Tag: cooperation

Talk to the people you live with about what you are doing. Let them know why you are making these changes. Ask for their support and say “thank you” for things they do that help you.

*  Set food rules for everyone in the family to follow. This may include eating together at the table and keeping the TV off. Keep phones in another room.

*  Keep unhealthy snacks in dark containers, out of plain sight.

*  Encourage positive talk about new meals and snacks in the house. If a new food is disliked, talk about why. A food can be prepared in a different way.

*  Involve others in meal planning, especially if everyone will be eating the same meals.

*  Prepare meals together. Adults and children can learn valuable lessons in the kitchen, from math skills to building self-confidence.

*  Be active together. Make this time more about shared family joys than weight loss. Stretch together in the morning or go for a walk after dinner. Plan family picnics that involve a hike or bike ride.