Partner up with a friend of family member who have similar goals and will help you to show up on a consistent basis. Hire a coach who understands your goals and will help you through the struggles that inevitably come during the weight loss process.

Don’t get caught up in the endless downward spiral of following diet fads and doing what works for others. What I tell my clients: Uncover your most difficult challenges. Discover your own unique path to success. Recover from the endless of cycle of up and down dieting and be your best self for the rest of your life.

Remember it’s not the eating plan, it’s not the app you use, nor the supplements you take that make the difference, it’s the human element of having someone on your side who gives a damn about your success!