Family can be a big help in your weight-loss efforts. When you become truly committed to your weight loss journey, it's perfectly reasonable -- and necessary -- to ask your loved ones to become committed with you. Here are some tips on making your weight-loss efforts a family affair:
- Enlist your family to be your official weight-loss cheerleaders. Tell them you'd appreciate a boost of encouragement every now and again. Let them know how much you relish their support when they do or say something to help keep you motivated.
- Designate certain areas of the house a "no-eating zone" and stick to it. Do regular activities, like paying bills or planning menus, at these food-free locations instead of the kitchen table (where temptation is always in reach!).
- Make a weight chart and put it in a centralized location so everyone can see your excellent progress. Celebrate together when you reach a milestone.
- Save a "rainy day" fund by putting away a certain amount of money for every pound you lose. Use the cash for a family activity that everyone enjoys so they feel rewarded for your success, too.
- Have a family meeting about the guidelines of your diet. Discuss how everyone can help you meet your goals. Try to pin-point problem areas before they arise: For example, if you always go the the ice cream shop on the weekends, call ahead or check the menu online so you can locate calorie-smart choices. Or, if your kids have a bake sale coming up, look for a new low-calorie dessert recipe.
- Clean out the cupboards and designate one shelf as just yours. Put all your specialty or diet items within easy reach. It will be your "safe" shelf. Make a rule that all the junk food must be stored somewhere else.
- Don't be shy! Share your success. When you hit a target, let everyone know it. Let them see how enthusiastic and happy you are to accomplish your goals. By sharing in your joy, they will see how important this is to you and will be even more likely to support you in your weight-loss efforts.
- Make a family get-together more diet-friendly by preparing dishes that are on your diet plan. If nothing else in the host's spread is acceptable, you'll have a "back-up" meal and you may introduce your family to new, healthier dishes they will enjoy.
- Plan family meals well ahead of time so you know your menu includes something for the little ones or your finicky spouse in case they don't enjoy your "rabbit food" or new recipes. It also helps to do things to make weeknight meals easier so you don't reach for the phone to order a pizza or stop by for fast food because you are too busy (or tired) to cook.
- Ask them to keep temptation at bay by not offering you foods that are not on your diet, even if it is a food that was formerly a favorite of yours. (And no matter how many times you've been caught staring at that slice of pepperoni pizza your hubby's eating!)
