by Eliza Sterling

Ever find yourself trading in weight-loss goals for cozy nights on the couch with your significant other? In the glow of newly wedded bliss or a freshly cohabitated dwelling, are those extra pounds sneaking up on you? Emerging research suggests that our relationships play a significant role in our overall wellness and weight. But, fear not! I’m here to share how you and your partner can navigate this together and still maintain your health and fitness goals.

Dr. Aria Campbell-Danesh, a Behavior Change Psychologist, explains, “Our relationships significantly impact our lifestyle choices and consequently, our weight. Heavier people in our close circles influence our weight more”. Food is often seen as a love language, and we can get into a routine of snuggling and indulging in takeouts and sweets to express love and enjoy time together. This is perfectly fine, but suppose these daily habits lead to weight gain that impacts our confidence, self-esteem, and relationships. In that case, it’s necessary to discover healthier ways to enjoy quality time with our partner while maintaining a balanced diet.

Are Your Relationship Habits Serving You Well?

A notable study by the University of Glasgow in 2017 found that new couples often gain weight when they start living together. Newly-weds on average each gained about four to five pounds in their first year of marriage, while those who moved in together stacked about three to four pounds in their first three months of sharing a roof. Is this sounding familiar yet? Take a moment and consider how your lifestyle has changed since becoming part of a pair.

Top Relationship-Related Weight Gain Triggers

If you are adding pounds or finding them stubborn, consider these common culprits:

• Are you consuming the same portion sizes as your partner, even if they’re larger than you or leading a more physically demanding lifestyle?
• Have you found yourself indulging in foods you previously avoided because your partner enjoys them?
• Are you eating out of sync with your hunger cues, just to give your partner company?
• Are you skipping exercise to stay at home and enjoy your partner’s company?
• Are you spending more time indoors and being less active just because you’re together now?

A New Dawn of Healthy Eating Together

According to Kent-based nutritionist Jody Middleton, “Overeating often results in indigestion. Regardless of what your partner consumes, try having vegetables or a salad for half of your meal. Your protein portion should be almost the size of your palm”. Encouraging healthy eating together brings benefits for both you and your partner and can lead to happier, more enjoyable, and healthier lives.

Psychological Support and Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Dr. Meg Arroll, psychologist and author, emphasizes that having social support is vital for maintaining a healthy weight. Even if your partner isn’t interested in weight loss, you can inspire them to get healthier.

Your significant other may not be aware of your desires to lose weight or boost fitness levels, so it’s crucial to communicate your goals and ask for support in light of them. Remember, your partner doesn’t have to join you at the gym or partake in your preferred exercise routines. Express your ambitions and ask for emotional support—inviting them to join you is a bonus.

Working As A Team

Don’t blame your partner for your lack of motivation. If you want a healthier lifestyle, you have to chase after it. Several studies show that couples who work towards shared health goals tend to influence each other positively, resulting in both of them achieving their objectives. This “ripple effect” bolsters the fitness journey of both partners, often leading to weight loss even for unsuspecting participants.

Keep in mind that sometimes your partner might unintentionally hinder your efforts to stay fit without realizing its impact on you. Allowances should be made for insecurities that may arise from your health and fitness changes. Open communication about your goals can lessen their fears while keeping them engaged in the process.

Creating A Shared Healthy Lifestyle

Creating a shared vision for health and fitness starts with being realistic about your goals. You don’t have to become a fitness fanatic immediately. Inspire your partner to join you by becoming a role model—healthy, fit, and happy!

• Focus on staying active rather than emotional eating.
• Explore local activities and fitness facilities together.
• Keep diet talk interesting and non-obtrusive.
• Celebrate each other’s progress, big or small.

Use these tips to maintain a balance between your love life and health goals. Remember, you and your partner are a team ready to conquer a healthier lifestyle together.

health, fitness, lifestyle, weight loss, relationships, wellness, love, diet, nutrition, motivation, behavior change, weight gain triggers, shared healthy lifestyle, fitness goals