This topic is important to me because I have had a few clients struggle with this, and it is a tough one.  

Here is the scenario: You have done a ton of research, figured out that you want to eat a  (insert way of eating here), you go home and tell your family the great news! 

You get blank stares.

Your family thinks you have gone crazy.

While my husband and I had no problem agreeing and working together when we made the decision to start eating a plant-based diet, our kids thought we were crazy. Sometimes I think they still have those thoughts.  BUT I am beginning to notice their eating habits changing, the choices they are making, and I believe it is because of the steps that I will explain below.  

Sometimes one of the most challenging things about making any kind of change in diet is getting your family onboard so let me help you out here a bit.  

I get why we want the family to join us.  The easiest thing to do is to get rid of all the tempting foods in the house. The loaves of bread, chips, crackers, cookies, or sweets will tempt you.  SO, if you are eating this way, everyone else should too, right?!

I am sorry to break the news to you, but you are not going to convince anyone to do something when they are not ready.  On the other hand, though, I am happy to say there are steps you can take that could help change your family’s perspective without them feeling pressured or bombarded to ‘change’.

How can you get family support when completely changing your eating lifestyle?

Here are a few tips to help set a strong foundation.

COMMUNICATION. First, I believe in setting up some ground rules.  Bottom line is they need to support you.  Not change. Let me repeat… SUPPORT does not mean CHANGE their way of eating.  Explain to your family why you have decided to start, why it is important to you, and how their support will help.  After all, they are part of this journey, share it with them.  

Also, make sure they understand it is NOT ok for them to tempt you or flaunt your weakness in front of you.  That is not supporting.  

OK, the next piece is just as important as the first.

MEAL PREP.  It is going to be essential.  No one wants to be a short order cook but planning meals that your spouse or family member will eat are going to save you time.  Let’s find ways to make those meals healthier.  For example, if a goal is to eat less meat but your family doesn’t want that, make spaghetti with meatballs.  Cook meatballs separately.  They get the meatballs, you get the plate full of veggies with a side of spaghetti.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE. As I said before, pressuring someone to do something they don’t want to will never work.  Show them what eating healthy is doing for you physically and mentally.  Be patient and they might be asking you for advice.

This is a marathon and not a sprint.  You have to remain mentally committed to yourself and avoid drawing lines in the sand between you and your family.  It is a team effort and everyone is a player.

Do you struggle with getting family or friends support? Has anything specific worked for you?