You want to lose your baby weight and chances are your husband would like that too. So why not recruit him to help you? Ask him if he would help you create meaningful incentives for you to lose weight. Here are some ideas to get you started – eight rewards your husband can give when you meet a weight loss goal. And the good news is most of these are absolutely free!

1. Laundry duty. For one week, your husband will do all the laundry. Of course, he may need some training on separating darks and using the gentle cycle for delicates, but with some coaching, he’ll do just fine!

2. Movie night. Have your husband rent a chick flick of your choice and watch it with you. No complaining or eye-rolling allowed. Light candles, make popcorn, and snuggle up under a blanket while you watch.

3. Household help day. Whatever you want done around the house from gardening to repairs to chores, your husband will be your servant for the day.

4. Massage and bubble bath. Have your husband draw a hot bath for you, complete with mountain high bubbles, candles and relaxing music. Then have him give you a wonderful, stress relieving massage afterwards.

5. Car wash. Your husband will have your car washed and vacuumed. No more cheerios crumbs for a few days!

6. Date night. Get a babysitter and enjoy a romantic dinner at one of your favorite restaurants.

7. Maid service. Ah, a clean house without lifting a finger!

8. Free time. Have your husband take care of the baby while you enjoy an afternoon off. Get caught up on scrapbooking, read a book, go to the store alone, watch a movie, have coffee with a girlfriend, whatever would re-charge your battery!

A few of these ideas probably sound pretty good to you. Does it sound crazy or presumptuous to ask your husband to do these things? Why not ask and find out? If you lose 10, 20, 30 pounds, chances are he would be more than happy to help you celebrate by serving you in some way that would be meaningful to you.

Today’s Action Step: Choose one or two rewards from the above list that would motivate you to lose weight. Ask your husband if he would be willing to provide some rewards for your hard work.  Arlene Pellicane