Power in Pairs: Weight Loss Success Is More Likely When Couples Do It Together.

MBT Success Story: Robin and Ron McNeill

Starting Weights: Robin – 182 lbs., Ron – 174 lbs.
Current Weights: Robin – 152 lbs. (-30lbs), Ron – 143 lbs. (-31lbs.)

What happens when you mix marriage, two demanding professional careers, and young children? More often than not, weight gain. At least, that’s what Robin and Ron McNeill will tell you if asked. Since their marriage in 2002, a mounting weight gain had crept up on the pair, leaving them both looking in the mirror not recognizing the person staring back.

Feeling like a stranger in your body is a common experience for people as they age and gain weight. Robin and Ron were no different. The couple agreed that they both had packed on too many pounds and let life get in the way of their weight and health. Juggling kids and work, they were low on energy and felt there was little time to address their weight. Their weight gain started years ago – for Ron it began in college with an unwelcome freshman 15 and for Robin it became noticeable after giving birth to two children. A good portion of their weight gain was due to the typical pitfalls of the American family diet, including frequent fast food meals, take out, sugary late night snacks and high-calorie happy hours.

While visiting family in Buffalo, New York last summer, Robin found just the inspiration she needed to reclaim control over her poor eating habits and weight. Her brother-in-law’s recent remarkable weight loss on the Ideal Protein diet motivated her to get her body in check. When she returned from vacation, Robin enlisted the help of the coaches at BodyTech Weight Loss and Health in Rockville, Maryland. “This past fall marked a significant milestone in our family’s life, it was when my oldest child started Kindergarten, “said Robin. “I found this to be the perfect time for me to make an exciting change in life too— so I signed up for the Ideal Protein diet at BodyTech.”

It only took a week for Robin to realize that she had made the right choice by joining BodyTech. The first few days on the diet were challenging, but she quickly fell into a groove, and her weight began to drop rapidly. As she transformed her body, Robin felt revitalized, and her husband couldn’t help but notice. Robin’s success became the tipping point for Ron to join BodyTech program’s too. Now working as a team, the couple worked to lose weight and found it easier to succeed following the program together. Ron fully embraced the Ideal Protein diet. Eager to achieve his best, he set an aggressive goal to return to close to his college weight. Reflecting back, BodyTech coaches said he dove head first towards losing 30-pounds and success came quickly. The diet liberated Ron from long-held feelings of disgust and dissatisfaction with his weight.

As the couple says goodbye to bad eating habits, including sodas, fries, and eating their children’s leftovers, they say hello to a healthier, more natural, portion controlled way of eating. For Ron, he views his diet transformation as one he’ll maintain for life. “BodyTech helped me not only lose weight but, more importantly, better understand and manage the way I eat,” remarked Ron. “Even though I’ve realized my goal weight, I still plan to check in at BodyTech monthly to help maintain my weight loss for life.” For Robin, her weight loss success has also meant gaining control over her rising cholesterol, which has now returned to normal range.

Along the way, the couple has adopted a team approach to their Ideal Protein diet and tag team grocery shopping and food preparation. They now model healthy eating habits for their children and are proud that their kids are taking notice. “Our daughter recently remarked that ‘mommy likes salads!’,” said Robin. “This made me happy because I saw it as a sign that our children were taking note of the positive changes Ron and I have done to our diets. Hopefully, the kids are learning how to eat better as a result.” Larry Kay, owner of BodyTech further adds, “As parents, it’s important to model good behaviors such as healthy eating because our kids typically imprint what they see. If the parents eat crappy foods, the kids are likely to do the same – and the same follows if the parents eat healthily.”

When asked why they have been so successful on their diets, Ron shared some valuable insights learned along the way. “Having lived this program with my wife, I better understand and appreciate the fact that men and women lose weight at a different pace. Trying to compare weekly weight loss numbers isn’t fair nor is it healthy for our (or any couples) efforts to diet together,” reflected Ron. “When a couple approaches dieting together, it’s best to focus on ways encourage and support one another no matter what the scale reads—never compare weigh-ins.” Larry agrees with Ron and adds that “Couples dieting together need to support one another but never police their partner’s eating.

Through their shared experience at BodyTech, Robin and Ron have embraced a healthier way of eating and living and experienced a restored vitality. As a couple, they’ve gained a greater appreciation for one another and now able to be more active in their young children’s lives. Whether preparing a family meal together or enjoying an afternoon at the park, moments spent together for this family are more enjoyable—thanks to their healthier lifestyle.

DIETER ADVICE

Advice for Couple Who Diet Together

Robin – “Couples should find ways to share the duties of shopping and cooking healthfully. Nothing says you’re supportive like helping to prepare healthy food on a regular basis.”
Ron – “Recognize that couples dieting together is not a competition. Don’t make it one. Just be positive and supportive, especially when your partner experiences setbacks.”

Past Bad Eating Habits

Robin – “Finishing my kid’s foods. I hated to see good food go to waste. I had no idea how much this bad habit contributed to my weight gain.”
Ron – “Carbs, salty foods and regular happy hours with co-workers.”

Favorite IP Foods

Robin – “I especially like bars and recipes for muffins, they come in handy when I want to share a snack with my kids.”
Ron- “I enjoy the salty, crunchy snacks like the new Trail Mix and Salt & Vinegar Chips. These are great snacking options that allow me to eat foods I like and don’t encourage weight gain.”

Biggest Changes in Diet

Robin- “I’d have to say it has been drinking more water. Ron and I both were never good about drinking water, and now we are–it has made us feel better and more energetic.”
Ron – “Definitely it has been eliminating empty calorie drinks from my diet. Now my preferred drinks are water, club sodas, and an occasional unsweetened ice tea.”

Lessons Learned

Robin – “I’ve learned ways that I can share a snack with my kids and not undermine my diet. There are several healthy, flavorful foods I can eat and still stay on track with my new diet.”
Ron – “I’ve learned how to order and eat healthy at restaurants and holiday meals, ways I can enjoy the experience and not ruin my diet in the process. The BodyTech coaches have taught me strategies for eating that fit into my lifestyle.”

Find out how you can lose weight like the McNeills, attend a FREE BodyTech introductory workshop. Sign up here.