According to the American Heart Association journal "Circulation," 40 percent of adult men were overweight and 24 percent of men were obese as of 2007. If your husband does not like to exercise and avoids eating healthy foods, he may be one of the more than 60 percent of adult males who struggle with weight. Although you cannot force your husband to exercise or eat a healthier diet, there are strategies you can employ to encourage your husband to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
Step 1
Give your husband some basic facts about healthy living. Let him know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends both eating healthy food and regular physical activity to help him feel better physically, control his weight and reduce his risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, having a stroke or experiencing heart problems.
Step 2
Purchase only wholesome, healthy foods. Avoid buying chips and cookies or baking fattening desserts which may be hard for your husband to resist. Fill the refrigerator with cut-up vegetables, raw fruits and low-fat cheeses. Make fat-free dips for baked chips or carrot sticks.
Step 3
Limit the amount of salt you use when cooking. High amounts of sodium in your husband's diet can lead to increased blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends adults limit their consumption of sodium to less than 1,500 mg per day. Replace salt with no-salt seasoning mixes, fresh garlic, onions or fresh herbs.
Step 4
Limit the number of times you dine in restaurants. Fast food and sit-down restaurant meals can be very high in sodium, calories and fat. Eating a restaurant meal high in calories may make it difficult for you and your husband to stay within a healthy calorie range for the day.
Step 5
Ask your husband to accompany you on an after-dinner walk. Rather than making the walk seem like exercise, walk at a slower pace and talk about your day. Over time, your husband may begin asking to go on walks and enjoy walking at a faster pace.
Step 6
Invite family friends over for an informal party. Set up a volleyball net in the backyard, suggest a game of kickball with the adults and kids or organize a friendly game of softball. Grill lean chicken, bake potatoes and toss greens for a healthy salad. Serve sherbet or sugar-free frozen pops for dessert after the activities.
Step 7
Avoid lecturing your husband. Although you may be tempted to continually tell your husband he should be exercising or eating right, you may find he responds better to your good example and healthy cooking. Ask him to help you plan healthier versions of his and your family's favorite meals.
Tips and Warnings
- Plan your meals in advance. Offer to help your husband buy new exercise clothes. Consider purchasing a treadmill or home gym.
- Ask your husband to consult his doctor with any health concerns.
References
- American Heart Association: High Numbers of Men and Women are Overweight, Obese and Have Abdominal Fat, Worldwide; Beverley Balkau, et al.; November 2007
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight; January 4, 2011
- American Heart Association: Sodium
- HelpGuide.org: Tips for Making Healthier Fast Food Choices; Maya W. Paul, et al.; September 2010
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: "Nibbles for Health": Enjoy Moving: Be Physically Active Every Day
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