The sabotaging partner

24

Replies

  • kwantlen2051
    kwantlen2051 Posts: 455 Member
    Bring something healthy with you when you go out. That way you won't be tempted and you'll still be eating with the family. Bring a protein bar, fruit like apple or a small bag of nuts when you go to the cinema. You'll still enjoy the movie and have something while they are enjoying popcorn and pop. Maybe it'll be a win-win situation for all. Just my suggestion. Don't give up on your diet and your family - that's all.
  • Escape_Artist
    Escape_Artist Posts: 1,155 Member
    I don't have much to say... It's a matter of self control and it's all on you and on no one else.
    The world doesn't stop turning because you are trying to lose weight. People will eat more and eat things you don't want to eat and you have to deal with it.

    Simple, moderation, say no or eat something else.
    Unless someone ties you down and forces food down your throat then it's your job to remember how much you want to lose the weight and the choices you have to make to get the results you want.
  • Bring something healthy with you when you go out. That way you won't be tempted and you'll still be eating with the family. Bring a protein bar, fruit like apple or a small bag of nuts when you go to the cinema. You'll still enjoy the movie and have something while they are enjoying popcorn and pop. Maybe it'll be a win-win situation for all. Just my suggestion. Don't give up on your diet and your family - that's all.

    Good suggestions thanks, J
  • Awesomers
    Awesomers Posts: 144 Member
    I like to eat out and tend to overeat without even realizing it, so I try to plan what I'm going to eat before we go out and see how much food I can "afford" to eat or I decide whether I'll only eat half and save the rest for tomorrow. I also order water (even though I love sweet tea). Thus far, I've successfully navigated a Puerto Rican wedding, several restaurants, and a very indulgent party without going over my calories OR being miserable OR limiting my boyfriend from the places he wants to eat. And, of course, I exercise a little bit more when I expect that my deficit will be challenged. :) Hang in there. You're not the only one!
  • The point was I am on a 30 day challenge to not eat out. He knew this and it caused a big fight Saturday bc he thought I should just make exception for him. He did not understand that I made this commitment and wanted to stick with it. At the same time I did not want to make him feel less important than a challenge. So I caved. How do I get him to not guilt me about things? That was my point! I know I am an adult and make my own choice but it is hard when someone is making you feel bad about what you are trying to accomplish. It is not like I am blaming him for the food I ate but I am blaming him for the guilt! He should have more compassion towards my goals. Just because I am trying to eat better doesn't mean he is less to me. How can I get him to realize my goals are important?
  • When you and your husband have quality time together, does it always involve food? This is the rut that my husband and I got into. Whenever we'd go out... it would be to eat. Want to do something together when the kids are in bed? Pick up some junk food, beers, and a movie. Everything involved food. I couldn't eat out anymore because I was breastfeeding my son and he has multiple food allergies, and at one point my husband said, "We never spend time together anymore because you can't eat anything." I pointed out the absurdity of that statement (and the truth) and we changed our game plan.

    So maybe your husband feels the same. Maybe he feels like the only things you can do together involve food and now that you're getting healthy, you're more interested in your new "hobby" (I know it's not a hobby) than him. He probably doesn't even realize it.

    My advice: come up with things to do that don't involve food! My husband and I love to go for walks or long drives with no destination. Go to a movie with no popcorn (sneak in some healthy snacks if you can't watch a movie without food). Do some home improvement projects. That way your husband doesn't feel like your new lifestyle is shutting him out.
  • lyzmorrison
    lyzmorrison Posts: 172 Member
    This isn't about weight loss. This is a relationship problem.
  • I had a heart to heart with my hubby. I told him how important getting healthy is to me. I told him that it's hard when he offers me stuff I know I shouldn't be eating. I also told him to get used to me saying no a lot. I told him that sometimes I will enjoy a treat with him but just not as often. He told me that it is more of a habit based on the way we used to and since he isn't following the same "diet" as me he just had to get used to the changes. He wasn't trying to sabotage me like I thought. He is getting better and actually eats better just by seeing what I am doing. It was hard in the beginning and even gets hard now and I'm only 8 months in.

    You can still eat the foods you mentioned. You just have to learn self control and find your voice. We have gone to eat at places that he chose and there was nothing healthy on the menu (not even a salad).....instead of eating something I knew I would regret, I had them make me a salad from all the hamburger toppings they had (lettuce, tomato, avocado and mushrooms. If you keep reminding yourself why you are doing this it will get easier.
  • He didn't force you to eat anything, so your going to have to learn discipline, will power and to just warrior the f**k up.

