“I want to lose weight and improve my health, but I need the support of my spouse. How do I get them on board?” This is a common question, especially for women considering joining our TAS program. Being on the same page and working towards a common goal in a relationship makes everything easier. However, it often feels like a struggle when a spouse is not supportive of lifestyle changes and healthy eating habits. It can seem impossible to succeed if they are not on board.
I understand this struggle because I, too, faced challenges with weight loss and improving my health for many years. I tried countless diet plans, but none of them worked. While my husband was generally supportive, he was not interested in joining me on plans he found ridiculous. Despite both of us wanting to lose weight, he said, “I’m not doing that.” It took time, but I realized I needed a different approach, so I delved into research and discovered that sustainable weight loss required a fundamental change in how I approached nutrition and health.
As I made changes to my eating habits, I talked to my husband about it, and he was open to it because it made sense. We had both gained weight after a trip and decided to make changes together. I cooked meals in line with how I wanted to eat, and those meals turned out to be delicious. The weight melted away, and we both experienced numerous health benefits. Doing it together made the process easier, provided mutual support and accountability, and ultimately strengthened our marriage. That’s why I believe having a supportive spouse can be incredibly powerful when trying to get healthy. It’s like having a companion on your journey to better health.
To get your spouse on board, start by openly sharing your motivations for wanting to make changes without pressuring them to change with you. Listen to their goals and concerns, and find common ground. Brainstorm ways to work towards your goals together and look for opportunities to have fun as you progress. Ultimately, approaching lifestyle changes with an open heart and effective communication is the key to getting your spouse on board.
