by Valerie Brooks
One of the most beneficial technological advances for healthy diet seekers is the availability of online support groups. If going to live meetings doesn’t fit your lifestyle, you can have a virtual meeting online. You can also find a wealth of support systems for a host of unhealthy habits. Here are some good choices:

Wellsphere

This comprehensive wellness site offers online support groups for nearly every condition or lifestyle imaginable. Whether veganism is your thing, or you have fibromyalgia, diabetes, weight loss struggles, or just want to live a greener existence, Wellsphere has a spot for you. You can lurk through any of the “community” pages and read postings from health experts on a bevy of topics, or look through the “WellPages,” which will connect you to a variety of resources, such as blogs, discussions, news pieces, videos, and other notable and respected health sites. See wellsphere.com.

PEERtrainer.com

This is an excellent fitness and weight loss site that helps you stay on track by connecting you with others who are following the same program. They provide you with personalized goals, daily meal suggestions, calorie counters, and a support community that includes blogs and small groups you can connect with. The types of groups you can join are endless, and include themes such as “Six Weeks Without Alcohol” and “Belly Boot Camp.” You can also create your own group. Their “diet” section is enormous, with reviews of the latest diet plans, food tips, and weight/fitness articles. Go to peertrainer.com.

Niche online communities

If you’d like to connect with others who have your agenda in mind, online technology is here to help. Here are some of the better online support communities to help you kick the sugar habit, commit to daily walks, or shed some pounds.

WeightLossMoms
Whether you recently gave birth and are having a hard time shedding the extra weight, or you’re having trouble getting to the gym because of the incessant demands of motherhood, this is a great place to connect with others sharing the same plight. In addition to realistic weight loss tips, check out the forums, as that is where you’ll find more targeted information, connections, and specific diet details.

ExerciseFriends.com
The interactive map allows you to click on your state and find members who enjoy the same activities you do. Hold each other accountable for weekly hikes, tennis matches, or a yoga class, while making new friends in the process.

30 Sugar Free Days
Think going sugar-free is impossible? With the help of this online community, thirty days is doable. If you’re on Facebook (and who isn’t?) you can join the supportive folks there by clicking here. And if you feel you have a sugar addiction and need online help with that, try joining the Yahoo Sugar Addiction Group here.

Food Addiction
If food has taken over your life and you feel you could benefit from an online support community, here’s an excellent resource. DailyStrength.org offers a comprehensive tool to help with you with any issue you can imagine that relates to food compulsion. The wellness blogs, treatments, and forums are fabulous.