Atkins Diet: How should spouses / partners support weight loss activities?
Posted on January 01, 2009 in Helmets
o The success is theirs alone. o You can however set the stage for that success or failure. I hope it works out, and I am able to answer live a lot of questions you might have. * the obvious answer is because you love them * however there is "something in it for you" as well o a friend/spouse/partner with more energy o a friend/spouse/partner potentially happier o a friend/spouse/partner who is healthier and may go to the doctor less often o a friend/spouse/partner who may want to engage in more activities with you Examples of how to be supportive: * Support their Food Choice o Asking which foods they would like purchased or NOT purchased o if you share the cooking duties, learn how to cook their plan * Allowing time for exercise session and reasonably accommodating it o If it takes taking on additional responsibilities (cooking, laundry, taking care of the children alone, grocery shopping), do it o the time you give for success should reap you rewards * Being interested but not intrusive on progress or the plan o you are not the weight loss police o don't make the weight loss the only focus of the relationship o don't routinely ask "how much weight have you lost today?" -- rely on them to tell you * Understand the emotional side of weight loss - I've talked about this in my emotional or psychological aspects of weight loss video o Theirs -- perhaps more irritable, more tired, grouchy, depression, or really happy -- in the words of Red Hot Chili Pepper, it's a "Rollercoaster of Love" o Yours- envy (focus elsewhere or of their success), feelings of loss (loss of old lifestyle or routines) * Be an example o eat the right foods yourself o exercise - either together or by yourself o don't challenge them verbally with your example (like I said in my intro, be a silent example) * Ultimate Don'ts o nag - you should not ask "should you really eat that?" o criticize - their body image or even potentially their manner of weight loss o tempt - don't offer them something that is not on their plan or say only one bite shouldn't hurt you o get jealous - as your spouse loses the weight, they may get additional attention. It is up to them to carry it through. + Be aware that at their core, they remain the same person you married. + trust them + don't feel challenged by the weight loss o make fun activities - weight loss activities (time together should not only be workout sessions -- sometimes biking or walking together can just be that) * Finally, remember their success or failure ultimately is a personal thing. If not it will be show off the bunny time.Show notes:http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=df6bhmft_70f5rkwwx2Why support? Additional contact methods:Twitter: bowulfBlog: http://www.network-admin.netIM or Skype: Contact Me FirstStickam: http://www.stickam.com/bowulfI am going to try an experiment soon on a live call-in or QnA session either once a week or twice a month. Author: bowulf Keywords: Atkins Diet Low Carb Bowulf spouse partner support Added: December 31, 2008 o You can not make them succeed or fail.