How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

[momof2gr8kids]

I've decided to re-start induction next week. I had to have my appendix removed and my hospital stay and recovery threw me off the wagon. Can you say 'nasty sugary hospital food' (even the liquid diet sucks!) Now I feel a lot better and am ready to re-commit.

One big obstacle is my husband who doesn't really understand nutrition at all. He, like others, believes Atkins to be unhealthy --- the heart attack diet. How do I go about explaining it to him...the danger of sugar and processed foods...that Atkins isn't cheeseburgers and bacon exclusively? He won't read the book.....so that isn't an option...doesn't feel he needs to.

It would really help if he didn't think so negatively of it. For instance, I was feeling dizzy the other day and he automatically said it was Atkins...I told him I wasn't even following the plan (don't think he believes me)....so this is what I'm dealing with.
Any suggestions?

[Hoping]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

Ignore him, follow you food plan, and when he sees the results he'll stop nagging. You'll look and FEEL better. You'll have more energy.
I went through the same thing with my family. They were worried that I was going to give myself this and that, and blah, blah, blah. They got over it when they saw my health and physical being improve. They're much more pleased with a lighter happier healtheir me.
The results will speak for themselves.
Don't let him talk you out of it if you feel this is the eating plan for you. Stay strong and stick to your decision.

[dreamof145]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

I went through the same thing, my husband's mind had been clouded from listening to all the negative media coverage. He was worried that I was getting involved in something that was unhealthy and he'd seen me ingage in so many ways to lose weight (all of which had failed and left me heavier and more miserable) that he feared I was once again going to fail.

At first, I was so excited that I talked about it all the time. Since this led to arguments - I finally saved all my 'talk about it' to the ADBB. I did what I had to do, exercised, ate according to plan and educated myself on this way of life. The results have been great. I've lost weight, become a happier and healthier person and he's now spreading the word to anyone who talks about losing weight.

For me the best thing was to acknowledge that I had a problem, and regardless of what anyone else thought...I had to change my attitude, actions and life-style. I have and the negativity that everyone (including my husband and kids) used to associate with me doing Atkins has done a complete turn-around. They see that I eat healthy foods, I exercise and I drink lots of water. They see that the only things I've eliminated or found substitutes for are the unhealthy sugars, flours and salt. My meals are balanced and I am a better wife, mom, grandma and friend.

Let the results do the speaking. Seeing is more believing than anything you can say at this point. My motto has always been: Gonna Stop Talking about it and Make it Happen.

Continue to come here and connect with people who understand and will encourage you to be successful. This is the best place to get support and motivation to feel good about yourself and the changes you are making!

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

When it gets right down to it ... does he even have to get it? This is about you.

Go about your business and do what you need to do in order to get to where you want to be and remain there - and as soon as your losses and maintenance become as obvious as what you see here with the success stories on this message board, he and others will come around. While approval from others certainly is not requisite for success, I suppose it beats the alternative!

[chicamarun]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

My husband doesn't always "get it" LOL

However, my method of dealing with him has been pretty painless. I make my own dinner and then add a side dish for him. He likes the fact I am cooking more and planning more. And now he's stopped caring about the fact I am on a diet (though I do think he'll draw the line if I try to make him tofu again - LOL)

I don't talk to him about the diet - but talk to him about how I am feeling etc. How cool it will be to wear certain things - and I think even he's imagining me in the cute jeans I got with a tank top on once I lose more weight.

I agree with Shelia - it is YOUR body that YOU need to deal with and treat right. But for the sake of peace in the household, don't push it - he'll start to see the results just as you will.

If he's a reader (mine's not) - show him the book and let him read it

[bambinaUK]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

Ignor him and stick a progress chart on your refrigerator door.

My husband soon changed his mind when my underwear started to get more risque !!

[Chicklady]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

Do you have Fitday? Enter a few of his "normal" day diet in fitday and see where he comes up in nutrients. Then show him yours and stick your tongue out

[Hudson]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

If I may be so bold....

Tell him that this diet puts you..... in the mood!

Drop 20 lbs, be in the mood and he will quickly see the health benefits of such a diet.

[Brook]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

I agree with Sheila. He doesn't have to get it. This is about you.

Ask him if he's even bothered to pay attention to what your'e really eating or if he's too narrow minded to see past what his buddy's step-sister's cousin's best friend's mother-in-law's vet's mechanic saw on Hard Copy about Atkins and what it is. Ask him why he wasn't as interested in what you were eating when you were putting the weight on and getting unhealthy to begin with and then ask him if he's going to be your husband and support you like he should or if he's just going to remain ignorant and give you a ration of crap you don't deserve for trying to improve your health. If none of that shuts him up or goads him into at least reading the book- then ignore him and do what you do. The results *will* speak for themselves.

[Laurenfra]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

Dont tell him. Tell him you decded not to follow atkins you are going to just eat healthy. I had to do this with uninformed friends. Tell him you are just going to cut out the processed crap. Atkins works with or with out calling it by name.

[Lady_Hawke]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

Everyone gave really great advice - I'll just like to add - Noones opinion matters but your own. If you are happy...THATS what matters

[SandyL2002]

Re: How do you deal with spouse who doesn't get it?

My husband didn't understand.. When I said guess what I am going to die at the weight I am at.. Then I told him I was giving up Cookies, cakes, and white bread and potatoes is horrible and eating more vegetables is NOT a bad thing...

At first he kept bringing me home things I wasn't suppose to have..but I think he FINALLY has understood..

Of course the Saggy clothes show it and the 3 sizes down underwear do too...lol

Do this for yourself..he will come around when he sees you feeling better and looking better...