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Dieting & exercise

How can I encourage DH to change lifestyle

(58 Posts)
Cloudscape1 Sat 09-Dec-23 17:41:46

DH (early 60s) has recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol. His diet isn’t great and he probably drinks too much. I’m pretty switched on about health and could give him lots of advice but that tends to have the opposite effect! I would love him to take the initiative in making even some small lifestyle changes. Any tips about how I can encourage him ? We are only recently married, he’s a lovely man and I am so worried about him.

Primrose53 Wed 13-Dec-23 19:15:27

V3ra

Sorry Primrose53 that wasn't meant to sound rude.

No problem. Once you do SW you are on it for life. Unless you have an iron will you must never have anything you are partial to but which you know is not good for you.

icanhandthemback Wed 13-Dec-23 19:58:44

Primrose53

V3ra

Sorry Primrose53 that wasn't meant to sound rude.

No problem. Once you do SW you are on it for life. Unless you have an iron will you must never have anything you are partial to but which you know is not good for you.

You can have things you are partial to on SW as nothing is a banned food but it must be limited. Once you have reached target weight you are helped to stay at target by free meetings as long as you are within 4 pounds either way.

Redhead56 Wed 13-Dec-23 21:48:15

I suggested my DH went to a well man clinic as he was over eating biscuits etc. He was rather unusually grumpy out of character he took my advice eventually. He was diagnosed diabetes 2 and stopped eating the likes of biscuits and only had a few at the weekend.
I reduced the amount of meat in meals and increased fish and vegetables. Replaced even more meat with lentils mixed beans etc. He cut down on bread dramatically he lost over two stone. He walks a lot now with the dog since retirement before hand it was only at the weekend.
It takes a strong will and mind to change your habits. If my DH can do it anyone can as he is very stubborn. It’s best to make the changes slowly so it’s not so harsh.

Suzieque66 Thu 28-Mar-24 18:05:36

I really wouldnt bother as he will drive you mad argueing with him ... let him live his life how he wants , or your blood pressure will be up ...

jeanie99 Fri 05-Jul-24 23:04:28

You cannot change another human being only yourself.
If they do not want to do something they will not do it.
I know with experience with my husband.
We can only offer support if things go wrong.

Usserem Tue 09-Jul-24 19:20:17

I hear you, that’s a tough situation. My partner was in a similar boat. I found that small, shared activities worked best. We started going for evening walks together, and I’d cook healthier versions of his favorite meals. I also swapped out his usual drinks for tasty mocktails, and he didn’t even mind! It’s all about making it a team effort without making him feel pressured.

Patsy70 Tue 09-Jul-24 21:07:59

I agree Jeanie99. My OH eats the things I try to avoid in excess when he’s not eating with me. If I happen to voice my concerns he becomes very defensive, so I say nothing. 🤷🏻‍♀️