When Your Partner Isn’t onBoard with a Plant-Based DietByDecember 10 2018

Perhaps you saw something. Maybe it was Forks OverKnives. Perhaps you read something. Maybe a book byone of the growing number of plant-based doctors orinfluencers piqued your interest. Either way, you feelready to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. But you are notthe only person in your house. You have a partner—ahusband, wife, girlfriend, or boyfriend—and they are noton board. Despite your excitement and newfoundknowledge of the benefits of a plant-based diet, you’remet with a frown from your partner every time you bringup the subject.

After a while, your feelings of disappointment turn tosadness and your excitement feels dulled. You mighteven start to wonder if making the switch is worth thetrouble. Fast forward a few more days or weeks, andyour sadness turns to anger and resentment. You thinkand say things like, “Why can’t you just give it a try?!”or “How could you keep eating that junk food when it’sso easy to eat food that is healthy?!” While it’sunderstandable for you to feel this way, it doesn’t domuch for your relationship. In the end, itcould push your partner further away from a plant-baseddiet than they were to begin with! Rather than slippinginto a “house divided” mentality—which could createserious obstacles in your relationship (not to mentionelevated cortisol levels from the constant dailystress)—try these tips.

Don’t Force ItHave you ever asked your partner to do something that’simportant to you, and for whatever reason they neverfind the time? Your honey-do list always seems stuck atthe bottom of their list—until you stop asking. As soonas you stop pestering your partner, your honey-do list ismagically done!

If you continue to pester a reluctant partner about tryinga plant-based diet, they may never get on board. Perhapsmention it once and see how it goes. Then start makingmore plant-based foods in the house and don’t talk aboutit. Let them ask you—and when they do, tell them youare trying some new ways to make meals and you arereally excited about it. Remember, they love you. Letthem see your excitement and maybe...just maybe...they

will think you are cute and give you a smooch.Smooches are always a good way to start a plant-basedlifestyle.

Have the ConversationHow often do you look your partner in the eye and tellthem how important something is to you? Life gets busyand often we send a text to communicate. Sometimes weonly send emojis, for goodness sake! This subject,however, requires a bit more attention and deservessome good old interpersonal communication. Go on adate with your partner, away from any normal lifedistractions, and hold their hand and talk to them aboutyour thoughts. Look them in the eyes and explain tothem that you love them and can’t imagine doing thiswithout their support. Maybe your conversation wouldsound like this:

“Honey, I have been doing a lot of research on plant-based diets lately after watching this movie, and I think Iwant to give it a try. I know it’s hard to make such a hugeshift, but we can at least give it a try together. I am doingthis because I want us both to feel great, be more active,and not feel so sluggish and worn down. I also want us tobe around for a long time, and I feel like this lifestylechange is the answer. Will you please come with me onthis journey and give it a try for at least a few days?”Your few days can turn into a week. The key to keepingthem on board is to make the foods they know and love,with a few minor adjustments. For that we move on tothe next tip...

Prepare Delicious MealsThere are tons of whole-food, plant-based recipes outthere that are as satisfying if not more satisfying thantheir standard American diet counterparts. In fact,WFPB mashed potatoes are incredibly easy to makewhen you have the right basic ingredients. Baked applesare a delicious side item for any dinner. The rightseasoning can go a long way to turn bland into grandwith just a few shakes of the spice!

Keep CommunicatingUltimately, communication is the key when taking anynew leap together as a couple. If you are able to

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When Your Partner Isn’t on Board with a Plant-BasedDietByDecember 10 2018

respectfully communicate with your partner to createhealthy dialogue along with healthy meals, then yourrelationship and your family will continue to win notonly today, but every day for the rest of your life.

Ready to get started? Check out Forks Meal Planner,FOK’s easy weekly meal-planning tool to keep you on ahealthy plant-based path.

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