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You've finally made the commitment to exercise regularly and switch to a low-fat diet. And as a truly health-conscious sister, you may have even taken steps to combat stress through daily meditation or deep breathing. There's just one thing missing from your holistic health picture: your mate.

Like many women, you may have a partner who opts for fried chicken over fresh vegetables, and for lounging on the couch over a brisk walk in the park. How can you motivate him to adopt healthy habits that will benefit both of you?

To help solve this dilemma, Essence turned to Victoria Johnson, an internationally known fitness expert, author, speaker, consultant and trainer based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Her motivational advice will help you and your partner forge a more healthy union. Most important, you must keep the commitment to yourself. As you become more fit and balanced, you'll become more loving, and your partner will want to support you - and even join you - in developing a powerful new lifestyle. Essence: What role does our partner play in our efforts to stay healthy? Johnson: An important one. It can be very difficult to make healthy lifestyle changes over the long term if your partner is not supportive, or even worse, if he sabotages your efforts. In motivational seminars I encourage courage couples to discuss their nutrition and fitness goals. Essence: What can we do to get a reluctant mate to try a healthier lifestyle? Johnson: Become a master salesperson. Use encouraging language and speak in the context of "we" For example, - your might say "I was just thinking about how which I love being with you. Let's discuss the possibility of our starting a nutrition-and-exercise program together." Emphasize the fact that it mill give you the opportunity to spend more time together, increase your energy and have fun.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:41 AM