Getting your family involved in changing your eating behavior

Involve your friends and family when trying to change your eating behavior. Here are some tips:

  • Speak with your family and friends about the changes you are making. Ask them for support in specific ways, such as not commenting on your eating and not offering you foods you have chosen not to eat. You may not get them to stop all behaviors that make it hard for you to change, but you can often improve things just by asking for help.
  • If you eat alone often and feel a lack of support, seek out friends or coworkers who may be interested in changing their eating behavior. Many people are aware that they could eat in a healthier way and would welcome companionship in this effort.
  • Make small changes instead of large ones. People are less likely to notice small changes, so you are less likely to feel that others are undermining your efforts. Also, small changes are more likely to be maintained.


Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MSLast Updated: March 6, 2008
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

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