adminHELLO gentle readers. I hope I find you all well and of course in the spirit of love! This week’s article is about how to diet as a couple and keep each other going on your combined weight and health goals.
A recent study from the online journal Health Communications revealed that couples can have problems when only one partner in the relationship slims down. The participants reported that their significant other losing weight left them feeling either threatened or jealous.
Fortunately though, some couples did find that their relationship had improved when one partner lost an average of 60 pounds in two years or less. Some were even inspired to lose weight themselves. So why not take the weight loss journey together, not just for your individual selves but for your relationship!
Here are some tips for you and your significant other to make healthy lifestyle changes together.
1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
When trying to stick to making healthy changes as a couple, it is important for you both to limit bringing in unhealthy foods including chips, cookies, soda, etc. If junk foods are out of sight, you’ll be less likely to splurge on them making it easier to stay on track. There are many ways to swap out those less healthy snacks for better options.
Air-popped popcorn can make a great substitute for chips and no-sugar-added dried fruit can help cure any sweet tooth.
2. Create a Couple’s Grocery List and Meal Plan
Having healthy foods at home sets the foundation for healthy eating. To make sure healthy food is available, set a time each week to prepare your weekly grocery list together. This makes for a ideal time to organise the meals you would like to prepare for the week ahead. Your grocery list should include produce that you both enjoy, lean proteins and whole grains. When planning recipes, include ingredients you both like so that you aren’t having to prepare more than one meal at a time.
3. Make a New Date Night
As a couple, eating out at restaurants can become a pretty common date night. The problem is that restaurant meals can often have hidden calories and be served in large portions. A great solution is getting creative with cooking in your own home.
Cooking at home allows you to control your ingredients, limiting excess fat and salt. It also can serve as a fun way to bond in the kitchen. You can also incorporate different activities for date night versus having dinners out. Bowling, hiking or seeing a movie are fun non-food- related activities.
4. Turn Off the TV When Eating
It is easy to enjoy a movie while munching on popcorn or even sit in front of the television while eating your nightly dinner, but those habits might not be so healthy. When you are watching television while eating, you are often distracted. This can lead to overeating since it is easy not to pay attention to when you are full, but when the food on your plate is finished. Try enjoying dinner time at the table together without any distractions.
5. Plate Out Your Portions
Living together can sometimes create a less formal environment. You can dip straight into the pot for a few bites of your dinner or pick at foods while around the house. Be sure to plate out your food, even if just for a snack.
By plating foods out, it provides a better estimate of how much you are eating. The focus of your plate should be half vegetables. These fibre-rich veggies can fill you up without providing calorie overload.
6. Don’t Throw in the Towel
If you do splurge more than intended, just remember that you can start back fresh the next meal. If you are both struggling with motivation, continue to remind each other why you want to lead a healthy lifestyle and get right back on it. You have each other to lean on for support and that is a key to success.
Well, there you have it! Stay Fit! Stay Healthy! Together this Valentines!
Come in to Body Focus Gym and check out our couple’s special on monthly rates!
- Siba Guzha is a fitness trainer at Body Focus Gym Executive: 1st floor Meikles, Mutare. Contact him on Tel: 020 64712, Cell: 0772 789 110 or send you enquires to Email: [email protected]
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