The Bikini Model Cookbook

Let's face it; men have it made! Not only is it more acceptable for them to be overweight and out of shape, but their clothes can easily hide their growing dimensions. How tough can it be to buy khaki slacks with expandable waistlines and throw on a sports coat? What's a wife to do though, when she wants to get fit and her husband could care less?

If you live in a traditional family, it's going to be a little easier. By traditional, I mean the wife generally cooks dinner and the husband generally eats what is put in front of him. You probably have children and that helps some too. If the husband generally cooks or there are no children in the home, your task is going to be more of a challenge.

The most important step to ease someone who is resistant into fitness is to move slowly! Be stealth-like; no sudden moves! Start by educating yourself. Read and collect health-related articles. Discuss your new knowledge at the dinner table. Gear your discussion towards your children if that is an option. Let your husband be an "innocent bystander." If there are no children or if you don't sit at dinner together and discuss things, then casually talk to your husband about the articles you find, but emphasize that YOU want to become healthier and leave him out of it.

Create a chart for the refrigerator door and track the number of servings from the major food groups that you prepare or eat each day. Continue to emphasize your new interest but do it in a non-threatening way. Buy a new cookbook that contains healthy recipes and prepare several each week. No one has to know that the delicious meal uses heart-healthy oil instead of butter or fat-free cheese instead of regular cheddar. Who wouldn't like berries over sugar-free ice cream? Gradually change the products you buy to healthier choices. Don't be shy about putting the fat-free mayo in the old, full-fat jar, if that's what it takes. Have healthy choices readily available for your husband to grab when he wants something to eat quickly. Keep a bowl of fruit washed, cold, and ready. Start purchasing whole-grain products instead of products made with white flour. Be subtle but control the choices.

Try to get some activity into your husband's routine. Suggest a family walk after dinner. If there are no children, go yourself and invite your husband. Make it a short walk at first. You can probably talk him into going out for ten or fifteen minutes at first and then gradually extend the walk. Start suggesting outings that are active. Ride your bikes around a park. Most overweight people get into the habit of being "house-bound" but find that they really enjoy being outside once they make that first move.

It's not going to be easy, but being gradual and subtle will help. If your efforts are rebuffed then take care of yourself. As you become healthier and fit, your husband may become more interested. Brag about the inches or pounds you've lost and the decrease in your cholesterol or blood pressure numbers. If he still doesn't show interest, let him figure out how to fit the lifestyle he wants into the lifestyle that you have, not the other way around. Good luck!