It takes a team to achieve diet and fitness goals: QC dietitian Jeni Tackett, along with her husband Nathan and her children Lily and Noah, work together to support each other  to stay fit and motivated.  No diet saboteurs here!

By Nutritionist Blogger Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

Did you know that it’s very common for spouses, significant others, friends, and family to sabotage your healthy eating and exercising goals?  ‘Tis true!

I’m not saying these people are out to get you.  But, without even realizing it, they may be sabotaging you.

Many of my weight loss clients are perplexed when their spouse starts bringing home desserts just as they are succeeding with weight loss.

I’m no psychologist, but I believe that some people feel insecure when their loved ones are making positive changes in their life.  They may wonder how their relationship with their spouse, friend, or loved one will change once that person loses a significant amount of weight.

Here are some forms of sabotage:

•    Candy dishes on your desk:  You are inadvertently sabotaging anyone who is trying to eat healthy by making candy easily accessible.

•    Baked goods:  Sharing baked goods with friends and family may be sabotaging their diets.  Although you are trying to be nice, you may have made it harder for someone to reach their wellness goals.

•    Lunches out:  If you know that a friend or family member is trying to eat healthy, ask them to go for a walk or meet them for a movie instead of a lunch date.

If you feel that you are being sabotaged in your healthy lifestyle efforts, have a conversation with that person about how you feel.  Explain that you need total support in your quest for a healthy life.

Here are 5 ways you can support your family, friend, or coworkers trying to eat healthy:

•    Buy them flowers or a massage instead of candy
•    Offer to watch the kids while they work out
•    Make a healthy meal
•    Have a fruit basket on your desk
•    Meet them for a walk or yoga class instead of a meal

I think one of the reasons I have been so successful with eating healthy and exercising regularly is that my spouse is so supportive of my healthy lifestyle.  We work out together, and he often encourages me to get a workout in even though our day is full of baseball games and ice skating lessons.  When you work and have a spouse and children, making healthy eating and exercise a priority takes two.  Make sure that your significant other, friends, and family are behind you 100%!

Meet Jeni Tackett, Let’s Move Quad Cities Nutrition Blogger. Jeni is a registered and licensed dietitian for Unity Point-Trinity. Jeni counsels her clients on weight loss and nutrition. You can read Jeni’s bio and other blog posts by clicking here.