You Can Help Your Loved Ones Lose Weight With These 11 Tricks

Nov 09, 2018

It can be painful to watch a loved one suffer, both emotionally and physically, with weight issues. If you want to help your friend or family member lead a healthier lifestyle and shed pounds, there are many supportive actions you can take. Having someone to lean on during the challenging times can make a big difference. Partnering up can be beneficial for both weight loss and bonding.

Here are 11 enjoyable ways for you to help your loved one achieve a healthy weight.

Take some time to look at all the diet plans that are available. Talk to each other about which one appeals you individually and why. When choosing a diet the areas you will want to consider are the cost and availability of the ingredients, and if the meals require a lot of cooking, will you both have the time to prepare and make the recipes?

Some popular diets that work for couples are:

• Low-carb high-protein plans - These foods consist mainly of quality proteins and good fats while limiting white rice, bread, and pasta.
• Low-calorie diets – Lowering daily caloric intake has been proven time and time again as an effective method for shedding pounds.
• Intermittent fasting - A new study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that fasting can do wonders for your health when used for even short periods of time, such as fasting between 8 AM and 3 PM during the day.

Now it is time to stock up on healthy foods. If there are foods that are off limits on the diet, do not put them in the house. It is much easier to stick to a meal plan if the forbidden foods are not tempting you. Stock up on alternative snacks and beverages.

• Healthy treats can include vegetable sticks with hummus dip, almonds or peanuts, and cheeses sticks.
• Sugar-free drinks, coffees, teas, and low-calorie flavored waters are good beverage options for most diet plans.
• Have snack foods chopped and prepared ahead of time. Make the healthy options easy to reach for.

Packing your partners lunch is one way to increase healthy foods and manage calories. It can be easy to get in the habit of packing both your meals at the same time, and the rewards will be worth it.

• Plan the week’s lunches on the weekend, so you do not have to think about it during the busy week.
• Pack what you can the night before.
• Buy good quality lunch boxes and containers. They are easy to organize, and they will help keep the cold foods cold and the hot foods hot.

Being on a diet will most likely mean you and your partner will be eating new foods and learning how to make new dishes. Follow your plans guide for serving sizes, and make sure your partner is getting the right amount of vitamins and nutrition.

• Protein - Prime meats, fresh seafood, and organic eggs are good sources of high-quality proteins.
• Fruits and veggies offer fiber, and they are packed with vitamins.
• If you and your partner can eat grains, try different kinds, such as quinoa or wild rice.

Working together towards a common goal can strengthen partner's bonds. It is also time for couples to discuss what is working for them on the diet or things they want to change. Working together shows each other respect and support and can help keep you going through rough patches.

• Plan the week’s lunches on the weekend, so you do not have to think about it during the busy week.
• Pack what you can the night before.
• Buy good quality lunch boxes and containers. They are easy to organize, and they will help keep the cold foods cold and the hot foods hot.

Eating meals off of smaller dishes appears to reduce the amount of food consumed, which in turn lowers the caloric intake as reported by Cornell University via the Food Psychology publication. The explanation is the smaller portions look adequate on smaller plates.

• Use salad plates in place of traditional dinner plates.
• Remove the bigger bowls and plates from the kitchen altogether. That way you and your partner will not be tempted to use them.

Keep showing each other love and support. A way to show togetherness and increase fluid intake is to buy a set of water bottles that you can quickly refill. The simpler you can make dieting for your partner, the better. Keeping track of refills will help keep everyone hydrated too.

• On weekends or evenings, bring water to your partner. If the water is convenient, most people will absentmindedly sip at it.
• Researchers from the Mayo Clinic state it’s reasonable for most people to drink eight 8-ounce cups of water daily, and it is an easy formula to remember.

Working out as a couple is motivational and fun. It is another form of encouragement you can give to your loved one, which shows you are committed to their health and their well being.

• Think outside the gym. You can enjoy bike rides, hikes, and walks together also.
• Make a fitness schedule. Set time aside to move together. Make it a date.

Denise Mann, a health writer for Web MD, claims that lack of sleep was a common issue overweight individuals had. Once they started to get enough sleep, their health began to improve. Some effective ways to help you and your partner get a good night sleep are:

• Remove any televisions or electronic devices from the bedroom.
• Go to bed at the same time together.
• Try to get between seven to nine hours of rest a night.

Having a specific weight in mind and when you want to reach that number is one major component to weight loss victories. Setting up mini goals along the way will keep everyone excited and willing to push through tough times.

• Make a goal journal, and be creative. Let your partner know that losing weight is not the only goal one can have, but things, like running a race, buying new clothes, or lowering blood pressure, are great goals to have too.
• Don’t forget about the journal. Take time at least once a week to evaluate and cheer on you and your partner’s progress.
• Use the journal to encourage each other. Keep it positive by focusing on what you both have accomplished.

Plan time for fun, and reward each other when you hit big and small milestones. Spark ideas by talking about rewards you think would be unique and exciting. The thought of achieving these rewards can be very motivational during weight loss.

• Surprise your partner with a reward for just taking the journey with you. This will be a fun, spontaneous moment for everyone.
• Line up some non-food rewards, such as movie tickets, spa treatments, or mini shopping sprees.

Have you ever helped a friend, partner, or family member lose weight? What proved to be the most helpful thing you did? What did your partner like the most? Your comments would be appreciated, so we can all learn more ways to help our loved ones and ourselves get healthy together.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!