Remember how we talked about getting your family on board? They have a ton of influence over your everyday life and the sooner we accept that the faster you can see progress. Finding something that works for you might depend on just how willing your family is change with you. The bummer is that sometimes families are just unwilling to change. So then what?

What if your family won’t make the changes you need?

Even if your family is unwilling to change the way they eat, get them to support you. You want them to because it’ll be easier for you to make healthier decisions.

So, get them together and tell them about your decision, how it will impact them, and what you need them to do in order to help you.

Asking them isn’t enough. Before you gather them together think about what you need. What can they do to help you? Family is usually supportive and they want to help you, they just don’t know how.

Your job is to tell them – be specific. Make a list of ways they can support you. They could keep junk food out of the house or away from you. If you’ve got a sweet tooth and your family brings you cake, cookies and candy – you are going to have a lot harder time saying no if it is always in your house.

Not sure what to ask them to do or how they can support you?

Photo: stevendepolo on Flickr

Here are 9 ways to get the support that you need

1. Encourage you and give you compliments

They can do this by noticing the habits that you are making and say something about how well you are doing. Say that you look good in that pair of pants. Or take notice when you drink smoothies every day for a week instead of your customary triple shot of espresso.

2. No negative comments

You won’t always make the healthy decisions and you know that. Your family pointing it out is not going to help and will make you feel judged.

3. Lend an ear without judgment

Some days you’ll need to vent or talk about the challenges that you are having. Let them know they don’t have to fix it – they just have to listen.

4. Help with incentives

When you reach specific goals, do something as a family that is not food related. Go to that latest movie you’ve been wanting to see or if the goal is big enough have a weekend away.

5. Acknowledge goals met

After you’ve reached a small goal let them know that small gifts would be appreciated for all of your hard work. A bunch of flowers is a great way of letting you know you’re working hard and doing a great job.

6. Offer to do an activity

Your family might offer to go for a walk with you once or twice a week. Find something that most everyone likes to do, then schedule a day.

7. Be positive

Have your family remind you why you’re doing this and say nice things. If they aren’t sure what to say, then you can give them a printed list with everything you’d like to hear.

8. Don’t bring unhealthy food in the house

Ask them not to bring in junk food, pastries, energy drinks or anything that will tempt you. This is especially true in the beginning. That is when you’ll be the weakest and figure this one time.

9. Don’t constantly remind you about your diet

While you want to make healthier choices, you might want a treat once in a while as well. Someone pointing out every time you pick something that isn’t good for you isn’t going to help.

These are simple things they can do to support you and help you with your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Be honest and have an open mind.

Let them think about what you’ve said and have time to process it. They will most likely be unprepared and want to talk about it at a later date. This talk opens the door to future discussions about them living a healthy lifestyle as well.

After you’ve talked with your family you are done if you’ve done your other activities for the day. Those small habits are to drink more water, 5 minutes of activity (or more), make better decisions and say your affirmations.