Motivating those you love to make healthier lifestyle choices is one of the hardest tasks faced by many. The topic of good nutrition and lifestyle choices is often laughed at, scorned or politely listened to and then promptly ignored.

Personally, I’ve had many friends and family listen to why fast food isn’t a good option, then proceed to eat it for their next meal. While this may frustrate me, I’ve come to understand that motivating loved ones to change is not something that can be done simply through words. Now, instead of merely preaching at them I,

• Introduce them to healthy options that are delicious! I’ve found that after I introduce new foods that are delicious and easy to prepare they tend to prepare them again. Sometimes all it takes is providing options.
• Practice hospitality! Instead of going out to eat, I offer to cook for them and involve them in the preparation process.
• Plan social events. When asked to spend time with them, I suggest going for a walk, playing and picnicking in the park, doing yoga while watching our favorite television show, etc. After moving to my current location, many of my old friends contacted me to tell me how boring life was without me around to plan fun activities for them!
• Live it. Modeling behaviors shows them it IS possible to live healthy AND be happy at the same time! Henry Ford once said, “If You think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re probably Right.” My goal is to help them think they can!

Those are a few things I do to motivate those I love. What have you found works for you?