I think support is an often overlooked concept when it comes to making behavior change – but it’s one that is quite important.  If you don’t have the support of your spouse, friends, or family, it can be much more difficult to try to lose weight or exercise more.  Ever go out with friends who inadvertently make comments that deter you from your eating plan?  You know… “Come on, we’re out tonight!  Have some ______ (insert unhealthy food or drink here).”  Or maybe your children give you a hard time when you start making healthier dinner dishes. 

If you’re struggling with these issues, stay strong and keep up your efforts.  Remember that becoming healthier means you’ll only turn out a better mother/spouse/friend in the long run.  And if you need more support, don’t be afraid to ask for it!  Sometimes people don’t even realize when they are guilty of not supporting their friends and family (I know I’ve made these mistakes sometimes), so let them know you need their help in order to achieve your goals.

And if your spouse or friend is the one trying to make some changes, why not join in and help them out?  Sign up to do a race together so you can motivate each other.  Rather than your standard pub fare, try a new restaurant known for its healthy but delicious dishes.  Give your spouse the time they need to go to the gym (or better yet, hit the gym together!).

I’m lucky that my fiancé and I both support each other in our health and wellness goals, and we both love trying new things.  It makes for a fun (and healthy) relationship.  The pictures below are great illustrations of supporting active pursuits – our Christmas gifts for each other!  

He bought me a brand new running watch (my old one was lost in a fire that burned my apartment down over the summer), complete with GPS and heart rate monitor.

And I got him (and myself) some snowshoes, so we can get out on the trails this winter - provided it decides to snow at all in Massachusetts this winter!  

Dressed as a ninja turtle, I ran next to princesses, witches and Dr. Seuss characters today when I tackled the 13th Annual Milton Monster Dash 5K.  The race was scheduled to be held last Sunday, but due to our unexpected snowstorm in the Northeast they rescheduled it for this weekend.  And we lucked out with much better weather today, a sunny day approaching 50 during the run. 
 

This annual race is held in memory of Sam Cichello, a child from Milton who died following a playground accident in 1999.  The funds raised in the Monster Dash support hands-on science education and curriculum enrichment in the Milton Public School District. 

I’ve never done this race before, but I loved it for 2 reasons:  1) the emphasis on the cause, and providing science education for children, and 2) the huge number of families that ran this race together.  It was really great to see families embracing a fitness event. 

After the 5K, there were also dance contests and limbo events for the kids.  I will admit, I'm a little sad they didn’t do an adult limbo contest...anyone who knows me knows that I am amazing at limbo.  At a friend’s engagement party last summer, I won the limbo contest, b.  I did have a bit of a sore back the next day, but oh well…

Anyway - For those families out there, I challenge you to find a fun race, bike ride, or other fitness event this month and participate together as a family.  Maybe try a turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning and start a new tradition before your delicious meal?  You might be surprised at how much your kids will enjoy it.  A key is to focus on the fun of participating, and not worry so much about times and other participants.  Finishing is a great reward in and of itself!