Weight Management Tips for Couples in New Relationships

The Challenges of Weight Gain in Relationships

Entering a new relationship can be an exciting time filled with passion, adventure, and potentially unhealthy habits. The early stages of dating often involve lots of dining out, cozy nights on the couch, and fluctuations in routine that can sabotage even the most diligent gym-goer's fitness regimen. While these bonding experiences are important for building intimacy, they can also lead to weight gain if you aren't mindful.

Why Couples Gain Weight

There are several reasons why couples tend to gain weight during the early stages of a relationship:

• Increased dining out. New couples often enjoy exploring new cuisines and restaurants together, which means less home cooking and more restaurant meals which tend to be higher in calories.
• Shared unhealthy habits. If one partner has unhealthy eating habits, the other partner may unconsciously pick up those habits. Eating junk food together in front of the TV can become a typical date night.
• Decreased exercise. Gym time is often replaced by time spent with your new partner doing more sedentary activities like staying in to watch movies and cuddle.
• Increased alcohol intake. New couples tend to go out to bars and drink more frequently, which leads to increased calorie intake.
• Emotional eating. The excitement and drama of a new relationship can lead to emotional eating of comfort foods.

Managing Weight Gain as a Couple

Gaining a few pounds when you start a new relationship is extremely common. Fortunately, there are healthy ways for couples to manage their weight:

• Cook more meals together. Preparing healthy, home cooked meals is a great couple's activity and leads to better portion and calorie control.
• Have active date nights. Instead of just dinner and a movie, take a walk, go dancing, play an active sport like bowling or take a bike ride.
• Meal plan and meal prep. Planning weekly meals and preparing components in advance makes healthy eating easier when things get busy.
• Hold each other accountable. Check in on each other's diet and fitness routines. Offer gentle reminders and encouragement when needed.
• Make sweets a treat. Share a small dessert occasionally rather than keeping large quantities of ice cream, cookies and chips on hand.

Best Exercises for Couples

Working out with your significant other is a great way form a bond while also staying healthy and managing your weight. It adds support, motivation and accountability. Here are some of the best workout ideas for couples:

Outdoor Workouts

• Walking/Jogging - This simple exercise allows you to explore new neighborhoods and chat while you burn calories.
• Hiking - Heading to a state park or nature trail turns fitness into an adventure where you can also enjoy alone time together.
• Cycling - Rent a tandem bike or ride side-by-side to feel the wind in your hair as you pedal through pretty country roads.
• Kayaking/Paddleboarding - Glide across a lake or down a river getting an awesome core workout as you propel through the water.

Home Workouts

• Dancing - Crank up fun music and learn salsa or attempt TikTok dances together while also elevating your heart rate.
• Aerobics/Step Classes - Hop online together and get your sweat on alongside enthusiastic instructors in exhilarating classic workout formats.
• Yoga - Improve strength and flexibility together while cultivating awareness of your breathing and mental state during this zen yet strenuous practice.
• Pilates - Engage your core and tone your whole body with this method that improves posture, balance and coordination.

Gym Workouts

• Weightlifting - Spot each other while strengthening muscles. Having a partner helps motivate you to lift heavier and push harder.
• Crossfit - Complete high-intensity circuit training that will skyrocket your fitness levels and stamina while building teamwork with your S.O.
• Group Classes - Whether you prefer cycling, boxing, kickboxing or boot camp-style circuits, group classes offer structure and energy.
• Using Machines Side-by-Side - Make your way through the gym hitting the treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines and weight machines together.

Developing Healthy Lifestyle Habits as a Couple

The most important thing about working on fitness and health goals in a relationship is to do it from a place of compassion where the priority is supporting each other in developing sustainable habits.

Have Open Communication

Check in regularly about your eating patterns, activity levels, energy and mood. Don't be critical - be caring. Verbalize your desire to help each other be healthy.

Assign Duties Evenly

Share the responsibilities related to your health goals evenly. This may include researching healthy recipes, prepping ingredients, logging food and exercise, and keeping each other accountable.

Respect Each Other's Journeys

Understand that your partner may struggle with body image or have a complicated history with food or exercise. Respect each other's boundaries and individual health histories.

Find Intrinsic Motivation

Rather than focusing on weight or appearance-based goals which tend to backfire, connect fitness to what makes you feel good - more energy, confidence, vigor and happiness.

Make Time for Self-Care

While supporting each other is important, also make space for solo self-care like seeing friends, enjoying hobbies, relaxing and working on your individual mental health.

The early days with a new love are exciting, passionate and filled with growth in intimacy. This can also be a period of changes to eating and activity habits. However, by consciously working together as a team and making joint health a priority, couples can avoid weight gain pitfalls and form habits to keep each partner feeling sexy, vibrant and joyful well into the later stages of their relationship.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.