Although Hubby generally tries to eat healthy and exercise, he's a bit more lax about his program than I. Mostly this is because he can lose weight quickly. All it takes is a few weeks of total dedication for him to drop five pounds. I, on the other hand, struggle to lose every ounce.
As a result, he splurges on "cheat" meals more often than I do. And he skips a lot more workouts, too.
Unfortunately, his behavior rubs off on me. I call it The Spouse Effect.
This would be ok if The Spouse Effect was only an issue on weekends. But his workdays are sporadic. It's not unusual for him to work four days in a row and then have six days off.
Those six days off can mean almost an entire week of struggle against The Spouse Effect.
And, like everything else, it gets harder to fight over time. I'll be totally dedicated and steadfast in the face of The Spouse Effect for the first day or two. But by day three or four, Hubby's encouragement for Chinese take-out or an Italian dinner usually breaks through my weakening barriers.
And it's always easier to skip a workout when your spouse is skipping his, too.
I've tried encouraging Hubby to exercise more and make better food choices, but it seems like his bad habits tend to rub off more than my good ones.
I have to find an effective way to counter The Spouse Effect. Anyone have any tricks or tips to offer?
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8 comments:
That is a tough one. My hubby can eat anything he wants and still lose weight. Luckily my hubby gets me to eat better because he just wants to live a healthier life. Maybe only eat out once a week or if you do order italian or Chinease start off with a salad then eat dinner. Why do so many women that I know what to lose weight and their hubbies want to gain weight. I would love to give my hubby 10 of my pounds! For working out try to workout together after you get off work - maybe a walk in the evening.
Good Luck with the Spouse Effect - I know that if I were single I would weight less - my hubby is a great cook and gives me too much food on my plate.
Oh man ... that's a tough one! Especially as I don't have a spouse to relate to. When I was married, I was actually in pretty good shape as was my ex.
One thing though ... the majority of men lose weight a whole lot faster than us chickies. Just don't give up, and do what you know you have to do!
Oh man I hear you! The Spouse Effect is SO hard to get away from! If you find a cure do let me know as I suffer too!!!
Beat the spouse into submission. Problem solved.
Actually, I really do wish I could do that. Josh is awful for me, and not only on weekends! It's bad during the week too. Hopefully one of us will find the answer soon and share it with the rest!
This is a tough one. I have the opposite Spouse Effect where I am in the position your husband. I often talk the hubby into eating Chinese etc. He eats so healthy. While he doesn't workout, it doesn't show. He doesn't have a ounce he can afford to lose.
oooh this is a tough one. I don't have that much of a problem with it as my husband has become very concious with his weight and working out since he has dropped 50 lbs. Have you tried telling him that it isn't helping you? And that if he wants say chinese, to help you make the decision to order something healthy like steamed veggies and brown rice, and he allows you 2 bites of his yummy food so you don't feel deprived? Little things that he can do to help you would be great. Maybe talk to him and see if he is willing to help you reach your goals. Good luck!
I am blessed to have a hubby who is trying to get healthy too. My problem is the Kids Effect. Those darn Mac N Cheese and hot dogs... grrrrrrrr.
I think we all have an "Effect" in our lives.. its just a matter of overcoming them... or at least conforming them to fit into OUR lifestyle. I dont know if that makes any sense...
anyway... good luck and stay strong. April is going to be a good month!
I dont have the Spouse Effect but I have the Roommate/Friend Effect. Good luck!
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