When I started out, I didn’t have a lot of support. It wasn’t that my family didn’t want to be encouraging, but you have to realize how many times I’d been “on a diet” before. This was just one more time and they all shrugged their shoulders as if to say, “Uh-huh, okay, whatever.”
Over the years, we’ve all evolved into healthier people. So, even though my family isn’t as fanatical as I am, they’re pretty health conscious. So hold onto hope because you can be a great influence (it just might take a few years!).
Here are 7 tips to keep you on track even when you’re family isn’t into “healthy”:
- Have a “their” food cupboard. This is where you keep the junk like chips, candy, crackers, pretzels, chocolate, etc., that your family members think they have to have. If possible, put it in an out-of-way place (like the very top cupboard that only your hubby can reach) that you have no reason to access.
- Have a “this is mine” cupboard. This is your stuff, such as raw almonds (portioned out in snack baggies), 100 calorie Smart Pop popcorn, high fiber cereal, oatmeal, etc. This is your cupboard. This is the only cupboard you can forage in for food. It’s a safe place.
- Do the same for your refrigerator. Have an area for your things. Everybody knows it’s “hands off” so when you go to pull out your Greek yogurt for a snack, it’s not already been eaten by someone else. Stash your nonfat diary items there, special fruits or veggies, etc. (I have to admit, I don’t share when it comes to my grapefruits.)
- Plan your exercise time. Talk with your family. Help them understand how important it is to you and why. Find out what times work best for all of you. Try to exercise when it’s most convenient for family life.
- Exercise anyway. Most days exercise will not be convenient. You will not feel like you have enough energy. You will not have the time. Do it anyway. Even if the kids are crying and your husband looks at you like, “You’re not leaving me like this, are you?” Get out the door. They’ll survive.
- Take food with you, especially to family gatherings. If you’re taking the kids to Grandma’s house, take your food. If you’re stopping in to visit Aunt Lori, take your food. If you’re having a play date with all your kids’ cousins, take your food. If it offends someone, try to help them see your commitment in a gentle way, but don’t cave in!
- Make yourself the priority 10 percent of the day. There are 24 hours in a day. If you spend 1 1/2 hours eating right, and one hour exercising, you have only given yourself 10 percent of the day. Surely you’re worth at least that much!
