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.
To ensure everyone in the relationship stays happy, consider dieting together. With these five tips, you can make healthy lifestyle choices together.
1. Out of sight, out of mind
When shopping, avoid the junk food aisles and stay focused on the healthy. This way, you won’t be tempted to have unhealthy foods around the home. With that temptation gone, it’ll be easier for both of you to stay on track. If you can’t cut out snacking entirely, consider healthier alternatives, such as fruits or air popped popcorn.
2. Plan together
Set a time each week to sit down together and draw up a grocery list. This way, your grocery list will be filled healthy items you both enjoy.
3. Make a new date night
As a couple, it can be easy to justify eating at a restaurant during a date night. But to ensure you both stay true to your diet, skip the restaurants and plan a new kind of date night. Cook a fancy meal at home, and then go catch a movie. You can also stay active during date night by going ice skating or hiking.
4. Turn off the TV when eating
When you sit down to eat or snack, make sure the TV is off. Experts have found that eating while watching TV can lead to overeating, because the TV distracts you from feeling full.
5. 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.
Evan Hopkins is a 24 year old writer operating out of Atlanta, GA. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys reading books, drinking coffee, and folk music.