How to Get Your Family and Friends to Support Your Healthy Lifestyle

Have you ever decided it was time to make a positive change in your life and been met with resistance from the people closest to you?  The people that you expected to support this new you?  I think we've all been there at one time or another.  Usually by the time we're ready to make a change we have a long list of poor behaviors that need to be addressed.

Things like over eating, having too many cocktails, being a couch potato or engaging in negative self talk.  As we work to improve our situation, we sometimes forget the people closest to us are right there with us engaging in those same behaviors.  They may not be as excited about making a change as we are.

Here are a few tips to get your family and friends on board with your new lifestyle:

✒ Include them in the process and ask them to join you.  Exercise and meal planning can be fun! 

✒ If they aren't ready to join you, ask them for their support and encouragement.  Let's face it; they are not always going to be on board with committing to the same lifestyle changes.  That's okay.  Ask them to support you on your journey because it's important to you.

✒ Be the example.  So often these types of changes are short lived.  You know what I'm talking about.  How many times have you committed to an exercise program and eating health just to quit a few days later?  Show them that you are committed to this new lifestyle.  They will be more supportive when they realize you are serious about this change.

✒ Don't let anyone sway you from your goals.  This is your journey and your commitment to yourself.  Set your boundaries.

✒ Get comfortable with social situations.  Your family and friends want to know that just because your being healthy it doesn't mean you will miss social gatherings.  Celebrations are centered round food.  Bring a healthy dish to share if you're concerned about what you'll eat.  Remember...people want to feed you.  It's okay to say no if the food doesn't fit into your plan.  Just be polite.  Based on my experience you may have to say "No" a few times, but they will eventually get it.

I've been very lucky with my support system.  My husband and kids were on board every step of the way.  The hardest thing for me was realizing I could enjoy our standing Friday night date at our favorite restaurant without blowing my commitment.  I've adjusted what I order on the menu and will have club soda instead of wine if I'm making the choice to be alcohol free.  If I'm having a cocktail, I'll order wine and water it down with club soda.  I'm making it work my way!

I hope these tips help.  If you still don't feel like your getting the support and encouragement you need, try one of my accountability groups.  They are full of like minded women all on their own journey to their happiest healthiest self.  There will be no lack of support here!

If you found value in this, I'd love to hear it!  Send me an e-mail to sueharkerfitness@gmail.com.

Here's to your healthy lifestyle,

Sue