Hi everyone this is Monica Reinagle and you're listening to the nutrition

divas quick and dirty tips for eating well and feeling fabulous.

I got a letter this week from a listener that I know is going to resonate with many of you. Meredith writes, I need to lose about 20 pounds,

but I have three growing sons and husband who stays thin no matter what he eats.

I've really tried to get the junk out of the house, but after a while the guys end up making a run to the store for chips and candy.

Even if I don't buy it, it's impossible to keep it out of the house.

How do I ease the whole family away from the junk food and toward healthier choices.

I know we would all benefit, even if I am the only one looking to lose weight.

Do you have any tips for overcoming resistance to a healthier lifestyle? Meredith faces a healthier lifestyle.

Meredith faces a tough challenge,

and it's one that I encounter frequently in my nutrition and counseling practice.

One spouse wants to make a change,

but the other wants to keep things just the way they are, and this creates a lot of tension.

Although couples and families frequently have to negotiate over conflicting priorities,

in this case, the person agitating for change usually feels that

their desires should prevail. After all, as Meredith argues, cutting down on junk

food would be good for everyone in the household. But of course

Meredith's desire to improve her family's eating habits is not entirely

altruistic. If you've ever tried to lose weight or even just to overhaul your eating habits, you know that controlling

the environment is a huge factor.

It's hard to choose carrot sticks over corn chips and apple slices instead of ice cream, especially at first.

Meredith recognizes that keeping tempting foods out of the house is going to make it a lot easier

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