Dieting and dating are difficult enough on their own. Put them together, and you have a recipe for unhealthy eating. Learn how to balance both.
Dieting on your own is hard enough, but things get even more complicated when you factor in romance. After all, it’s hard to resist when your significant other surprises you with a pint of your favorite ice cream or your latest Tinder match suggests meeting up for coffee and doughnuts.
However, you can still meet your weight loss goals regardless of the state of your love life. Whether you’re single and loving it, or in a committed relationship, here are some ideas to help you find the right balance between romance and dieting.
Between going out for drinks to meet new people and going out on dinner dates, it’s all too easy to lose sight of your weight loss goals during the excitement of dating. But there are a couple of things you can do to keep yourself on track for success.
First and foremost, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you need to lose weight before you begin dating. If you wait until you reach your goal weight before entering the dating world, you may end up waiting for a very long time. People will be interested in you whether or not you’re a size two because you are a unique and wonderful individual.
However, if you have weight loss goals, that doesn’t mean you should abandon them.
Dating and dieting are both ongoing processes that you can work on simultaneously, and there’s no better time to start than right now. If you aren’t sure where to start, Lifesum has different diet plans that can help guide you on a healthy weight loss journey. And even if you aren’t ready to commit to the person you’re dating, be sure to commit to your diet.
Once you’ve picked your diet plan, you have to stick to it in order to see results. Going on dates typically involves a lot of dining out, making that harder to do. Account for your dates in your diet plan. If you know you’re going on to dinner on Thursday evening, be sure to eat an extra healthy breakfast and lunch. In addition, make a healthy choice at the restaurant. The meal may not be as strict as what you can make at home, but you shouldn’t completely derail your diet because of that.
It can be hard to stay active when you’re single, but for an extra workout, try incorporating fitness into your dating life. Instead of meeting someone for a cup of coffee, ask them to go on a walk with you. You still have the chance to talk and get to know them, but instead of drinking a sugary coffee, you can burn some bonus calories.
Research has shown that people who are in relationships tend to gain more weight than those who are single, despite healthier eating habits from non-singles. The weight difference is small, and studies haven’t agreed on a single cause. The most likely culprit? You no longer have to worry about attracting someone, and as you grow more comfortable in your relationship, you put less effort into your appearance.
Remember that there’s nothing wrong with a little relationship weight! However, if that doesn’t align with your fitness goals, you may be looking to lose it.
It’s hard to stick to a diet plan when your significant other won’t join you, especially if you live, shop, and cook together. With a little planning and a lot of communication, both your diet and your relationship will be just fine. Here are a few tips for dieting alone while you’re in a relationship:
Even if they won’t do keto or go vegan with you, your significant other can be a source of support while you’re dieting. They don’t need to join you for your diet to be successful!
We all know that exercising with a partner can improve your workout, but did you know that dieting with a partner can help with weight loss? They can provide emotional support and help with accountability.
And though it sounds counter-intuitive, dieting with your significant other may even be more difficult than dieting on your own. They may not be the best diet buddy for you, depending on what your needs are. Think about if you really want your partner hounding you about skipping the gym after work or for adding an extra cheat meal to your week, and if you want to do the same for them. It can work, but be sure to communicate openly and honestly about each other’s needs, goals, and journey. Keep the following in mind if you choose to diet with your significant other:
All of the content and media on Lifesum is created and published for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Users should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice. If you have or think you are at risk of developing an eating disorder, do not use the Lifesum app and seek immediate medical help.