    Although harshly honest ur response was helpful :) Ty
  • ruffnstuff
    ruffnstuff Posts: 400 Member
    The point was I am on a 30 day challenge to not eat out. He knew this and it caused a big fight Saturday bc he thought I should just make exception for him. He did not understand that I made this commitment and wanted to stick with it. At the same time I did not want to make him feel less important than a challenge. So I caved. How do I get him to not guilt me about things? That was my point! I know I am an adult and make my own choice but it is hard when someone is making you feel bad about what you are trying to accomplish. It is not like I am blaming him for the food I ate but I am blaming him for the guilt! He should have more compassion towards my goals. Just because I am trying to eat better doesn't mean he is less to me. How can I get him to realize my goals are important?

    People don't exude guilt, they feel guilt. So it's still on you. He cannot "make" you feel guilt unless you allow him that power over you. I'm not trying to be harsh, but realistic. And yes, I do understand that it is MUUUUCH harder to live it than it is to peek in from the outside and tell you this.

    Does your partner sound manipulative...absolutely. However, remember you get to control how you act and react to every single thing that passes your way. It's the only thing we truly have control over. Use it. And, you know, maybe seek some counseling for your relationship. It sounds like a neutral third person might really help the communication issue.

    edited for spelling :)
  • The point was I am on a 30 day challenge to not eat out. He knew this and it caused a big fight Saturday bc he thought I should just make exception for him. He did not understand that I made this commitment and wanted to stick with it. At the same time I did not want to make him feel less important than a challenge. So I caved. How do I get him to not guilt me about things? That was my point! I know I am an adult and make my own choice but it is hard when someone is making you feel bad about what you are trying to accomplish. It is not like I am blaming him for the food I ate but I am blaming him for the guilt! He should have more compassion towards my goals. Just because I am trying to eat better doesn't mean he is less to me. How can I get him to realize my goals are important?

    Speak up!!!!! We can only control how we respond to others. I know he is your husband but it's about respect. Stick to your guns. If you have to stay home while he goes out to eat then so be it!!! Or eat before you guys go and then just order some iced tea. He will get the point and if he doesn't then there are some deeper issues in your marriage....sorry to say.
  • spatulathumbs
    spatulathumbs Posts: 125 Member
    The issue here is not one of food or discipline, it's about respect.

    Either he respects you enough to assist you in your diet choices, or he doesn't. And while you are ultimately the only person responsible for what goes into your body, a man who bullies you, mocks you, guilts you, or throws stones in your path is not someone who I'd want to stay around.

    Discipline isn't the issue. It's decision-making—making the choice, in the moment, every moment, to either put it in your face or not.
  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    ....... pressures me into eating with him.

    Listen to how silly that sounds. What's the difference if you go to a Chinese buffet or another restaurant that has healthier options? You're still out spending time together and you're still filling your stomach.

    Next time he tries to guilt you, say "Yeah, we don't get to to this often. But how about we go to __________ instead so that I can stick with healthier eating?" <
    That's less likely to get a guilt trip because you're recognizing his wants and compromising to meet yours also.

    Places you can go that have healthier options include Subway, Applebees, Outback, Perkins, Dennys.... They all have healthier options while at the same time if the hubby wants unhealthy stuff on his own he can still get it.
  • osothefinn
    osothefinn Posts: 163 Member
    And thank you very much to the posters that understand where I am coming from. It is more than just him bringing it in front of me. It is the guilt trio I get for not eating it. The statements that we are "growing apart" if I try to not eat if I am full. I know he does not mean to but it is a switch. Once I have one chip I want the bag. It is like an addict they can;t just have one. You have to have an understanding of addiction to know where I am coming from!

    The fact that this information had to be prompted out of you after some people doubted your original statements as sabotage kind of fails to pass the stink test. In any case, you are responsible for what you put in your mouth. Period. Full stop.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    So no he doesn't force feed me at gun point but he does bring it in front of me and pressures me into eating with him. I hope everyone understands that I know I can make my own choices and I do take responsibility for my choices. but If you have never struggled with addiction then it is hard to pass judgement.

