please help me with my mom

[Jenneliz]

Hi everyone!

I really need some help with my mom. Shes very overweight and does not exercise. Shes 55 years old and has high blood pressure. This is what she eats: nothing for breakfast, Taquitos or something else frozen for lunch, and usually chicken nuggets, fast food or something else frozen for dinner. She doesnt cook. She always complains of being tired and says her legs hurt. She also refuses to see a doctor.

I recently lost a lot of weight after having my son and am still in the process of losing more. I am doing it by eating verrrrryyyyyyyy low calorie, healthy clean food- basically egg whites, chicken, fruits, veggies and whole grains, along with lots of exercise.

My mom asked my help for putting her on a diet for the new year. My problem: she hates all veggies but carrots, likes fruits, hates to cook, basically doesnt like much healthy food. I googled "picky eater" and all that came up was stuff for kids that were picky eaters.

I'm really worried about her. If I dont help her, she will just continue her unhealthy lifestyle. She is an awesome person besides this one thing. Any ideas would really help me out. Thank you!!!!

[Aurorasmom]

start by switching her to whole grain products and stock her house with fresh produce, no more freezer foods! she is gonna have to change her mindset and want it to be there otherwise its going to be a very long and rough road.  maybe go over there and go for evening walks with her! as much as they say misery loves company, happiness does too =)

[nascarblue]

Hi again Jenneliz, I just thought of a website that can help you. It is a medical site and you can look up alot of things that will help, with nutrition, blood pressure, go onto to http://www.webmd.com/  good luck and God Bless

[jazzerkel]

Good for you for wanting to help your mom- you are an awesome daughter as well as mother! What about suggesting to her that she make one small change each week so that it won't feel so overwhelming to her? Maybe help her brainstorm a list of possible changes and then she can choose for each week and if she's consistent with that change most days maybe she could reward herself with something that is pampering for her like a manicure or pedicure or just time to sit down and read or whatever- something that is a healthy treat for her - i.e. not nec french fries lol! Babysteps to success!!!

What about getting her a subcription to a health focused magazine like Shape or Health or something? Those can be really helpful and motivating to me to keep me focused on my health and fitness goals. In she online- you could direct her to some support in that way.

Again, it's a very loving act to try and help your mom to acheive better health- she deserves it!!!!!

 One more idea- how about thinking of ways that she has been successful in other areas and tailoring that to health success???? Not sure what that would look like for her but you likely have an idea if that would work. Let us know how it's going!!