How have you helped someone else get started?

hartjade16

Hi all,

Just wanted a bit of advice for my mum...

So I have been using MFP on and off for years - I only have a stone to lose which is more for vanity then health. I go to the gym and lift weights at least 3x a week and have decided to use this a bit more religiously to log my food. I know I can do it if I just pull my finger out but I need to find a way to help my mum.

My mum's weight has gone up and down over the years the only 'diets' she knows to follow are Weight Watchers and Slimming World which is well and good for a while but she will then fall off the band wagon. The only issue I have with her doing these is she doesn't seem to understand the concept of losing weight in it's 'simplicity'. By this I mean the calorific and nutritional value of food as opposed to a 'point' or 'free foods'.

I feel if she were to try MFP (which would be a huge adjustment to her) then as it is something I also do, we could motivate each other. The problem is getting her to start this. I no longer live at home with her but think I may drive over to hers in the morning before work to go on a 30 min walk just to encourage some exercise. She has 0 confidence and it makes me sad so I want to help her make the first step.

SO after all my waffle, the question I want to ask is... Has anyone been in this situation and succeeded? I.e. Got someone else to join and they have seen results? I really want to help my mum as she's an amazing lady and her health and happiness means everything to me... I just need some starting tips.

Thanks in advance x

socioseguro

My suggestion is: Lead by example.
When you meet your Mum, mention one positive item of your healthier lifestyle.
She may become interested or she may not. The decision is hers.
If she does not want to join you, you have to let her be and continue your own journey
Good luck

jesusarolon

I've encouraged friends and family to join MFP. They start of strong only to end up giving up. It gets really disappointing. Good luck with your mom. Hopefully you'll have better luck. @sociosegur is right, lead by example.

999tigger

You cnat force people so leading by results/ example is about the best way.

Velum_cado

Rule number one: Only offer advice to people who ask for it.

Has your mum asked for your help?

lseed87

I don't think so but my sister and her other skinny friend got it around the same time.

snickerscharlie

Your obvious love for your mom is heartwarming, but unfortunately it would have to be something she wants to commit to and do for herself, otherwise she WILL fail, which will only make her feel worse about herself. And perhaps pissed off at you, too.

I would start by just talking to her casually about what *you're* doing (and whatever you do, don't come across like a born again!) and don't overwhelm her with information that she may not be ready to hear. Baby steps. How computer savvy is she? If she isn't, that alone would be very intimidating.

snickerscharlie

Oh, I forgot to answer the question! Have I helped someone get started?

My husband and my daughter have watched what I've done for the past six months - the weighing and logging, the exercising and, best of all, the results - and they've commented on how effortless I've made it all seem, and how I haven't omitted the foods we all love from our diet or from our house. I think that most people put off starting a 'diet' because they think it's going to be hell-on-earth, and that they'll be relegated to sitting in the corner sucking on lettuce while everyone else eats steak and cake!

Although neither my husband nor my daughter have actually officially started here on MFP, I have noticed that both of them have become much more aware of not only what they're eating, but just as important, how much they're eating. If my husband wants some chips, (crisps) he'll put some in a bowl now, instead of just grabbing the whole bag. My daughter will, more often that not now, grab a piece of fruit instead of a sweet treat.

Like I mentioned in my previous post, baby steps.