For many people, family is at the root of their support system — and for anybody who has ever been on the journey with weight and health, having that kind of a strong support system can be essential to staying on track and making positive, healthy choices.
However, this very journey is also one that many people tend to face alone for a variety of reasons. For some, weight and health are private topics that make openness and vulnerability extremely uncomfortable. For others, a strong support system may feel impossible to find for reasons such as time constraints or a lack of shared understanding.
Make Your Family a Part of Your Journey
Despite these barriers, bringing your family in to be a part of your healthy journey can be a positive and rewarding experience. Those who are closest to you and who care the most about your well-being are also the people on the front-lines wanting you to succeed!
But what if your family doesn’t exactly understand your own experiences, goals or concerns? What if they want to help you succeed, but they’re not sure how? Below, you’ll find a few tips for including them as part of your own success story and gaining the support you need every step of the way.
- Get Active Together – It’s easier to get up and get moving when you have others doing it with you, too. Try to set up some time with your family to devote to physical activities you can all do together. Whether it’s an after-dinner walk or a family sport on the weekends, enjoy each others’ company and get active at the same time! For ideas about how to get moving as a family, please CLICK HERE.
- Make Communication a Priority – If making time for your health is a priority in your life, your family should know how much it means to you. It’s important that you’re honest about your goals and your plans to get there, and that honesty can help your family understand how to help.
- Plan and Prepare Meals Together – Be smart about nutrition, TOGETHER! Set aside some time to make a healthy grocery list full of things you’ll all enjoy, and then brainstorm new recipes together.
- Define Your Family Values – Common family values that often go unspoken for include loyalty, honesty, generosity and even faith. But what about health? Formally declaring health as a family value can help everyone understand the importance of weight and health for living a long and happy life.
- Make Time for Relaxation – Rest and relaxation are just as important to your weight and health as staying active and choosing nutritious foods. They help you fight stress, stay positive and rejuvenate for the challenges that lie ahead. Your entire family can benefit from special time set aside to unwind and forget about the things you may be struggling with.
- Be a Role Model – The best way to make a health a shared priority in your family is to show them how much it means to YOU! When others see how hard you’re working to make healthier changes in your life, they’re more likely to be inspired by your goals and make similar ones for themselves.
Having a support system who knows you and understands your goals, challenges and concerns is a valuable tool that can help you stay motivated and encouraged on your journey with weight and health.
Your family is a great example! If you’re looking for that extra push to reach your goals, or you’re in need of support, encouragement and faith to help you get there, consider bringing your family in to walk the journey with you. Success is sweeter together!
