Step 59

Ruthie’s Step 59… When someone you love
This is for the one and we all have them, who just don’t know what to do with a dieter!
Sometimes when someone has decided to loose weight there will be people who just don’t understand. They understand what you need to succeed.
Whenever someone changes, a relationship can change. That can make it hard to know what the other person wants or needs in the way of support. Read step22.
But getting and staying on a dieter's good side isn’t hard. The best way to know whether you're doing the right thing is simple, just ask.
Everyone has different needs when they go on a life style change. Some people want you to stay on their case, others need the opposite -- and you won't know that unless you ask.
It's also important to realize that a dieter's needs can change as his or her weight loss plan progresses.
Many people need and want less input from others, so be sensitive.
With help from an article.
1. Be a cheerleader, not a coach. You want to encourage and cheer on the things they are doing right.

2. Become an active part of their program. Be active in their healthy change!

3. Help develop healthy incentives. Plan an activity that doesn't focus on food.

4. Show them you care about the person, not the diet. The key, is to let them know they can count on your caring, no matter what their size.

5. When they've had a bad day, listen but don't judge.

6. Be supportive. Let them know that you are there, and wanting to help.

7. Find non-food ways to celebrate the small goals along the way.

8. Encourage a healthy lifestyle, not just weight loss.

9. Learn about their weight loss program. Make an effort to learn as much about their plan as you can -- the kinds of foods they're eating, how the plan works, and what it involves, such as attending meetings or participating in online support groups. Respect the time they want to devote to these activities.

10. Be positive! This is the most important tip of all. When you're fighting a battle, nothing beats the feeling of knowing there's someone who believes in your ability to win.

My husband finally has come around. Sometimes I felt like I had to fight him for every pound I have lost. We were watching a video the other day and he finally realized I had a problem. He seen me 109 pounds ago. We talked for awhile about the things I couldn’t do before I lost the weight and the things that I had trouble doing like putting on my shoes. I told him about what I can do now.
The other day he looked at me and said I just didn’t realize you were that big. I guess because I am your husband. I am proud of you. I like the size you are now.
My hubby was very comfortable with a 300 pound woman. I just assure him that the real me is not changing. The inside me is the same, just the outside me is changing.
Keep on keeping on……making better choices for a healthier you!