    If you truly have an addiction, and truly can't control your own choices, then you need to do him a favour and leave the relationship.
  • ladymiseryali
    ladymiseryali Posts: 2,555 Member
    The point was I am on a 30 day challenge to not eat out. He knew this and it caused a big fight Saturday bc he thought I should just make exception for him. He did not understand that I made this commitment and wanted to stick with it. At the same time I did not want to make him feel less important than a challenge. So I caved. How do I get him to not guilt me about things? That was my point! I know I am an adult and make my own choice but it is hard when someone is making you feel bad about what you are trying to accomplish. It is not like I am blaming him for the food I ate but I am blaming him for the guilt! He should have more compassion towards my goals. Just because I am trying to eat better doesn't mean he is less to me. How can I get him to realize my goals are important?

    Tell your husband to grow the hell up. He's acting rather childish by trying to guilt you into eating something that you would rather not eat. He's being manipulative and that's just not cool. You need to put your foot down and tell him that you're making a lifestyle change and he should be supporting you. Also explain to him that it doesn't mean he has to change how he eats.
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    The point was I am on a 30 day challenge to not eat out. He knew this and it caused a big fight Saturday bc he thought I should just make exception for him. He did not understand that I made this commitment and wanted to stick with it. At the same time I did not want to make him feel less important than a challenge. So I caved. How do I get him to not guilt me about things? That was my point! I know I am an adult and make my own choice but it is hard when someone is making you feel bad about what you are trying to accomplish. It is not like I am blaming him for the food I ate but I am blaming him for the guilt! He should have more compassion towards my goals. Just because I am trying to eat better doesn't mean he is less to me. How can I get him to realize my goals are important?

    He's not responsible for your goals, and he isn't trying to keep you from them. You were in a situation you were trying to avoid and didn't plan ahead for, and you messed up. And the sun still rose this morning and the world still turns. You can't change it, so stop complaining about it and trying to blame it on him. What you can do is talk to him about it and plan activities for the two of you that allow you to connect but don't focus around a meal. And you need to take some time and figure out how you are going to handle yourself in the inevitable situations of being faced with eating out, holiday parties, and other activities involving food. Life doesn't stop just because you're on a diet and expecting everyone else to alter their behavior to keep you on track is ludicrous. You're not always going to be able to plan the meal and measure everything out, and frankly, some things in life are more important than sticking to your diet. Have a good time, let the guilt go, and get back to it the next day.
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    The point was I am on a 30 day challenge to not eat out. He knew this and it caused a big fight Saturday bc he thought I should just make exception for him. He did not understand that I made this commitment and wanted to stick with it. At the same time I did not want to make him feel less important than a challenge. So I caved. How do I get him to not guilt me about things? That was my point! I know I am an adult and make my own choice but it is hard when someone is making you feel bad about what you are trying to accomplish. It is not like I am blaming him for the food I ate but I am blaming him for the guilt! He should have more compassion towards my goals. Just because I am trying to eat better doesn't mean he is less to me. How can I get him to realize my goals are important?

    Another reason why "challenges" are a bad idea. They don't fit into a real lifestyle.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    So no he doesn't force feed me at gun point but he does bring it in front of me and pressures me into eating with him. I hope everyone understands that I know I can make my own choices and I do take responsibility for my choices. but If you have never struggled with addiction then it is hard to pass judgement.

    If you truly have an addiction, and truly can't control your own choices, then you need to do him a favour and leave the relationship.

    I wouldnt say leave, but if he truly is an enabler and she cant break from the vicious addictive cycle then counseling or at least an OA support group would be very beneficial.

    It can help heal the destructive patterns of relationships or open one's eyes to behavior that continues to "feed" the addiction.
  • sgupstate
    sgupstate Posts: 15 Member
    One thing for the movies is you could make your own popcorn air-popped and healthy if you have a big purse. Then you wouldn't eat the bad movie popcorn or have the leftovers the next day.
    When I am eating well for a while and get a big craving I decide on ONE treat. I think about it for a little while first to make sure I am picking the one I want most. I get that one treat and eat it slowly and then I am usually fine with not having other snacks that day. If I get another craving the same day I just think about how many calories there are in the treat and how I already had one and that is enough to make me choose something healthy.
  • sgupstate
    sgupstate Posts: 15 Member
    Another idea about the now eating out and how that makes him sad:

    You can say, ok we eat out like twice a month (*or something) but he has to choose from a list of places YOU provide.
    You can research restaurants beforehand and pick 5 or so that have at least one very healthy dish that you know is ok for you to eat. Then he gets to have fun with you going out and gets to have some input on the restaurant while you have a guarantee of a healthy meal.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    This isn't about weight loss. This is a relationship problem.

    boom.

    right here.

