Families eat together, even if it isn’t always for a traditional sit-down meal. When you’re living under the same roof, eating habits become enmeshed, and it’s difficult to change what ends up on your plate. Wanting to lose weight isn’t enough; if you get your family to be supportive of your efforts, you’ll have a better shot at slimming down.
Step 1
Make a list. Diana Burrell, author of “Secrets of Successful Weight Loss,” suggests writing down specific things that different members of your family can do to help you reach your weight loss goals. If having your kids take after-school snacks into another room will help you keep temptation at bay, write it down. If your husband’s compliments on your shrinking waistline do the trick, write that down. If your mother could help by joining you for lunch at a healthier lunch spot, add that to the list, too. Hone in on the type of help you need as an individual, and then ask for it directly.
Step 2
Let down your guard. Losing weight successfully involves more than simply eating less; it also takes changing your emotional relationship with food and improving your self-image. Open up about the deeper issues you’re dealing with so your family understands the reality of the challenges you’re facing. If your health is suffering due to your weight, share your fears and let your family know you want to improve so you can enjoy life with them even more. Asking for help takes courage, but you might not get it if you don’t take a risk.
Step 3
Explain the facts. Fill your family in on your weight loss plan and how it might affect them. Tell them what an important role they’ll play in your weight loss success.
People who have help losing weight in the form of support from their friends and family members win at both taking it off and keeping it off. They also have more fun along the way.
Step 4
Motivate yourself. Don’t expect the support of your spouse, your children, your parents or your siblings to help you if you aren’t strong in your own resolve. Nobody else can make you lose weight if you don’t truly want to do it for yourself.
Tips and Warnings
- Express gratitude for the support you receive; if your family is doing a great job at helping you stay on track, let them know how much you appreciate it.
- Sometimes others are anything but helpful when it comes to encouraging your weight loss. Even though your family members might love you and want to support you, psychologist Nancy L. Zucker says complicated emotions such as jealousy, resentment or fear can lead your spouse, your child or even your own mother to consciously or subconsciously sabotage your efforts. Make a healthy choice for yourself; don’t let your hurt feelings send you off track.
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