How to support a loved one on their weight loss journey

Without weight loss support, you can be left feeling unmotivated – abandoning your goal for fear of isolation. But when you have people around you that prop you up, weight loss can be not only achievable, but also fun! So, when your loved one is on a weight loss journey, what can you do to support them along the way and help them to achieve their dreams?

Food-free fun

In our culture, so many of our traditions revolve around food. This isn’t a bad thing, but it can become a potential obstacle for people trying to lose weight. Just because your loved one’s behaviours around food are changing, doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun.

There are so many amazing activities to indulge in that have nothing to do with food, which can be healthy and enjoyable for you both. To provide weight loss support, suggest fun things to do that don’t involve food.

Healthy activities to support weight-loss:

• Go for a sunrise or sunset stroll
• Embark on a nature adventure
• Take a thermos of herbal tea, some mugs and a picnic blanket to your local park
• Giggle your way through a group exercise class
• Go to a day spa
• Sign up for an art class
• Visit your local museum
• Do something fun with the kids – like backyard cricket or a circus class

There is so much of life to explore outside of food, and your most memorable moments often have nothing to do with what was on your plate.

Take the pressure down

When it does come to dinnertime, we all have to eat, but you don’t need to make food the enemy. Being on a weight loss journey doesn’t mean you’re deprived of the things you love. As someone providing weight loss support, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t need to avoid meal times altogether. In fact, you may even be inspired to make healthier choices in your own life.

Supporting your loved one to reach their weight loss goals might mean you skip the dining out sometimes, but you can still enjoy food together. Just be mindful of your attitude and language around the table. Instead of suggesting your favourite, greasy takeaway, try making your loved one a healthy meal, or creating something together to take on a picnic. There are so many inspirational recipes on our website, from delicious salads that you can take on the go, to indulgent desserts perfect for a night in.

Jessica Humphries

Writer, Editor, Yoga Teacher

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Jessica Humphries is a yoga teacher and writer who has written for many health and wellness publications, as well as enjoying the role of editor for Australia’s biggest yoga magazine. After studying philosophy at university and enjoying a stint in the corporate world, she left Sydney and moved north in pursuit of life in the slow lane. When she’s not writing, she leads a wholesome, holistic and active life in the Northern Rivers, around the corner from Australia’s health and wellness capital, Byron Bay.