Sign up for the FREE 6 week #FitnessDate challenge NOW
Oh how I wish I could definitely put my weight gain on my marriage. Its not because of our marriage that either of us have gained a few extra pounds; its because we allowed life to dictate to us what is most important and “working out and/or eating healthy” was not top of our list.
I mean: after working all day, carpooling with the kids, social/community responsibilities where did we have the time to workout? We would grab food on the go (and no we didn’t choose the healthy choices on the menu). We used the the excuse that we were too busy and it was “easier” just to eat on the go as to not miss any obligations we had. Oh but age and weight is setting in and its not a cute thing (plus the health issues associated with not eating healthy or being healthy overall).
[pullquote]We invite other couples to join us on the #FitnessDate Challenge. The challenge is for six weeks and we will send out fitness and health tips, plus recipes. Sign up for the challenge NOW.[/pullquote]
So we have decided to get healthy together. #FitnessDate is all about us exercising, eating healthy, and working out together. This is not an easy task for us. The husband loves to workout, I don’t. I love to try new healthier foods, the husband does not. We understand that we will have to rely on each other strengths to accomplish our goal but we are definitely ready to be healthy in our healthy marriage. (see what I did here..LOL)
A Change Gonna come (have to come)
Change can be difficult. It’s particularly difficult when it’s a habit that you have held onto for a long time. However, change can also be great. We understand that a lifestyle change is needed and it will not happen with osmosis so we must put in the work. Am I looking forward to the making the changes-Yes. Am I aware this will not be easy-Yes. Am I ready to be healthy-YES!
When you’re trying to make a change for a healthier lifestyle, there are sure-fire ways to make it easier.
Five smart tips to make a permanent healthier lifestyle change
#1 Replace bad habits with good ones
Instead of trying to eliminate behaviors and get rid of bad habits, create new habits. It’s much easier to modify than it is to eliminate. For example, perhaps you drink a lot of soda each day. Trying to eliminate soda from your day may be a difficult task. However, if you replace soda with sparkling water then it becomes much easier. One way, we have incorporated more water into our day is by filling up a cup (64 oz cup) at the beginning of our day. We know that after 4 hours we should have drank over half of the water. We try not to add artificial sweeteners to our water but have added fruit or lemons to the water.
Identify the habits you need to change and create a new habit to replace them.
#2 Small steps
Trying to make a major lifestyle change is extremely difficult. It can often feel overwhelming. Instead, create smaller changes that support a larger goal. For example, if your goal is to exercise for thirty minutes each day, start small. The first week, make your goal to exercise for ten minutes each day. That’s manageable and you will succeed. The next week, add five minutes to your routine. Continue adding five minutes each week until you’ve reached your goal.
Identify the big changes you want to make to your lifestyle and create smaller goals that support your change. It’s much easier to achieve smaller goals than to make a huge lifestyle change. You’ll have a smoother road to success. And it’ll be easier to sustain your new lifestyle habit.
#3 Reward yourself
Making changes in your life is challenging. Take time to reward yourself for your successes. When you achieve a goal, even the small goals, treat yourself to something nice. Get a massage. Watch your favorite movie. Do something nice for yourself. However, make sure the reward supports your new lifestyle change.
[pullquote]We invite other couples to join us on the #FitnessDate Challenge. The challenge is for six weeks and we will send out fitness and health tips, plus recipes. Sign up for the challenge NOW.[/pullquote]
For example, if you’re cutting out sugary snacks you don’t want to reward yourself with a sugary snack. Instead, reward yourself with an afternoon off from work, or a new gadget or pair of shoes.
#4 Make it easy
Some lifestyle changes feel complicated. In fact, many unhealthy habits became habits because they were easy. For example, going to the drive through for lunch is easier than planning ahead and packing a lunch. You’ll have more success if you can make adopting your new habit as easy as possible. For example, you might pack your lunch the night before and do your shopping on the weekend.
#5 Cut yourself some slack
Change can be challenging. Instead of feeling down or giving up when you struggle, give yourself a break. Acknowledge that you messed up. Then turn and face the challenge head on with a positive attitude.
The key to making permanent lifestyle changes is to manage your expectations. Approach your goals with a strategy and a plan. Nothing happens overnight. However, with patience and dedication you can make complete lifestyle changes. Live a longer, stronger and better life!
We invite other couples to join us on the #FitnessDate Challenge. The challenge is for six weeks and we will send out fitness and health tips, plus recipes. Sign up for the challenge NOW.
The challenge starts February 1 and ends March 14. Don’t miss this fun challenge plus it could double as quality time spent with your spouse!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I weight less now than when I married my husband. I always make ME a priority 🙂
Maureen says
This is so awesome! First of, thank you for linking up with our Wellness Wednesday.
I adore the name of your blog and the title of this post! Oh it makes me miss my fiance so bad, he and I love to workout together. When we are together, we always make sure we either hit the gym or just workout ourselves using the many apps/dvd we have.
Those tips are so spot on and will helps a lot of people who read this.
Hope to see you guys around next week! 🙂
Dawn says
It’s so true. Marriage will turn you into a tub really quickly. I guess it’s true what they say, “happy and fat”.
jenny temcio @dapperhouse says
I LOVE this idea for a couples fitness challenge!! For longer than I would care to admit, my husband and I were WAY to busy to find time for the gym or even a walk at night. Then we decided together to take control and now that we are in the habit, we make the gym a priority each night and work out together to hold each other accountable! I wish you all the best in meeting your goals 🙂
Shelley Zurek says
I agree on marriage making you fat. When my husband is at work, I don’t eat as much. When he is home, he is hungry all the time and expects to eat all the time. When he eats, I tend to eat.
Amy Desrosiers says
I really need to change my diet. After my father died I started to become so stressed, and the weight and acne are adding up…two of which I didn’t really have to deal with before.
Kelly Hutchinson says
Taking small steps is something I need to do. I always want to jump in and do it all now!
Emilie says
It is so tough to keep the weight off, especially when you don’t exercise. I’ve been horrible about finding the time to be active since having kids. Thanks for sharing these great tips! Glad you guys are doing it together.
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
Small steps are so important. I find committing is so hard when you try too much too soon- like any relationship, you have to build up!
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
My husband and I are doing this too! It’s so good to do it together! 🙂
Liz Mays says
I think getting fit as a couple is much easier than doing it alone. I think this is really going to help you two out!
Bobbie says
i am so loving the getting to healthy posts. You listed some great tips here. Your fitness date challenge is such a great idea. Who would want to workout with the one they love?
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I completely agree with the title of this article. I used to be tiny before I got married and now married almost 13 years and 5 children later I am far from tiny.
Still Dating My Spouse says
Yes it is Bobbie and it is going to be a great time for couples to bond and grow (I mean grow as a unit) together.
Debi says
I need to keep on myself on track when it come to weight loss.
Debi says
I have to keep up on my weight. It is just so hard to juggle it all.
OurFamilyWorld says
I maintain around the same weight all the time. But after the big holidays i have to get my act back together after eating all those yummy foods.