Atkins Diet: How should spouses / partners support weight loss activities?

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Show notes:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=df6bhmft_70f5rkwwx2

Why support? * 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. + 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. o You can not make them succeed or fail. o You can however set the stage for that success or failure. It is up to them to carry it through. o The success is theirs alone.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Atkins
• Diet
• Low
• Carb
• Bowulf
• spouse
• partner
• support

[thegirlof1983]

THANK YOU! i just started atkin's with my husband. this video is very insightful!

[bowulf]

You are welcome! It's always easier to do it with your spouse and have someone local supporting you through the journey and rough spots.

[11visionary11]

Agreed, very insightful :)

[bowulf]

Thank you!

[Elizabeth01010101]

Hey good stuff! I like your "don'ts." I learned some new info from this!

[bowulf]

Thanks. I really had a good example on what to do and model myself after, so I am glad I could communicate it on to others.

[odiousominious]

Thanks, I should have seen this a long time ago

[newharmony85]

Thank you for making this video. I learned alot of what my spouce went through with my weightloss and how to help him with his this year.

[epeya2]

Thank you for posting such a wonderful video, I played it for my husband with speaker blaring.. all he could gleam from it is that I MUST be frustrated. I realize now you get support where you can and ignore the people and events that become obsticles in my path to a healthier lifestyle.

[bowulf]

Happy New Year to you! This is a topic that I had such a great role model of support in my wife, and I am trying to be one to my kids. Thanks for noticing the passion, and I want to wish you a great 2009!

The good news about the holidays is you know exactly how to address the problem and already have the recipe.  You can do this!