As a husband, your health takes on a new importance. As a single man, it didn’t matter much whether you were at the top of your game or slacking off. As a married man, you have people depending on you. Your health is tied to the length of days that you get to spend with your family. While exercise is a big part of your overall health picture, one thing that can’t be neglected is your diet.

We have a pretty unhealthy view of the word “diet.” It either means pain, hunger, or desperation, depending on whom you ask. The fact is, we’re all on a diet. Your diet is the total of all that you eat. It can be a very healthy diet or a very unhealthy one. It could be high in this, low in that, or perfectly balanced.

The fact remains, no matter how much exercise you do, if you don’t control your intake, you’ll never reach your goals.

The best way to get started with a healthier diet is by menu planning. Having a plan for the week, and a list when you go grocery shopping, can significantly help you get back and stay on track. When you have a list, you’re not at the mercy of sudden whims. Grocery shopping becomes a destination, instead of a journey.

Another really successful tactic is to use a food diary. It can be a pain, but research shows that those who use a food diary meet their goals more quickly and more consistently. There are even plenty of apps out there, if that’s your thing. I personally use MyFitnessPal. Their database is huge, so the actual keeping of the diary isn’t too big of an inconvenience.

Finally, if you really need to get moving on your goals, the absolute best thing you can do is to get a friend (or your spouse!) involved. Just like having a gym buddy can keep you on track, the accountability of a friend can be the difference between success and defeat.

If you keep eating junk, you’ll end up with no energy. So hit the Internet, grab some fresh new recipes, and reach your health goals!

Tags: Wellness