Comments on: Compromise…

By: theFIREstarter

theFIREstarter — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 08:49:38 +0000

It's tough, if people do not want to change even after they've been given strong evidence to show that their current behaviour is, let's say, "non optimal"... then there is not much you can do about it. The worst thing you can probably do is keep going on about it and making it a constant source of friction. Us blokes can be mighty stubborn sometimes :)

The best thing to do is probably what you are already doing... setting a good example and compromising where possible, in the hope that he will eventually see the light. Good luck!

By: Zoe

Zoe — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 11:46:33 +0000

Thanks for the idea KT Mum, but I don't think he would even consider it in the new year… Sugar is a hard habit to break, but from personal experience I can highly recommend it!

By: KT Mum

KT Mum — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 23:11:54 +0000

A 3 weeks trial is difficult during festive period. Maybe in new year? I think you're right though- sugar is much harder than salt to reduce. I don't eat much sugar at home but often turn to sugary snacks as energy boost at work. Even though I know there will be energy crash afterwards. Very hard habit to break.

By: Zoe

Zoe — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:41:20 +0000

Hi theFIREstarter you are right my husband could add salt if he wanted, but he doesn't, so that is why I don't think salt is the problem and I think it is mainly the sugar. He really isn't sold on quitting it, so there isn't much I can do about that. I am thinking of trying making my homecooked food as usual and adding sugar and seeing what he thinks about that…

By: Zoe

Zoe — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:36:23 +0000

I think you are right anonymous (no 2.) I should stick with cooking the healthy food for me and my kids and make my husband different food at times…

By: Zoe

Zoe — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:32:18 +0000

Thanks for your comment Sandy, I do use Kallo organic stock cubes on my husbands food – especially on rice or pasta. I bought loads of them a while ago when they were on special offer in the supermarket (before my no supermarket days). They have sugar in them though so I stopped eating them… I also do add herbs and spices and grow lots of herbs at home, but it just isn't doing the job for my husband…

By: Zoe

Zoe — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:22:39 +0000

I asked my husband what he thought about a 3 week trial anonymous (1) and he wasn't up for that unfortunately. To be fair though I think the problem is less about the lack of salt and more about the lack of sugar

By: theFIREstarter

theFIREstarter — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 18:08:20 +0000

A tough situation. I don't think I could get used to cooking without salt.

I agree with other comments on that homecooked food definitely doesn't have to be bland, but I guess salt can be a big part of that.

Surely one of the easiest solutions for that though is just to get him to add salt on the plate?

As for the sugar, I don't think the fact of not putting weight on if you eat it is a very good argument to keep on eating high sugar foods, given that he clearly must know the facts. I am exactly the same as that but feel so much better, healthier, and stronger having cut out all the sugary treats.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 15:33:20 +0000

I cook a separate meal for my hubby at least twice a week as he has a special diet and I have food allergies. It is a faff. I would worry about the example set to the children, although we eat differently we both eat healthily. My main bugbear is paper towel and paper hankies, If I don't buy them I find hubby collects napkins from coffee shops etc. I don't think you can always convert others you just have to live with it, so just cook good food for you and the children and something else for your other half a couple of times a week

By: Sandy King

Sandy King — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 12:54:28 +0000

They reckon that compromise lies at the heart of every good marriage lol! I'm stricter than my husband on food (I put weight on quicker!) but I find that the use of herbs and spices helps. Unfortunately these do come in glass tubes with plastic lids (or cardboard boxes with plastic inside) but maybe you could source them without these (I don't know as I've not tried). As a compromise you could try organic kallo stockcubes in your cooking or leave herbamare on the table to add to the food (this stuff: http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=2704). I know it's in a plastic container but it is full of flavour and a good way to reduce one's salt intake without even noticing it. We've replaced crisps with homemade popcorn, which tastes lovely with herbamare.
As to reducing sugar – we've not cut out sugar but I don't buy biscuits, cakes, etc. so the family are left with occasional homemade cakes/puddings (at least I know what's in them) or fruit, often with custard (which can be made without sugar). I've just started making homemade soya yoghurt too, which has been a hit, especially when made with pure vanilla extract. It's not sour/sharp like milk yoghurt but has zero added sugar. Honey can be added to taste but the vanilla makes it quite sweet anyway. Don't know if that's any help but best of luck. I have a husband who puts up with all my crazy ideas too 😉