How do you help a loved one lose weight without hurting their feelings? Can you do it without getting frustrated in the long run? A lot of us know at least one or two people trying to lose weight, and although it could be annoying when you are around them and all they do is complain but never take any action, you can actually be of help. You can encourage them without feeling irritated and upset about the whole thing. Below are some ways to make this happen:
1. Validate the person’s feelings
The person in question has probably been trying to lose weight for months, or even years, so it is important that you make them feel heard by letting them know that you understand how they feel. This means you have to put yourself in their shoes.
2. Don’t be pushy
Watching a loved one struggle and perhaps give up on their quest to lose weight may not go down well with you, and you may really want to help. However, how you communicate this to them is very important. If you are too pushy, chances are that the person will end up saying a yes without being so committed, or might even feel insulted.
3. Ask how you can be of help
You can’t just bump into a loved one and figure you know exactly what they need without even asking, especially given the fact that it has to do with the person’s body and helping them to achieve their goals. Ask what you can do to be supportive. Some may like to do it alone, without any help, and some others may want you to assist in some way or the other. Just be sure to ask in a non-obnoxious way.
4. Discourage negative self-talk
It’s normal to find someone who has been struggling really hard to lose weight say negative things about their own body. You should actively discourage this, as it will not help in any way. To achieve the set goals as soon as possible, keeping a positive mindset is very important. Tell the person positive things and use little progresses as a source of encouragement. You can celebrate little achievements like losing a few pounds or keeping up with workout routines. This can also be a form of encouragement.
Do you have loved ones around trying to lose weight? Go ahead and render some help, using these tips, without hurting their feelings.
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