Staying Healthy With an Un-Supportive Partner

Begin with communication.

Explain to him/her that you're not motivated by a desire to attract other people, but simply because you want to be healthier and feel better about yourself. Going into detail about your exercise plan and nutritional goals can take the unknown out of the equation, and possibly spark a desire in them. Explain that you do not expect them to change just because you want to, and that you love him or her exactly they are.

Ask for support.

The road to health can be a tough battle, and we can use all of the support we can get. Asking your partner to be supportive along this road can make a huge difference. Ask them to use positive comments regarding your progress. This will allow your partner to feel like they're part of the process without giving them the power to control it.

Get a training partner.

If your partner is unwilling to join you, find someone who is. Having a training partner creates greater motivation and retention than doing it alone. Find someone who won’t threaten your significant other. If you are unable to find a Workout Buddy, remember your Team Beachbody Coach (ME) is always available to give you added motivation.

Don’t fall into eating pitfalls.

Grocery shopping, meal preparation, and snacking can be challenging in a household on the same eating path. But when you are trying to eat lean protein and vegetables, and your partner would prefer macaroni and cheese with a side of fries, the challenge can become World War III. If you are the primary shopper and food preparer, you have a lot of power over what your family consumes. Healthy food can taste great, and your mate might have no idea that you have altered his or her diet. With that said, you might need to make concessions for what your mate desires and make alterations to meal plans that can satisfy both people’s needs. Something as easy as adding an extra side for your mate can keep the peace. If you are not the primary meal provider, be prepared to take control over what you consume.

Try to work out around family time.

There are only so many hours in a day, and you should spend at least eight of those hours asleep. Finding time to exercise can be challenging as it is. And if that exercise time cuts into time that can be spent with a loved one, resentment can build. I have several friends who began workout programs that took them immediately from work to the gym daily, which got them home at 9 PM. Basically, they didn’t see their mate until Saturday, which did not go over well. This is why I prefer Beachbody workouts! If you can manage to crawl out of bed a bit earlier in the morning, you can begin your day with an amazing workout, and still be home in time to have dinner with your partner. If you’re a night owl, try working out after they've gone to bed or while dinner is cooking! Being considerate of your time together can make all the difference in the world.

Keep the peace, but honor thyself.

Sometimes all of the communication and consideration in the world will not help a partner to understand your desire to change. If this is the case, short of seeking therapy, you must continue toward your goals and try to make it as undisruptive as possible to your partner. Walking away from health and fitness to please someone else will just lead you down the path of resentment. Keep moving forward, creating positive change, and try to still give energy to the relationship. Maybe your partner will not understand, but perhaps over time, he or she can learn to accept.

Having six-pack abs should not destroy “till death do us part.” And with communication, consideration, and some effective planning, perhaps your mate might learn to love your new look.

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