Support and encouragement from others is an important factor in long-term weight management. Your spouse needs to understand what your goals are, and may even need to jump on board so that you can achieve weight loss together. There are many weight-loss groups and programs designed to help a married couples regain control of their weight through proper diet and exercise. The best program for you and your spouse depends on your work schedules and which lifestyle modifications you're willing to implement.
Recognize Goals
The first step to successful weight loss as a married couple is to recognize each other's goals. You must agree on changing your diet by planning and cooking healthy meals, removing junk food from the house and eliminating fast food from your diet. When you decide on this together and stay committed to the plan, it can make the process of modifying your lifestyle much more successful.
TOPS
TOPS, which stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly, is an nonprofit organization comprised of men, women and children over the age of 7. TOPS has over 170,000 members in close to 10,000 chapters in Canada and the United States. Established in 1948, its philosophy combines healthy eating, information on wellness, regular exercise and support from the other members. TOPS has an affordable membership for individuals, at only $26 annually and $5 nominal monthly fees, as of March 2011. If the spouse joins, it is only an additional $15 per year. Couples can benefit from a great support group, as the members offer motivation and positive reinforcement during the weekly meetings at the local chapter.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers developed the four main "pillars" of healthy weight loss: Move More, Get Support, Healthy Habits and Eat Smarter. Weight Watchers takes an approach that combines all four of these pillars and creates a point system that is easy to understand. As a married couple, you can cook various foods depending on your points. If you enjoy going out to dinner on occasion, many restaurants list Weight Watchers points next to the food choices.
Overeaters Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous follows a set of principles which encourages members to make an inner change when it comes to excessive eating. OA follows a 12-Step program that embodies the emotional, physical and spiritual aspect of recovery. The program encourages members to obtain a sponsors which help them understand and apply the principles to their new healthy lifestyle. For couples, this program is very beneficial because it allows them to work together emotionally on their quest to achieving weight loss. It is free to become a member, which can be very helpful for couples on a strict budget.
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