Yahoo LifestyleNine ways to not pile on the relationship pounds
As new research reveals nearly two thirds of us put on weight when we’re in a relationship, we spoke exclusively to an expert nutritionist about how to stay slim as a couple
It seems for us Brits, happiness is the cause of an expanding waistline.
It was revealed this week that nearly two thirds of us put on weight when we're in a relationship.
A study found that 62 per cent of people have gained a stone – while nearly three quarters reckon their partner has as well, meaning we’re putting TWO stone on as a couple.
Why is this? Well for starters, more than half of women said they ‘match’ what their partner eats.
Owing to the fact that women need 500 calories a day less than men, it’s no surprise that we’re piling on the pounds.
And because we’re adding more food to our plates to keep up with men, 56 per cent of women admitted their portion sizes were bigger than normal.
We spoke exclusively to Izzy Cameron, Nutrition and Weight Management Specialist at Diet Chef, about how not to pile on the pounds in a relationship.
1) Share food
Everyone loves being wined and dined, especially when they’re in a new relationship. To help avoid piling on the pounds in the relationships infancy, it’s a good idea to share starters and deserts when eating out.
This way, you eat much less than if eating a full blown three course meal, but still feel like you are enjoying the restaurant to its full potential.
It also adds an additional romantic element to the dining experience, since you are sharing.
2) Choose healthy options
When you go out for dinner, choose healthier options. For example, if you and your partner opt for a curry night, try to choose tomato based sauces, rather than sauces made with cream, as these will usually be lower in fat.
Avoiding certain foods described as: fried, battered, rich, creamy and jumbo, will also help you make the right food choices too.
3) Stay off the booze
When in a fresh relationship, ‘date night’ is often a regular occurrence; you enjoy each other’s company and want to have fun. For a lot of people, drinking forms part of this ritual.
Alcohol is high in calories due to its sugar content, so why not try to cut down on booze, or even have a few alcohol-free nights out together?
You will be surprised at how much of a difference this can actually make to not only your weight but physical and mental health in general.
4) Don’t snack when cooking
People often find when they are making dinner for two that they snack on the various bits of food they are prepping such as: bread, small pieces of cooked meat and cheese.
While they may all be healthy in small portions, your food intake will add up and can lead you to over eat, especially if you are then eating a meal afterwards.
5) Don’t match your partner’s portions
It’s very easy to place equal helpings on your plate when you are making dinner for both yourself and your partner. Therefore, it’s very important to slow down, stop and think: ‘how much would I normally eat if I were on my own?’
Women usually need around 500 calories less per day then men, so matching your partner’s portion size can quickly lead to weight gain. A good tip to remember is to measure a closed fist full of each food type, to stop you overeating.
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6) Avoid snacking whilst watching TV
Everyone loves to watch TV, especially if there’s a good series on or you’ve got a favourite boxset, but an evening relaxing on the sofa usually equates to us gorging on unhealthy treats.
If you must snack, try to opt for the healthier options such as raw fruit and vegetable rather than crisps, sweets and chocolate bars
7) Get active
Losing weight in its simplest terms is easy, the ethos being ‘eat less, burn more’.
If you find a lot of your activity with your partner revolves around lounging around, it would beneficial to get a couples gym membership, so you can go to the gym together, or simply replace some TV time with a regular walk.
Being active helps you not only feel good about yourself, but also helps to speed up your metabolic rate.
8) Plan your meals for the week together
Planning out what you and your partner are going to eat for the week is a great way of ensuring you don’t put on any additional weight.
It will prevent you from making bad food choices, as you will be able to clearly see what you will be eating; you will often be shocked at the amount you actually eat!
It will also help you to avoid picking up high fat and sugary snacks while shopping too.
9) Don’t buy sweet treats as presents
Chocolates are often brought as a thoughtful gift, but if your partner is trying to be healthy it will be more of a case of ‘it’s the thought that counts’!
Try to be a bit more creative when present buying; it will not only prevent you and your partner from snacking on the wrong foods, but it will also show that you have put some thought in the present too – it’s a win-win situation!
Do you overeat as a couple? What are your weight loss tips? Tell us over on Twitter now.
