By: Heather Marr
Heather Marr is an N.Y.C.-based personal trainer and The Model Trainer Method creator, whose A-list client roster includes some of the world’s most famous supermodels. Ahead, she shares tips on how to stay on track with your wellness goals when you enter a new relationship.
Congratulations! You have made it off the dating apps and found someone you not only tolerate but who you also genuinely enjoy spending time with. Being in a relationship inevitably comes with a slew of activities that mostly center around trying new restaurants and cuisines – in not-so-moderate portions.
Now that you’ve found your special someone, that does not mean that weight gain is inevitable. Follow these guidelines to stay healthy and happy with your significant other.
Eat for Your Body's Needs, Not Your Partner's
If you're taking in more than your body needs, then you will gain weight. It's that simple. If your partner is a 200-lb. man and you're a 130-lb. woman, your partner will probably require more food than you do to maintain body weight (depending on activity level of course). If you are trying to "keep up" by eating the same type of foods and portions that sustain a 200-lb. male physique, that's going to result in weight gain for a 130-lb. woman. Once you're aware of this, you can plan and scale your meals accordingly. You do not have to eat the same foods and portions as your partner.
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Plan Active Dates
There is so much more to do in life than just going out for dinner or drinks. As fun as it is, don't let this become your fallback date night and fall into the relationship rut of sitting and eating/drinking as your only source of entertainment. Try hiking, rock climbing, kayaking or skating if your partner is open to active dates. If your partner is not keen or willing to trying lively dates such as these, there are still many less vigorous alternatives that don't revolve around food or alcohol. Visit a museum, try a board game café, get a couple’s massage or take an arts class together.
Cook Dinner Together vs. Ordering Takeout
Cutting out or even cutting down on eating in restaurants and ordering takeout is one of the simplest ways to avoid weight gain. When you cook your food at home, you have full control over ingredients, cooking methods and portions. Pick delicious, healthy recipes that you and your partner want to try and make cooking together a fun experience. This is not only waist-friendly but also wallet-friendly of course. You can take the money saved on restaurant meals and put that towards a special night out or trip when you do want to indulge and treat yourselves.
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Continue to Make Yourself a Priority
If you were a regular gym-goer when you were single, continue to take care of yourself even when you're coupled-up. Feeling resentful that you're skipping the gym to have brunch with your partner isn't good for you or for the relationship. By continuing to take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally, we are able to be better partners in our relationships. It's essential to communicate and compromise. For instance, do a joint workout and then head to brunch together. You can also do your workout solo while your significant other enjoys a meal with their friends and meet up after. Practicing self-care is a necessary component of a healthy, happy, lasting relationship; it is not selfish and should not be an afterthought.
Gaining weight and adopting unhealthy habits in a relationship is avoidable. Keep your actions in line with your desired outcome and you’ll stay fit and healthy with your better half.
