"Relationship weight? Is that even real?" you may be thinking. Well, surprise! It is real! Research conducted in 2021 on 8,000 people found that men and women in relationships tend to gain more weight compared to those who aren't in relationships. Besides that, another research in 2013 found that couples that are happy with their relationship tend to gain more weight than couples who aren't satisfied with their relationship.
So, if you're suddenly realizing that maybe you put on a little extra weight ever since you got in a relationship, don't worry. It just means that you are happy and satisfied with your relationship. That's a good thing, isn't it?
But, if you realise that the weight gain isn't just because you're happy but also because you've been snacking on unhealthy snacks during movie nights and eating unhealthy food on date night, then maybe you need to start making a change and practising a healthier lifestyle so that you can live a long and healthy life with your partner.
Here's how you can start losing some of that 'love weight' and start living a healthier life:
#1 Switching up your date night activities
If you realise that you and your partner often go out for breakfast dates, brunch dates, lunch dates, tea dates and even dinner dates then you need to find other things to do on dates besides eating. There's no rule about how each date must consist of a meal. Switch things up a little and find other stuff to do together, you can explore your artsy side (click here for artsy date ideas) or you can opt for dates that include physical activities like hiking, gym dates, going for romantic walks, jungle-trekking or even rock climbing. There are endless possibilities.
#2 Buying or preparing healthy snacks for movies nights
While most Netflix and chill nights end with physical activity (wink wink), it always begins with a good Netflix show and a lot of snacks. Instead of buying unhealthy, deep-fried, high-calorie or sugary snacks, opt for healthier snacks. You can even prepare them at home yourself or buy some delicious fruits or nuts as snacks instead.
#3 Prepare healthier meals for each other
Instead of eating out, why not stay in and cook something delicious and healthy together? Cooking together is a romantic way to bond with your partner and build a deeper connection with one another. And honestly, a homecooked meal is healthier because you know what ingredients you're using and you get to choose them on your own to ensure that it's fresh. When you buy food you don't know if the ingredients used are fresh or if they are just unhealthy processed ingredients.
#4 Workout With Your Partner
Finding the motivation to work out on your own can be very hard especially if you dislike working out. Instead of doing it alone, get your partner involved and workout together so that it feels like more of a date rather than a workout session. Make goals together and even challenge each other to be better and faster. You'll notice that you are more motivated and excited to work out when your partner is involved rather than when they're not.
#5 Balancing your 'me' time and 'us' time
While it is okay to do things with your partner because it keeps you motivated, you shouldn't fully rely on them to get you there. You should have space to work on your own goals and to learn to love yourself and your body too. Not even your partner can help you love yourself, you will have to work on that on your own. Give them time to work on themselves too, it is the healthier way!
#6 Controlling your emotional-eating
When in relationships, there are problems that occur sometimes that could trigger us emotionally. Besides that, there are also outside factors like stress from work or family members that could have a negative impact on your emotions. Some people tend to deal with these emotions badly by emotional eating. Once you start emotional eating, you start a cycle that associates food with making you feel better. So the next time even a small problem arises, you'll turn to food for comfort and that is a very unhealthy cycle that needs to be broken. Find other ways to deal with your stress. Try meditating or better yet, exercising to deal with your emotions.
Have you managed to lose 'love weight' in the past? Share your experience in the comments section so that others can try it too!
