It’s a familiar story. One partner decides to get healthy, but the significant other still stocks the kitchen with tempting food. How does one motivate the spouse to get healthy too? What do you do if your idea of a healthy weekend is cooking a healthy breakfast, rushing off to your spin class, then spending the rest of your day upbeat and brimming with things to do, while your partner wakes up by noon, pops open a beer, and spends the rest of the day in front of the tv? Imagine how much you two would have in common if he or she were a health nut too. Here are some tips on how to motivate your spouse to get healthy.

Lead by example – If she’s not convinced about your lifestyle change, instead of talking about what you will do, do it, and show her how much better your life is thanks to your new lifestyle. If you lose weight, look great in everything you wear, receive all the compliments, feel healthier, and fall sick less, there’s no doubt that the person closest to you will get convinced easier than ever. 

Don’t nag – Nagging does not work, especially in the touchy area that is health and weight management. Instead, try and lead your life to the fullest, play, sprint, work out, eat healthy, and enjoy your efforts towards great health. By nagging, all you will achieve is an annoyed spouse with his heels dug even more into the ground than ever before.

Empathize – Chances are you weren’t born a fitness buff, but somewhere along the way you became one, by experimenting with workouts you loved, or getting addicted to those post workout endorphins, or simply enjoying healthy food. So if your spouse is remotely convinced but does not know how to start, be supportive and empathise. Listen and be patient with his or her attempt at making changes in their lifestyle and food habits.

Plan some healthy bonding activities – As a couple, there are a lot of healthy things you can do together. Instead of spending your Sunday mornings sprawled in front of the tv, sign up for some sports training. If she loves dancing, sign up for dancing classes, she is not going to say no to that one.  If you are the one making the compromises, do it, as it’s important that the activities you plan are enjoyable to both of you.

Cook delicious healthy food – Cook meals that are healthy or ensure that you get recipes for super healthy meals so that your spouse does not think that he or she is missing out on much. If you deny yourself great food by being on a diet that is lacking in any taste and nutrition, there is no way you will convince your spouse to do the same. If you feel you are missing out by trying to be healthy, that feeling will translate to your spouse and there will be no motivation there. Instead prove that healthy food can be delicious by enjoying it to the fullest and being smart about what you cook. 

Try out these tips so that you and your spouse can spend quality time, live life to the fullest, and live long and happy lives.

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