8 Tips To Help Your Loved One Lose Weight

Written by Shivani K  • 

You must never neglect your weight gain, especially when you are growing old. As we age, our metabolism rate declines and we are exposed to a number of chronic diseases out there (1). The first step to a healthy body begins with maintaining an optimal weight. Therefore, if you find anyone around you on a weight gain bandwagon, you might as well pull them out of it and encourage them to go on a weight loss journey.

Being fit is one thing, but to get your near and dear ones to jump onto the fitness bandwagon can get a little complicated. With loved ones — parents, brothers, cousins, sisters, girlfriends, boyfriends, BFFs, etc., it becomes a sensitive issue. And if you’ve observed, those who need assistance or help will never acknowledge it. Especially to their loved ones! So, is there a way to help your loved one to lose those extra kilos, discourage those bad habits, and encourage them to stick to their goals without getting themselves worked up (2)? Well, yes, there is!

Let’s look at certain ways through which we can encourage our loved ones on their weight loss spree, without any criticism but in all positivity.

1. Discuss Diets Together

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Choosing an appropriate diet is nothing less than a gamble; chances are high that you could go wrong with your choices (3). So, learn about the super foods that help in weight loss and weight gain. Reason it out and discuss the diets with your loved one. Together, settle on a diet that you both could follow. This way you’ll also have company. Additionally, opt for diets that are low on carbs and calories, but doesn’t exclude any nutrients. A diet that provides your body with essential nutrients is easier to stick to (4).

2. Go On A Healthy Food Shopping Spree

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It’s much easier to resort to healthy eating if you are surrounded by healthy food, right? It’s the “out of sight, out of mind” logic. Therefore, break up with your junk foods and give a place to the healthy eats in the heart of your home — your kitchen! Replace your crunchy, deep-fried snacks with colorful fruits and vegetables. Ditch those aerated drinks and opt for detox waters instead. Eat healthily (5)!

3. Cook Together

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If your weight-loss-aspiring loved one happens to be your significant other, explore the world of healthy eating and cooking with your partner. You will be amazed to see what food can do to your relationship — it’s always a great way of bonding! Cook with your loved one, or learn to cook. Either way, both of you are gaining experiences in terms of cooking, bonding, and the icing of all this — becoming a healthier you! No matter how busy your individual lives get, squeeze in some time to bond over cooking. It’s the most romantic couple-ritual (winks).

4. Eat In Smaller Plates

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Eating in smaller plates encourages us to eat smaller portions (6). Eating light isn’t enough; you need to eat the right quantity too. And it isn’t some myth, the logic is simple — larger plates make the food we eat look smaller and we end up re-filling our plates with more food. Similarly, smaller plates make our regular food intake look large. See, it’s all a trick to fool the mind! Start using smaller appetizer plates and soup bowls now.

5. Exercise Together

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Working out alone can get boring and sometimes, really demotivating. But if you join your loved one and sweat it out together, there’s an added energy that keeps you going and you become much more motivated to shed those extra kilos (7). There are workout routines crafted specifically for couples, opt for those and make your bond stronger with each other. You could also engage in outdoor activities together like hiking, rock climbing, swimming, etc.

6. Hit The Snooze Button On Time

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Our body can continue to work well only if it has rested well the previous day. Good sleep is crucial when it comes to weight loss, as sleep deprivation leads to weight gain (8). Lack of sleep makes way for those midnight cravings. You’re hungry when you are up at 3 am, aren’t you? And that makes you want to give in to sinful eating, right? Sound sleep will calm your body and mind; you will not wake up hungry and your appetite will be under control. Studies say that both men and women need to get a minimum of 7-9 hours of peaceful sleep every day (9). If you and your loved one belong to the night-owl clan, then you should consider changing your sleeping cycles for good.

7. Set Monthly Or Weekly Targets

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When your loved one is on a mission to lose weight, it is important for them to stay focused on what they are doing. And you could help your loved one in this by planning out the weight loss regimen and keeping track of the progress achieved. Chalk out weekly goals for the two of you and motivate each other to reach the set goal on time (10). You could even maintain your own weight loss journal in which you can note down the struggles you faced as a team and how you overcame it.

8. Reward Each Other

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Make the journey of achieving a fitter, healthier body a fun one. On reaching the monthly or weekly targets, you could surprise your loved one with fun rewards (non-food rewards only)! Take them out to their favorite movie or concert. Or, if you’re a couple, plan something romantic (11).

The road to fitness is a challenging one, and it’s always nice to support your loved one in this journey. So, go all out and do your bit, you’ll be amazed at the outcome! Have you tried helping your loved one? Did it work out? Do let us know in the comments below.

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