Perhaps this story is familiar. It’s about a week before your service member’s annual physical training test, and they ask you to make some more salads for dinner. Or perhaps you see them doing some extra push-ups around the house and correctly assume it’s about that time again. Sometimes, our service members ramp up the fitness and healthy habits. Other times we, as spouses, make it a priority. Either way, being the one forced to get healthy can be annoying, even if you are secretly grateful.
For families that find themselves at the mercy of someone else’s food shopping, or cooking, there are some ways to cope with the “health kick” while being supportive and making your own decisions.
Be supportive at home
The first time I set out to complete a Whole30, I did so with the support of my husband. He has always gladly eaten whatever I’ve placed in front of him. In over 10 years of marriage, there have only been two meals that were such complete flops that we had to order pizza. So I knew, that he would eat my “healthy food” as long as it was placed in front of him.
I also knew, that if he snacked at work or when he was out of the house, it wouldn’t bother me. So, spouses, I encourage you to be supportive at home. Don’t bring home chocolate or ice cream. Don’t suggest pizza or wings for dinner. Offer to help cut up vegetables or grill chicken, or even do the dishes.
Work out together
There is almost nothing worse than leaving a workout feeling good about yourself and having someone else knock you down. It is essential, in all things, that you feel the support of your family. There are many ways that a family can be supportive of someone who is working to lose weight or to get in better shape.
Family walks in the evening, hikes on the weekend, or even visiting the gym together are all great ways to encourage your spouse on their fitness journey. If your spouse knows you are supportive of them, they will continue to work hard. And spending extra time together is a great benefit!
Embrace it wholeheartedly
One way to support your spouse is to jump in with both feet. Is there a downside to fully embracing this health kick? Probably not. Could it benefit you greatly? Probably so. But, even if it means eating vegetables all day, every day, if it makes your spouse happy, it’s for a good reason.
You may also find you like this new lifestyle, or your PT score improves.
Supporting your spouse in any endeavor is setting your entire family up for success. Your children will see how relationships strengthen through compromise. Your spouse will see just how much you value and respect them. And you may even see some improvement in your health as well.
