How to eat well without support from spouse?

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Spartans55
Spartans55 Posts: 13
in Food and Nutrition
My wife really isn't into the eating healthy thing and is getting frustrated/annoyed with me.
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Replies

  • epros39
    epros39 Posts: 17
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    Don't push her. She'll come around like mine did.
  • kowajenn
    kowajenn Posts: 274 Member
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    My husband is very physically fit but his diet is not. He humors me with healthier meals and then eats 500 calories worth of dessert every day.

    I'm currently in a smoothie phase and he's begrudgingly drinking one for breakfast. It feels like a victory!
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
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    Is she getting annoyed because of what you're eating, or because you're trying to get her to get with the program, too?
  • Spartans55
    Spartans55 Posts: 13
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    Is she getting annoyed because of what you're eating, or because you're trying to get her to get with the program, too?

    Because of my eating.
  • kowajenn
    kowajenn Posts: 274 Member
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    Is she big? I can't imagine why else she would resent your diet choices.
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
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    Make your own food.
  • jdm_taco
    jdm_taco Posts: 999 Member
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    Explain to her that part of the reason you are doing this is so that you want to enjoy a long and healthy life with her.
  • ladymiseryali
    ladymiseryali Posts: 2,555 Member
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    Is she getting annoyed because of what you're eating, or because you're trying to get her to get with the program, too?

    Because of my eating.

    Have you asked her why she gets upset with your new way of eating? That would be a good place to start.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
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    Is she getting annoyed because of what you're eating, or because you're trying to get her to get with the program, too?

    Because of my eating.

    I'm confused by this, can you elaborate on how it manifests? Like, she makes her own meal, you make your own meal, and while you're eating she complains that she doesn't like the food that you're eating....? Like that?

    Have you asked her why she is getting annoyed? Or more exactly - have you told her that you get the feeling that she is annoyed, and that you're wondering why?
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,775 Member
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    Easy as 1,2,3.

    1. Do your own shopping.
    2. Do your own cooking.
    3. Do your own eating.
  • rosemaryhon
    rosemaryhon Posts: 507 Member
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    Easy as 1,2,3.

    1. Do your own shopping.
    2. Do your own cooking.
    3. Do your own eating.

    Mightn't not be that easy. I'm thinking maybe they used to enjoy dining out and now hubby doesn't want to?

    I'm hoping the OP offers more info on exactly what is annoying his wife ~ at this point we'd just be jumping to an assumption that it's because he doesn't shop/cook.
  • skinnyinnotime
    skinnyinnotime Posts: 4,141 Member
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    What is she annoyed about....and why would it affect your healthy eating?
  • hungryhobbit1
    hungryhobbit1 Posts: 259 Member
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    You've given us very little information about what is really going on, but in my house I know it helps to continue the eating schedule that the whole family is familiar with: breakfast, lunch, and dinner and to make smaller portions of whatever I am making for them rather than trying to eat some 6-small-meals-a-day-with-protein-shakes type diet that costs a fortune and annoys everyone.

    Ultimately, I think it's better for me too because it's more sustainable. What exactly is it that you are eating/not eating that annoys your wife, and why?
  • tlharin
    tlharin Posts: 143 Member
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    I have a similar "problem": my fiance is a great guy but not a great cook...or a cook at all, really. He can maybe make an egg is what I'm trying to say ;) So I'm the cook and completely control our meals. He is concurrently amazingly compliant and blessedly willing to try just about anything: kale, tofu, soups, curries, the man isn't picky at all. BUT: he will not be more active at all. No exercising, no walks/jogs together, no classes, no nothing. We own a pretty expensive elliptical: I'm the only one who uses it.

    I know the immediate response most will give, and you're right: one's fitness is up to oneself, you can accomplish a lot on your own regardless of what your partner does--or does not--do. But a support structure at home *would* be nice, wouldn't it?

    Regarding meals together, though: compromise can be best. Perhaps you can have your own breakfasts/lunches, and share a (somewhat less healthy) meal for dinner that she likes, but keep careful watch of your own portion of it. And/or: if you're also playing chef, you really can modify many recipes in ways that will satisfy "conventional" taste while also fulfilling your healthier nutritional needs. I make my fiance mac and cheese using pureed fall squash mixed with almond milk, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper...there isn't actually any cheese in it, and he couldn't care less. Maybe I'll tell him some day...maybe...
  • fivethreeone
    fivethreeone Posts: 8,196 Member
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    Don't push her. She'll come around like mine did.
    ...unless she doesn't.

    Either way, your wife doesn't have to support you for you to do something that's good for you.

    Make your own food if you must, and choose healthier options if you eat out.
  • Spartans55
    Spartans55 Posts: 13
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    Easy as 1,2,3.

    1. Do your own shopping.
    2. Do your own cooking.
    3. Do your own eating.

    Mightn't not be that easy. I'm thinking maybe they used to enjoy dining out and now hubby doesn't want to?

    I'm hoping the OP offers more info on exactly what is annoying his wife ~ at this point we'd just be jumping to an assumption that it's because he doesn't shop/cook.

    You are pretty much on the right track. We used to go out a lot, get pizza, grab a few beers, desserts, etc. Also, at home we ate like crap a lot of the time too (hence why I'm on this site!). Now I'm eating healthy and she's not all in. We have busy lives so it's hard to make separate meals. Also I did a lot of the cooking in the past so now I'm making healthy meals.
  • DatMurse
    DatMurse Posts: 1,501 Member
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    Easy as 1,2,3.

    1. Do your own shopping.
    2. Do your own cooking.
    3. Do your own eating.

    Mightn't not be that easy. I'm thinking maybe they used to enjoy dining out and now hubby doesn't want to?

    I'm hoping the OP offers more info on exactly what is annoying his wife ~ at this point we'd just be jumping to an assumption that it's because he doesn't shop/cook.

    You are pretty much on the right track. We used to go out a lot, get pizza, grab a few beers, desserts, etc. Also, at home we ate like crap a lot of the time too (hence why I'm on this site!). Now I'm eating healthy and she's not all in. We have busy lives so it's hard to make separate meals. Also I did a lot of the cooking in the past so now I'm making healthy meals.

    why not learn to make healthy tasty meals? eat 2 meals a day and have those meals with her?
    I drink beer even when I cut. I get tipsy faster due to the lack off food rofl
  • I_Will_Be_The_Swan
    I_Will_Be_The_Swan Posts: 132
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    Find recipes for things like you used to eat - pizza, fried chicken, burgers, macaroni and cheese, etcetera - that are healthier. Cauliflower or whole wheat crust pizzas; panko breaded chicken; lean meats with the fat squished out, or turkey or bison burgers; soy or fat free cheeses. Anything that tastes and looks the same, but is actually healthy. She'll feel like you're back on her side and no longer disrupting the standard ecosystem; you'll be eating healthily and helping her health, too.
  • highervibes
    highervibes Posts: 2,219 Member
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    I would be pretty pissed if hubby started demanding we eat boiled chicken and steamed broccoli for dinner every night, but I wouldn't think twice about him having smaller portions or asking me to hold the butter till the table etc. Is it possible you've done a nutritional 180 and she's feeling overwhelmed? Remember, you can still eat everything you loved before you decided to be mindful of your intake.

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