Family.
When someone in the family is making habit and attitude changes in order to achieve permanent weight management,
Other members are often uncertain as to how to deal with this ongoing situation.
Because they care,
They want to participate and help.
But good intentions can lead to conflict,
Tension,
And rebellion.
So let's discuss some ways to be helpful that are appropriate and productive.
First,
Although you aren't going through the weight loss process,
It helps if all the family members eat the proper amounts of well-selected foods and avoid snacking and overeating at meals.
Second,
Make sure to acknowledge anything positive you see the family member doing.
The tendency is to pay more attention to negative behavior than to positive.
So apply the if you can't say anything nice,
Don't say anything at all rule.
Third,
Refrain from giving the family member weight loss instructions.
We tend to feel as though we know what is best for someone else,
Particularly if we don't have a weight problem and the other person does.
However,
Making habit and attitude changes is a very personal process.
And part of this process is learning for oneself by listening to one's inner voice and feelings to what is personally appropriate.
You must let the individual discover for him or herself what is best in each situation.
Fourth,
Adjustment is necessary when new patterns are started.
Even when the change is desired,
There will be a tendency to keep acting as if the new behavior has not occurred.
Eating habits permeate much of our lives,
So be ready to alter some unexpected aspect of your life.
Don't automatically suggest going out to dinner to celebrate an event.
Ask the person what they would like to receive as a gift if chocolate or candy are no longer appropriate.
Overall,
Remember that food is a major part of our lives and any change in how it is perceived and used will lead to other changes also.
The person with the weight problem is the expert.
Go to that person for guidance and you will be appreciated.
