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My wife and I both need to lose 40lbs to get to a non-obese BMI. I have been just miserable for the last two years. A year ago I took off about 12 lbs with exercise and a low-fat diet. But I got tired of feeling hungry all the time, and failed, eventually putting all that weight back on.
In the meanwhile, my mother had a huge success with Atkins. I started reading about it and found these forums. I then casually talked to my wife about doing Atkins on and off for months. She did (still does) not want to give up her grains. But she had no other suggestions or plans for a solution and so we both continued to be obese.
About 6-7 weeks ago I finally decided to make a go of Atkins alone, for my own health. I told her she could do and eat what she wanted, but that I was no longer having grains, legumes, starches, or sweets. I began preparing my own meals, and would politely refuse to eat most of what my wife wanted to prepare for her and the kids, including most of our previous favorite restaurant choices. This made her feel guilty and/or angry.
After I had some initial success, I asked for her to please join me, not to only support me, but to do it for her own health as well. She CRIED when I asked this of her, and even after witnessing my success she continued to be resistant and even critical of the diet. I offered her a copy of the book but she refused to read it. It has been just awful to see her feeling guilty, angry and struggling to choose between a loaf of bread vs. supporting me while doing something healthy for herself.
I did not push the issue and let her think about it, making it clear that I was going to continue on with Atkins. After several days, she very reluctantly agreed to give it a try. I was just as supportive and complimentary as I could be once she agreed to give it a shot, but I've heard nothing but complaining for weeks.
To make it as easy as possible for her, I have done all of the meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, including cooking a "normal" diet for our two sons which was a major concern for her. This has made it relatively easy for her to follow the regimen, but this is all starting to wear on me. It is very difficult and frustrating to manage all this while going through my own set of challenges related to doing Atkins. If it weren't for my own success losing 16lbs and 2 inches off my waistline so far, I would have certainly given up already.
To her credit, she did take the plunge and has stuck with it for the most part, for three weeks. But she continues to say that she isn't committed to Atkins and wants to be able to have breads, pastas, and rice.
I am hoping that some of you veterans can share your experiences in this area and maybe give some advice. While I understand that the low carb WOE is a drastic lifestyle change, I am very hurt at her reaction to my choice to do Atkins, and have now become angry about the situation myself. I need to forgive her but am finding it difficult.
In the meanwhile, my mother had a huge success with Atkins. I started reading about it and found these forums. I then casually talked to my wife about doing Atkins on and off for months. She did (still does) not want to give up her grains. But she had no other suggestions or plans for a solution and so we both continued to be obese.
About 6-7 weeks ago I finally decided to make a go of Atkins alone, for my own health. I told her she could do and eat what she wanted, but that I was no longer having grains, legumes, starches, or sweets. I began preparing my own meals, and would politely refuse to eat most of what my wife wanted to prepare for her and the kids, including most of our previous favorite restaurant choices. This made her feel guilty and/or angry.
After I had some initial success, I asked for her to please join me, not to only support me, but to do it for her own health as well. She CRIED when I asked this of her, and even after witnessing my success she continued to be resistant and even critical of the diet. I offered her a copy of the book but she refused to read it. It has been just awful to see her feeling guilty, angry and struggling to choose between a loaf of bread vs. supporting me while doing something healthy for herself.
I did not push the issue and let her think about it, making it clear that I was going to continue on with Atkins. After several days, she very reluctantly agreed to give it a try. I was just as supportive and complimentary as I could be once she agreed to give it a shot, but I've heard nothing but complaining for weeks.
To make it as easy as possible for her, I have done all of the meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, including cooking a "normal" diet for our two sons which was a major concern for her. This has made it relatively easy for her to follow the regimen, but this is all starting to wear on me. It is very difficult and frustrating to manage all this while going through my own set of challenges related to doing Atkins. If it weren't for my own success losing 16lbs and 2 inches off my waistline so far, I would have certainly given up already.
To her credit, she did take the plunge and has stuck with it for the most part, for three weeks. But she continues to say that she isn't committed to Atkins and wants to be able to have breads, pastas, and rice.
I am hoping that some of you veterans can share your experiences in this area and maybe give some advice. While I understand that the low carb WOE is a drastic lifestyle change, I am very hurt at her reaction to my choice to do Atkins, and have now become angry about the situation myself. I need to forgive her but am finding it difficult.
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