How do I get husband to live a healthy lifestyle?

[LizaD]

My hubby does not like fitness. He often says, "I hate running. I hate dieting." He has to be in semi decent shape for the Navy 2Xs a year when they test his fitness level. During the time leading up to that test, he works out- eats right- and looks GREAT. Then, like clockwork after the test, he goes back to eating bad and gains lots of weight. It's a cycle of bad choices! I don't know how to help him. I have tried talking to him, supporting him and motivating him, but nothing has worked.  He gets very annoyed when I bring up his weight. I feel like this is an area where we differ so greatly! Any tips to getting him on board of a healthy lifestyle?????

[iMike]

If he's getting openly annoyed with you I would stop bringing it up.  This is a decision he has to make for himself.  All you can do is focus on your own health and making improvements where necessary.  Perhaps once he sees progress and change in you it will inspire him to take a realistic look at himself.

[WendyB]

I totally agree with @iMike He needs to do it for himself. You can't make him do it.

[SunsetRunner]

It can't be forced, changes must come from within oneself to make healthier choices.

Focus must not be on dieting but changing habits to exercise and eating to nourish the body with quality foods when it's hungry until feeling having enough.. to take care of the body each day to be healthier.

[Mcore]

This is hard @LizaD but i think everyone is right. I bet that if he sees your achievements and you set the example, he will start to get curious and will give it a try. It will take time but hats off to you for caring so much about him and giving your best to keep him healthy. 

Keep on doing an excellent work!

[LizaD]

Thanks. Great idea! Sent from my iPhone

[LizaD]

Yes! I completely see your point. I can't make it about losing weight or he will shut down. It's almost like he rebels when do that. Sent from my iPhone

[LizaD]

Great point. I think I'll let it go and just be a good example.

[Mcore]

Sounds like a plan @LizaD. Good luck and let us know how this goes! 

[jo0853]

Help him make the right choices. Dont be an ENABLER.

Put the pantry and fridge on healthy food 'diets'. Make his lunch for him to take to work. Have plenty of fruit in thr house/lunchbox. Only ever cook healthy stuff at home. Do not buy any booze or unhealthy foods EVER.  

Jo

[SimoneP]

Lead by example.

Cook healthy meals for the both of you.

Ask him to go on a walk/hike/cycling trip together.

Bring mostly healthy snacks when you go shopping, if he wants something else, he can buy it himself.

Don't push it.

[RRainman]

You can wrap "fitness" in a lot of different packages.  It's not just about running.  Find an activity he loves and then reinforce it.  For example, if he loves being on the water, find a local rowing club and give him the gift of some lessons.  If he loves it, he'll pursue it futher.  What about hiking and/or geocaching?  It gets you outdors and I guarantee that there are a lot of geocaches near you.  It's also only a small investment for the GPS...or use your smartphone.

If you do the cooking, cook healthy.  Exercise is a natural appetitie suppresant, so it aught to do the trick for kepping him fit after his physicals.

But take it from me, don't "nag" him about it, especially if it is having  the opposite response than what you want.  I have been on the receiving end of that and it only hurts.  I hope this helps.