You Are NOT In This Alone! #EVOLVEtogether

Happy Monday ladies and gents!

So you are learning to eat healthier and make better choices both in your home and out. Fantastic. So what if you are eating with friends who are not on your same path? What if you are at a family party and there is nothing "optimal" for your gaols around? And the biggest one. What if you have a partner with whom you live with, or are constantly adjoined for meals?

The question becomes, how do I continue on the path that I have chosen for myself WITH my partner? Solo, this is easy. But let us be real, being solo for the rest of your life to maintain the goals you've put in place for yourself is A - not realistic. B - no fun and C - NOT SUSTAINABLE!!

Whether you’re struggling with maintaining your own health goals with a lack of support, are mindful of your partner’s health or health issues, or want to make a new lifestyle change and want a teammate — getting on the same page as a unit will make this new lifestyle and habit change, even more, successful. Our partners are oftentimes at the center of our support system, which makes this the strongest asset to feeling supported, yet sometimes the most challenging.

We all have our own health goals to honor and so does your partner, this isn’t about making the change for someone else, it’s more about communication with your partner on how to get on the same page, why, and what it might look like. Here are 5 simple tips for you and your partner to get healthier, together!

1. Go For "Crowd Pleasers" - If you’re trying to change your eating habits, don’t set out to revolutionize meals, okay? Start small with simple dishes that they won’t even think twice about. Tacos, smoothies, overnight oats, frittata, stir fry, the list is endless!

2. Always Squeeze in Veggies - When You Can - Try to find ways to squeeze in nutrients whenever you can — especially in your partner’s favorite foods. Do they have a favorite smoothie? A favorite salad? A favorite side dish? Get creative with subtle additions like a handful of spinach in the smoothie, a sprinkle of fiber-rich toppers (hemp seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.) on the salad, or a simpler "balanced" take on their favorite entree or side dish.

3. Do. It. Together. - Chat about meal plans, make a date for cooking at home, organize your grocery shopping trips — together! Communication is key in any relationship we have, so why would it be any different when it comes to voicing your needs and asking for support or help in new healthy habits you want to establish? If you aren’t feeling support, ask for it and share with your partner your motivation and reasons why you want to make some changes in your lifestyle. They should want the best for you — and themselves — and healthier eating is one of the paths to get there.

4. Here it is (you knew it was coming) - Meal Prep - Having healthy foods prepped in the fridge or snacks ready to go can be a great way to engage them in trying healthy foods. One of the biggest hurdles with meal prep and healthy eating is with the convenience and the time-factor when you’re trying to fit everything into busy schedules. Meal prep is a true lifesaver because it helps you keep healthy foods available for meals, snacking, and whenever the cravings hit. You all know this is true! Make them believers too!

5. Be A Role Model, Not A Goal-Setter - Patience, support, communication, adventure, and tons of love are key to integrating your personal health habits into multiple lifestyles. You don’t want to nag — you want to set a good example and encourage a positive change in their daily routine. Instead of setting goals, simply be a role model. Show them the beauty of routine, discipline, and dedication when it comes to prioritizing the foods that nourish your body and make you feel really good. Give yourself, and your loved ones, some grace with the change too. It may take many, many small steps, but the key is to remain balanced with it all so that it’s a sustainable shift in everyday life.

There you have it, you guys! I know, sometimes this is easier said than done, like much else, but as you know, good things are achieved by working hard for them. PERIOD. Do any of you struggle with getting your partner excited about this new lifestyle change or getting married to healthier eating habits? Have you discovered any tricks or tips for getting on board with each other’s lifestyles — and sticking to health goals? Let me hear it!

All my love, have a great week!!

Coach B