You want healthy foods; they want meals like they used to be. No problem. Try these tips for getting your family to support you and your food plan...
Does your partner ever say: "Aww go on, don't let me be the only one having dessert"? Do your kids tempt you with biscuits just to test your willpower? If so, sounds like your family could be hindering your weight loss efforts.
"Family members often resent changes to their 'routine' way of eating," says Cindy Moore, nutrition therapist.
Here's how...
Offer variety.
Reduce the portion sizes of high fat foods and add a greater range of more low calorie 'fillers', such as vegetables, salads and soups. Your family will be unlikely to complain because they'll be enjoying even more taste sensations and choices than they used to.
Have dessert.
Offer healthy treats - like fruit salad with flavoursome low fat yogurt - and your family won't even notice you're following a food plan. Involve your kids in menu planning. Sit down with your most child-friendly healthy recipes and ask them to pick which meals they'd like to try. Ask them to help you cook them.
Take up a team sport.
This way the whole family can be active together.
Turn activity into a treat, and do it together. Go for a walk to a destination the kids like, such as the local park or beach. Play a game of catch with them once you get there.
Make your family a part of your activity. Ask your kids to check your pulse rate before and after exercise, or to go for walks with you after dinner so you're sure to stick with it. They'll no doubt love to be involved, especially if you tell them you're doing this for your long term health. Plus, it'll teach them good habits.
Be sensitive to your partner's reservations. When people trying to lose weight trade their usual high fat fare in for a healthy meal, their partners may start to recognise their own weight issues and start to feel unhappy about their own appearance and lack of motivation to change it. If you suspect this is the problem, ask them if they would like to follow the Discover Plan™ with you to help you maintain your resolve. You could also give them compliments when they look nice, and remind them of the traits that attract you to them.
WeightWatchers: Sign up now and save £20 with our 3-month plan!