Your loved ones are there to support you, encourage you, and often guide you when life doesn’t seem so clear-cut. It makes sense that you’d turn to them in moments of victory, struggle or even everyday accountability. They’re your rock, helping you keep a firm foundation.

But when it comes to the nitty gritty about our health, and especially weight, we often shy away for privacy. Why so? Managing weight can feel so entirely isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Communicating your health goals regularly can give you an entirely new support system.

Expressing Your Health Goals

Here are some practical tips to help you improve the line of communication with your loved ones about your goals, progress, challenges and more:

Set Aside Talk Time

Ask for some personal time with undivided attention to hold a serious conversation where good communication is present. Let your loved ones know that talking about your weight, health and goals is important to you, and you desire their understanding and support.

Express Your Future Goals

Let your loved ones know what your specific goals are for your health. These include goals for nutrition, fitness, health examinations, emotional goals, self-care and much more.

Ask for Input and Understanding

Sometimes, watching a loved one go through physical and emotional changes can negatively impact someone who isn’t on that journey. Ask your loved ones how they feel and to interpret your decision to focus more on your weight and health.

Set Clear Boundaries

If eating out is a concern of yours, communicate this. If giving yourself private time to exercise, reflect and engage in self-care seems like it will be a challenge, let them know.

Reinforce Respect

Talking about weight and health is not always easy. Make sure the dialogue you have with your loved ones is centered on respect, understanding and the best interests for everyone.

Challenge Yourself to Talk

Sometimes, you will have bad days and talking about them will be difficult. Challenge yourself to break down those emotional barriers and open up to a close friend or family member.

In the end, having your loved ones as a support system will only fuel you forward on your weight management journey. Loved ones not on board? CLICK HERE to see what you can do.