So…you’re ready to jump back onto the healthy eating train but your family’s just not there yet? Or worse yet, they’re discouraging your efforts? You might be wondering how to eat healthy when your family doesn’t…or if it’s even possible!
I won’t lie to you, it’s challenging! But it’s also totally doable with a few smart adjustments and a positive mindset.
You’ve got this, friend! Here’s how…
Communicate.
Share your goals with your family and clearly communicate how they can support you. You might assume your husband knows eating ice cream beside you on the couch is torturous but you know what they say about assumptions!
Focus on yourself.
Family members might not be down to go vegetarian or start intermittent fasting and that’s okay! Resist pressuring them to join you or criticizing their choices.
Registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Sarah Krieger offers advice that I absolutely love: “We tell people that if you’re ready but your house isn’t, then be a role model. Start living your healthy lifestyle and don’t talk about it or push the issue.” She suggests that your healthy and positive example might eventually win them over!
Keep temptations out of sight.
When your family doesn’t eat healthy, your fridge and pantry will be full of temptations. Try hiding those temptations out of your own line of sight as much as possible. It’s easier to resist Oreos when they’re not the first thing you see every time you open the pantry.
Keep healthy foods front and center.
Conversely, display healthy foods in plain sight. Place a fruit basket on the kitchen counter or a few protein bars on your desk. Making healthy choices as accessible and convenient as possible will keep you out of the pantry where the Oreos are hidden.
(Want to set up your entire home in your favor? Be sure to check out Healthy Home Hacks | 9 Tweaks That Will Make Your Home Inspire Healthy Living!)
Make a plan.
The old saying is true – those who fail to plan, plan to fail. If you make no plans for your own healthy dinner and then your family orders pizza, there’s a good chance you’ll be eating pizza too! Try to plan out your meals and snacks at least one to two days in advance to avoid trapping yourself with last-minute decisions.
Indulge differently.
Eating healthier doesn’t have to mean making separate meals multiple times a day. Rather than indulging in a large slice of lasagna, garlic bread, and a small side salad, opt for a smaller piece of lasagna, no bread, and a bigger salad. This will allow you to maintain a sense of normalcy, plus help you better tackle those times when your healthier options fall through.
Introduce new, delicious meals to your family…without emphasizing their healthiness.
What’s the difference between saying, “This meal is a much healthier option,” and “I found this new recipe and it looks so delicious! Yuuuuum!!”? Your family will give the second one a chance!
Involve your family in meal prep.
Most kids (and let’s face it, spouses) are likelier to be on board with something they’ve had a personal hand in making. By involving your family in meal prep, you’re giving them more skin in the game, enjoying some quality time together, and teaching your children valuable life skills.
Find a satisfying snack substitute.
It’s hard to simply say no to dessert when everyone else is enjoying it. But with my chickpea brownies, black bean brownie batter, or dark chocolate squares? I get to enjoy a treat with my family without feeling deprived.
Figure out why your family isn’t supporting your healthy eating…and address it.
Are you following all of the guidance above and still not feeling the love? There are lots of reasons your family may not support you.
They may have seen you yo-yo before and question if you’re going to stick with it this time. This is a legitimate concern! Talk with your family member about why this is so important to you and how they can help you ensure this isn’t just another fad diet.
They may fear that your personality or relationships might change when you lose weight. You can address this by reassuring them that you will be different – in better health and with more energy to spend time with them. Ensure them that you can’t wait to enjoy a higher quality of life that will benefit both of you.
And frankly, your healthy choices might make some family members feel bad about their own choices. You can address this by offering to make them a healthy snack while you’re making one for yourself, or by inviting them on the walk you’re taking after dinner. They may turn you down, but will at least know they’re more than welcome to join you.
Find support outside of your family.
It’s easier to eat healthy when your family doesn’t if you have an outside support system who does. Enlist a friend or coworker in your healthy eating journey or join an online support group!
With a few adjustments and a positive mindset, you can still eat healthy when your family doesn’t. Have any killer tips we missed? Be sure to share in the comments!
FAQ
How do you eat healthy when you live with someone who doesn’t?
The same tips that work with your family will work with anyone you live with, whether family, friend, or acquaintance.
Do you lose weight when you live on your own?
Some people do! However, some put on more weight when they live alone, usually because no one is around to help them keep bad habits in check. If you live alone, try to take advantage of the situation by bringing only healthy foods into your home and following the eating schedule that best suits you.
How do I lose weight when my husband isn’t supportive?
Utilizing the tips above will give you a fantastic jumpstart! Unfortunately, our spouses won’t always support our every goal – whether it’s a goal to eat healthier, return to school, or launch a side business. Allow your example to prove them wrong!
My parents won’t let me eat healthy. How do you eat healthy when living with your parents?
It’s definitely more challenging to eat healthy when you’re not paying for or preparing the food! However, roughly half of the tips above – like communicating, hiding temptations, and indulging differently – are still viable options! You might also consider offering to cook a few meals a week if they allow you to add the ingredients to the grocery list.
How do I convince my family to eat healthier?
Your example will provide the most powerful persuasion. When you’re oohing and ahhing over your food, feeling more energized, and happy with your choices, they’ll begin to wonder if they’re missing out.
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