Identifying and Addressing Saboteurs
You've identified your weight-loss goals. You've declared them to others. You've talked the talk, and now you're walking the walk by exercising regularly and making healthy changes to your diet. Your efforts are starting pay off — you've lost some pounds, feel energized, and are committed to staying the course.
Why then, does your loved one not seem as excited about your self-improvement as you? Maybe he or she is always trying to persuade you to skip a workout or always suggests pizza when it's his or her turn to cook. Is your partner subtly sabotaging you on your journey to total health?
If you feel this might be the case, ask yourself why. It doesn't mean that the person doesn't care about you. It could be that he or she is feeling insecure and threatened at the prospect of your transformation for the better. Your partner might be worried that if you lose weight and get healthy, you'll leave and find someone better. More likely than not, this person has no idea that he or she is undermining your resolve. Sit down together and assure him or her of your love and then talk about what's going on. Give examples of behavior he or she's exhibited that has sabotaged you in the past. Keep reassuring this person of his or her value and importance in your life.
After the Talk
So, you sat down and had a talk with your identified saboteur. Maybe the issue wasn't resolved instantly. People commonly react defensively at first, but give them time. If necessary, create boundaries within the relationship and stick to them. Do not let anything or anyone get in the way of your eating healthy, working out, or accomplishing what you want for the sake of your health and happiness. Ultimately, if you still don't see eye to eye on your new health program, you may want to reconsider the relationship. Maybe this is someone who doesn't want what's best for you.
Craving Mexican? Say Olé the Healthy Way!
When you prepare your own food, you know exactly what is going into the dishes you eat. It's easy to gauge calorie and fat content, as well as control portion size. But all bets are off when you're dining out.
One way to dodge the problem is to avoid eating out all together — but we all know that's simply not possible. The good news? You can make smart choices when you do eat out.
Mexican food, for example, is an American favorite. A menu item may seem like a healthy option, but unless you ask how it was prepared, it may be loaded down with all kinds of diet-damaging ingredients. However, there are some healthier options on the menu.
Look for chicken, beef, or shrimp fajitas with black beans or salad on the side instead of rice; carne asada (steak with onions and peppers); shrimp diablo (this is grilled with garlic butter — ask them to go easy on that); grilled fish tacos (with one corn tortilla rather than two); taco and tostada salads with chicken, beef, or shrimp for protein (don't eat the taco bowl). Get everything à la carte. Don't get the rice and only eat the beans if they are not refried.
Know Thy Enemy
Dining out is a treat! It's a chance to get out, be social, and take a break from cooking. Don't blow all your hard work on one meal out though. If picking a healthy restaurant isn't an option, identify ahead of time what things at the restaurant could throw you off your diet. Eliminate or address them in advance — even restaurants known for unhealthy fare have some healthy options! For example, if your kids are hell-bent on pizza, you can still go, but choose to get salad, chicken, or fish instead.
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