    My BF was trying to be "helpful" he kept bringing me stuff when I told him I was doing no processed sugar for a month. He knows I love peeps- So he bought me peeps. Sometimes he doesn't think- and this wasn't the first time- so when the peeps came- I said- seriously? why? put them in the cabnit and please stop buying me stuff.

    Now it's not an issue. Anytime I make an adjustment or want to challenge my self discipline/will power with a more rigourous diet for a month- he finds a way to work it for me. If I did a "no eating out" diet- I would suggest to him- let's go get you take out- and we can eat at home.

    Most big franchise places do carry out. Have him order- while he is ordering- you cook your own thing.

    If he continues to guilt you- you need to address that. Like why are you trying to pressure me into make a decision- what about me choosing to do X is causing you grief? why do you feel this way?

    I'm trying to make my life better and you are guilt tripping me about it? what gives.

    You NEED to hash that out. They don't have to agree with what you are doing- they don't' have to do it- but they need to at least STAND BACK and let you do your thing OR SUPPORT YOU.

    Those are the options- get the hell out of the way- or help you. If they aren't- there are much larger issues at hand.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Another reason why "challenges" are a bad idea. They don't fit into a real lifestyle.

    horse puckey- they are great for training your self discipline- and can be very influential in developing positive habits.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    Another reason why "challenges" are a bad idea. They don't fit into a real lifestyle.

    horse puckey- they are great for training your self discipline- and can be very influential in developing positive habits.

    They can also be a great way to through your goals out the window if you commit to one and you're not really ready to follow through. Sometimes slow changes are better and more sustainable. But which method to choose is really up to the OP.

    My question is - when you went on this "no eating out" challenge, did you make an effort to make sure it wasn't a problem for your husband? Getting take out for him like JoRocka mentioned, or cooking him meals that he likes (not your 'healthy meals') at home? If not, and going out is an enjoyable and fun time him, for I can understand his frustration. But, yes, the 'growing apart' comment was over the top.
  • prettyface55
    prettyface55 Posts: 508 Member
    I am not going to attack u! But I will tell u that along the line u will mess up but you learn and move on and become stronger!
    Dust your self off and get back on track Hun!!its ok :):flowerforyou:
  • qtgonewild
    qtgonewild Posts: 1,930 Member
    These last two weeks, I have been reuniting with my EX. oh boy do we love to eat together. And we still went out to eat ALOT. She always blames me for her feeling bloated or what not. lol. she can afford it. i ate alot of things i havent ate for the last 4 months however i made it fit. i worked my butt out in the gym every morning prior to going to see her. She would also try to get me to eat things. but its not because she is trying to sabotage me its because she loves me and if it tastes good in her mouth she wants me to enjoy it. I do the same thing to her. You just gotta say NO. I am proud of staying strong every time she tried to have me "just take a sip of her soda" or "just take a bite of whatever she was eating". its all good. just say no.
  • p4ulmiller
    p4ulmiller Posts: 588 Member
    We all make our own choices in life. I still don't see how this is the partner's fault. Sorry, OP, but you need to decide what you really want.
  • kekeleeks
    kekeleeks Posts: 74 Member
    I have gone through this and continue to go through this. My partner and I are at different stages in this journey. So I have learned to work around these things. (1) I anticipate when we will go out to eat and plan for it within my calories. That means I have to either burn more calories or really pay attention to what I eat (2) If I get to choose the place, I will choose a place that has healthy options for myself and stick to eating whatever healthy item I have chosen (this can be hard). (3) I have often found that with some places, you could easily spilt an entree between two people. Sometimes my partner balks at the idea of sharing because there is fear that there will not be enough to get full. But usually after we eat he is satisfied with the decision. For example, a few weeks ago we went to a local burger joint. I suggested we share the burger and suggested that he ordered a side salad if he felt that he was not going to be full. We both won in that situation. (4) Sometimes I will give stipulations about eating out. Like if we go to baskin robbins for ice cream, we should walk there; or if you want us to go to xyz restaurant for lunch-- we should eat something healthy for dinner etc. (5) Just saying no. This has been a hard one but at some point you have to learn to do it. You can say "no, I don't want to eat that tonight. I would rather have xyz".

    These are the methods that I have employed to assist me with my partner and not being side-tracked by their journey. Good luck!
  • TheGymGypsy
    TheGymGypsy Posts: 1,023 Member
    Try guilt tripping him back and telling him he is smothering your dreams and not being supportive?
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    I can only imagine what the other side of this story sounds like.