In Sickness & In Health–Day Twelve of 14 Days & 14 Ways to Love Our Husbands
Cooking a big healthy meal for New Year's Eve this year.
I’ve taken time to learn what health issues run in Jared’s family, the things I need to help him watch for in his health, and the things that I could put in his diet to prevent potential diseases. Of course, God is in control, and I can’t protect him from everything, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. And, as much as Jared hates his veggies (he really hates them), he can’t help but feel loved and cared for when I put broccoli on his plate.
Not only can I help Jared stay healthy, but keeping myself healthy is a way to show him I love him, too. So, today, I’m encouraging all of us to show our spouses we love them by supporting a healthy lifestyle in our family. Here’s a few ways to start integrating healthy living into your relationship.
- Learn about the health risks you and your husband may have by chatting with both sets of parents and grandparents.
- Research prevention for the risks that are common in your family and add recommended supplements and foods into your diet.
- Read men’s health magazines. (Jared subscribes to Men’s Health, but I read it more than he does.)
- If you aren’t working out, make time so that each of you can get in some exercise (either together or trading off so someone can watch the kids).
- Try out new ways to cook healthy foods until you find a way that your husband likes it. (I’ve found that Jared really likes veggies on a charcoal grill.)
- Keep junk food or weakness-snacks out of the house.
- Keep healthy snacks, like fruit and vegetables out in easy reach or plain view. (I’ve also found if I chop up an apple and put it in Jared’s hand, he’ll eat it, but he won’t cut it up himself.)
- Share little healthy tid-bits with your husband. Like, “Did you know that some fats are good for you, like from olive oil, salmon, avocados, and almonds?” Without forcing it, you’re at least teaching him healthy options so he can make good decisions when he’s on his own.
- Send him to work with a packed lunch so he’s not tempted by all the fast-food options.
What else? I know a lot of you probably do a much better job of this then me. What are some ways you’ve shown your husband you love and care for him by helping him get or stay healthy?
