Most weight loss programs stress the importance of having the support of family and friends while you’re losing weight. But, what if your family and/or friends don’t furnish that needed emotional support you need to succeed? Even worse, what if they fight against your efforts?
Obesity is contagious. According to a recent study by CBS Evening News, the risk of a normal weight spouse becoming obese (after the other spouse becomes obese) is increased by 37 percent. For siblings, the risk is even greater, at 40 percent.
That’s why it’s important to let your family know you need their help.
Getting Support
- Call a family meeting – To let your family know your concerns over their lack of support for your dieting, it may be necessary to arrange for a family meeting. Share with family members how important it is for you to stay on your weight loss program.
- Enlist support – Tell your spouse and kids that you need them to cheer you on—not fight against you.
- Set aside a diet shelf – First, clear out your cupboards. Then, appoint one shelf as strictly yours, labeling it with your name. This is where you can store all your safe foods---diet items, specialty foods, etc. Let other family members know that you’re keeping tabs on what’s there so you’ll know if someone swipes one of your safe foods. Do the same for the refrigerator, designating a special shelf that’s all yours.
- Solicit clean-up help – Ask your spouse and children to help you clean up after meals, so you won’t be tempted to polish off any leftover food.
- Designate “no eating” zones – Insist that family members have certain areas that are “no-eating zones.” This would include all those areas of your home where you’re most likely to spend your time.
- Be consistent – If you’re like most dieters, you start out with a bang, but sizzle out before long. In order for your family to take you seriously, you need to let them see you're making consistent changes in your eating patterns and lifestyle. Besides eating the right foods, let them see you working out. Better yet, invite them to join you when you take a walk, ride a bicycle, etc.
- Don’t nag – If you have a spouse who isn’t as motivated as you are to lose weight, don’t preach. Realize that your good eating habits are caught more than taught. In other words, let him (or her) see the positive results of your good food choices so he'll want to make better choices, as well.
- Be assertive – When going to a family member’s home for dinner, let your hostess (or host) know in advance that you’re dieting. That doesn’t mean she has to prepare only foods you can eat. However, if she still serves pizza, she won’t be insulted if you don’t eat more than a small slice. Bring along a side dish, such as a tossed salad, that’s safe for you to eat. On the other hand, if she is offended, remember that it’s her problem and not yours.
- Eating out – If following the Weight Watchers flex plan, check online for the point’s value of menus offered in chain restaurants.
Finally, thank your family and friends, if they start supporting your weight loss program. Hopefully, that will be enough encouragement for them to continue to cheer you on, rather than work against you.
Venice Kichura - Venice Kichura is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of subjects. She holds a special passion for topics relating to art and ...
