Submitted by special guest blogger: Jessica Merkel
Special Guest Blogger: Jessica Merkel
In early February of this year my husband, Clint, decided to join the legions of awesome people signing up for the Meltdown at NGPT. We had been discussing it for a while, but he finally made the commitment one afternoon after meeting with Trish. I thought I had some concept of what it would be like living with him during the 8 weeks of the Meltdown. That is, until I read the Manual for the first time. I remember sitting in my office reviewing the Manual and thinking “Wow, this will be a big change for ALL of us!” And it was a big change, but one that I do not regret. Clint is on his way to losing 50 lbs, I love the classes, and we’re both happier and healthier people because of NGPT. So, for those of you who have partners thinking about doing the Meltdown, or are on the cusp of starting a Meltdown, here are my tips for “Living With a Meltdowner.”
1. Grin and Bear It
No doubt about it, the Meltdown takes a lot of time and it is time that you are not used to allocating in that fashion. Let’s be honest, if your partner was in the habit of working out 6 days a week, you wouldn’t be reading this blog. So, the fact that your partner is not going to be around as much can be hard. Remember this is a discrete moment in time. The Meltdown does not go on forever. Eight weeks is a relatively short time in an adult’s lifespan so grin and bear it.
2. Read the Meltdown Manual and keep a copy handy for reference.
It is important for you to know where your partner is in his or her journey. It can sometimes be confusing as to what they are supposed to when and in what amounts. And then, just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, the plan changes. So, become friends with the Manual and refer to it often.
3. Follow the Meltdown Diet Yourself
Your partner is making a significant commitment with the Meltdown. They are making changes to the way they interact with food and exercise. They are breaking old habits and forming new ones. Whenever a person decides to make a life change, it is significantly harder to make that change if they don’t have a support structure at home. Be your partner’s support, not their downfall. It is like trying to quit smoking or drinking while your partner is still engaging in those habits. More likely than not, the person without a support structure will relapse. It is the same with food and exercise. If you don’t support the Meltdowner, their ultimate success will be harder to achieve. Help them meet their goals. Plus, your own weight loss and improved health will be collateral damage. Self-interest always wins out in my book! Lastly, it is more efficient and cost effective to prepare one meal rather than two.
4. Dump it v. Keep it
The week before your partner starts the Meltdown, the two of you should (with Manual in hand) systematically go through your pantry, freezer and refrigerator. Remove any item that is not Meltdown friendly and will prove too much of a temptation for you both. Dump it or donate it. Do not keep these toxic items in the house! Keep only items that are Meltdown friendly. You’ll be amazed at how bare your shelves will look. Then, make a list and go shopping, again with Manual in Hand. Avoid the middle aisles of the grocery. Stay at the periphery of the store and fill up your empty shelves with appropriate food.
5. Game Plan
Sit down once a week with your partner (and the Manual) and game plan about the meals you are going to prepare for the week, the cheat meal (Pure Bliss) you will consume (motivation), and the work out sessions. The food preparation and planning takes a lot of time. Pack lunches and snacks in the evening for the next day. You won’t be caught off guard if you plan accordingly. Be prepared to go grocery shopping multiple times a week due to the amount of fresh veggies and protein consumed. Planning ahead will make your life much less hectic and it will ensure your partner’s success.
6. Work it!
Go to at least 1 class yourself to experience the culture at NGPT, do the workout and see what all the fuss is about. It will help give you a new perspective on what your partner is going through each day.
The bottom line is this: you love your partner and you want them to be around for a long time. So do what is necessary to help them achieve their goals. You’ll both reap the rewards for a long time to come.
A healthy and happy Daddy with his kids!
