"Family members often resent changes to their 'routine' way of eating," says Cindy Moore, director of nutrition therapy at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
"It helps to tell them why you want to undertake a weight-loss plan," Moore continues. "Once they can understand your perspective, and how much you value their help, they may be motivated to support your decision. At the same time, come up with strategies to minimize the impact of your diet and exercise regime so that it won't cause resentment, lack of control or frustration at home."
Here's how:
- Offer variety
Reduce the portion sizes of higher-calorie foods and add a greater range of more low-calorie "fillers," such as vegetables, salads and broth- or tomato-based 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 delicious low-fat yogurt and your family won't even notice you're on a diet. - Involve your kids in menu planning
Sit down with your most kid-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 exercise together. - Turn exercise 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 tag with them once you get there. - Make your family a part of your exercise
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 likely 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 hesitance
When dieters trade the usual high-fat fare in for a healthy meal, their partners may feel unhappy about their own appearance and lack desire to change it. If you suspect this is the problem ask them if they could go on the diet with you to help you maintain your resolve. Give them compliments when they look nice, and remind them of the traits that attract you to them.