Protecting Your Health and Heart from Relationship Weight Gain

Gaining Weight from Relationships

Does being in a relationship make you gain weight?  Yes. Weight gain relationship problems are real. Studies show that many men and women tend to gain weight after they are in a relationship for some time and especially after they marry. But relationship weight gain can put a strain on both your health and eventually your love life. Below are some methods for protecting your physical and emotional wellbeing, specifically by taking care of your overall health.

How to Avoid Relationship Weight Gain

Taking Care of Your Health:

Practice these tips/ tricks, preferably with your partner, to avoid relationship weight gain. Staying in love doesn’t have to sacrifice staying healthy!

1. Adjust your portions.

On average, women need about 500 calories a day less than men due to their lower muscle mass and body size. When you split a dessert, take just a few spoonfuls. Drink lots of water to suppress your appetite naturally.

2. Assemble your own plate.

Go ahead and eat together. Serve food in healthy platters on the table so you can dish out your own meal. Take a generous pile of salad greens, but go easy on the mashed potatoes.

3. Eat more slowly.

Eating at a leisurely pace will help you feel full on fewer calories. You can still spend time with your partner and avoid putting on weight.

4. Work out together.

There’s more to life than mealtime. Share worthwhile activities like long walks through the park or going on skiing vacations. Sign up for a family membership at your local gym.

5. Manage stress.

It’s wonderful to have someone to share your life with, but relationships can also be a source of conflict. Develop constructive methods for coping so that comfort foods will look less tempting. Meditation, walking, or listening to music are all good options to help you manage your stress to avoid binge eating.

6. Watch out for large weight gains.

Be especially vigilant about dramatic weight gains. An extra 20 pounds or more may increase your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions. Small gains each year can creep up on you.

Taking Care of Your Heart:

1. Communicate openly.

Be honest with each other. If your partner’s weight becomes an issue for you, let them know.

2. Help each other set honest goals.

State what specific outcome you’re hoping to achieve. Maybe you want to see your partner get back to whatever weight their doctor recommends.

3. Be objective.

It’s easy to interpret your partner’s conduct as being directed against you. Try to avoid personalizing the situation. Those love handles may reflect a fondness for cheese rather than any bitterness towards you.

4. Speak respectfully.

Many people are sensitive about their weight to begin with. Avoid name calling or negative judgments. Speak in terms of how you feel.

5. Show your support.

If your partner wants to lose weight, help them out. Toss out the cookies and prepare cut vegetables for snacks. Prepare them with delicious yet nutritious dips. Suggest starting the day with a morning run or stroll together.

6. Maintain intimacy.

Even if your desire for your partner is currently ebbing, it’s important to remain close if you want your relationship to last. Focus on their good qualities and express your love to maintain both you and your partner’s emotional health.

7. Act your age.

Metabolism rates slow down as we age. It’s reasonable to expect that your spouse may be heavier at 60 than they were at 20. That’s especially true when you add in the effects of childbearing and parenting. It’s never unhealthy to accept and act your age.

8. Clarify your priorities.

Physical attraction matters, but there is much more involved in a committed relationship. List 10 non-physical attributes you value about your spouse. Do this for relationship health and happiness.

9. Consider counseling.

It’s a sign of strength to know when you may need some outside help. Therapy can often help couples make breakthroughs on issues they find difficult to resolve on their own.

You can be both lean and loved. Team up with your partner to eat sensibly and exercise regularly. Apply these tips to avoid relationship weight gain and stay healthy physically and emotionally with your life partner. Communicate openly and respectfully about any issues, which should include weight gain. In the end, you’ll be protecting each other’s health and fostering loving emotions as well.