DozenDiets.com

Had a great question from a reader (Thanks Jeff) about how the dieting has impacted family life. Short answer? Big impact. I am fortunate to have a very supportive family, which is awesome. Let me describe some of the impact and then maybe some ways to deal with it in a constructive manner.

First off, there is the exercise. This is just not convenient for anyone.  I mean, it takes an hour a day and this is either an hour away from family time if I do it around dinner, or it is an hour away from my wife, if I wait till the kids are in bed, or it is an hour away from sleepy time if I do it first thing in the morning. That has not been easy but my family has not begrudged me the time too badly. We have made it a family affair whenever possible, but I have found the morning workout to work best for the family (despite leaving me a bit groggy and also making me seek an earlier bed time)

There is the expense. Dieting and eating well is expensive. Surprisingly so. Everything from diet books, men’s health magazines, workout gear, low carb milk, vitamins and all that jazz. The costs add up. Again, the family has been awesome about supporting me here though I have had to modify some of my choices (Nutrisystem hasn’t fit yet) to accomodate the budget.

There is the social aspect. Going to barbecues or having people over for Monday Night Football becomes very different. Of course it is one reason being able to cheat is important.

Finally, there are meals. When they order pizza, I eat grilled chicken. Scrambled eggs or oatmeal for breakfast. I especially get looks when I opt for a protein shake instead of a meal. All I can say is that this get easier.

So, some tips - On exercise - Find the least invasive time to workout, but it has to work for you. Talk to the family before you do it and make sure everyone understands that it is hard enough to make yourself do it without pressure from the family to skip so it is very important that it work for everyone.

On the expense - Plan well in advance. Buy and stockpile items in the freezer, like grilled chicken. Buy non-perishables that you know you will eat, like oatmeal. Seek out low price options, but read the label and make sure they are comparable to name brand. Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club (as much as I hate going there) has saved me a lot of cash on this one. So has Target. I hit clearance aisles and stockpile protein shakes and nutrient bars when they are priced low.

On the social front - Tell people right up front that you are dieting. In my experience, people are very understanding and supporting of this. Alternatively, if you are really uncomfortable coming clean, then maybe plan a cheat day (we all have them) or eat less the rest of the day to accomodate  for your splurge.

Finally, meal time with family - explain to the family what you are doing. Don’t begrudge them for eating what you cannot. If you really want to sample…take just a bite. It gets easiers and the best thing for this is perseverance.

Hopefully that gives some insight based on what I have learned in 9 months of hard core dieting. I try and share my experience without being too preachy and I definitely don’t sell myself as an expert, but if something I say can help another dieter out, then I am thrilled!