what would you do to help your family get healthy?

rachemn

Today I offered my dad $20 for every day he goes for a bike ride and was thrilled when he accepted! We live on a beautiful biking trail and he used to love to ride his recumbent bike!

This summer he's just let himself go and packed on the pounds. He's chewing snuff and just reading books or playing solitaire on the computer. I know he's over 300 pounds and mostly in his gut...and he's 68 now.

I'm not sure if he's depressed. My folks are having financial problems now that dad is retired but I've never seen him like this.

I didn't put any conditions on how long or how far, he just has to get out there. I did tell him, however, that I will subtract $20 everytime he brings home a box of those horrible gas station donuts!!

So do you think I made a smart move? What would you do?

Lobster1987

That's some good incentive!!! Great job!

amy_kee

You know your family best. If he responds to $$$, then, it is a good thing. What ever will get him moving in the right direction is a positive step. Also, since they are having financial difficulties, you could volunteer to cook 2 nights a week at their place. You could bring in all the necessary food for the meal and prepare an all-around healthy, good tasting meal. In doing this 2 nights a week, you would be taking some of the burden off of them in purchasing food that they can't afford & you'd also be introducing them to new, healthy ways of eating. Who knows, they might find some of the meals real delicious if they are open-minded to them. Give it a try. It is hard to not buy junk food when you don't have much $$$. You'd be solving lots by doing the meal thing with them.

linz1125

I think that's great :-) best of luck to your dad!

rachemn

Thank you. I hope it works! I do cook healthy for them. My son and I share a house with my parents and I buy a lot of healthy foods, always have a beautiful salad in the fridge. Yesterday made a fresh low fat raspberry vinaigrette dressing to go on it. They do love the healthy foods, but when I'm working they just eat pizza or stuff from the Schwan's man. Sigh. Trying to get dad out there now..he's busy reading his book!

rachemn

Yay! Sun came out and he's taking off on a ride now!!!!!!!!!! :happy: