Seven tips for successful dieting with your spouse highlight the odds stacked against you in the couple’s dieting game. And improving your chances of winning takes priority because only one person in every ten who plays the couple dieting game wins. So, if you and your spouse decide to embark on the ambitious idea of dieting together, the probability that you will both achieve your weight-loss goals drops drastically.
In fact, your relationship may take a bash along the way since couples have been known to separate over weight loss. So if you are still up for the challenge, experts agree that dieting as a couple can work. But first, remember that dieting success begins in the mind, and you really have to let go of some of the things you have become accustomed to believing. That said, the following 7 tips for successful dieting with your spouse may improve your chances.
Communicate
Try to articulate your expectations of yourself and your partner. To avoid surprises, you both need to clearly express your motivations, realistic goals, and what support you need and do not need from the other. Get it straight before you even start.
Choose a similar plan
He wants to eat low-fat; you are going for low-carbs. He wants fish, you prefer meat. He wants yams and rice, but you say no. You want just vegetables and fruits. Ha! This is not a great idea from a practical angle. It is hard enough to get just one meal on the table, not to mention venturing into preparing two types of dishes, one for him, one for you. It is a waste of time and energy cooking for two. Instead, pick a diet concept that appeals to both of you and twist it to suit your different tastes.
Be aware of men’s physiques
Do not be discouraged when your husband or boyfriend starts developing a six-pack before you do. You see his tight stomach muscles; look at yours, still flabby and groan. It is a physiological fact that men lose pounds more easily and quickly than women. Men have a higher percentage of muscle mass, so they burn more calories merely by existing.
Pick a lifestyle goal
If you are aiming for a mark on the scale, it is all well and good. But it does not create an atmosphere of mutual support. Think about healthy activities you and your spouse can commit to together, such as routine exercise and less frequent eating out. Be inventive. Lifestyle choices are the key to sustaining a healthy weight over the long haul.
Check your competitiveness
There may be no way to get around a sense of competition between two people who have agreed to lose weight together. But while healthy competition can help the two of you achieve your goals, unhealthy competition leads to jealousy, animosity, and other negative emotions. Be aware of the power of competition in your relationship and use it to support each other.
Watch your insecurities
Sabotage is no stranger to intimate relationships. How does it look in a diet situation? Usually, one partner feels threatened by the other’s non-fat potential. And very frightened that they will lose their partner to another person. Furthermore, they intentionally or subconsciously try to thwart the diet. Anything from offering cake and sweets to verbal abuse will do it. You get the idea.
Remember, you are an individual
You can inspire each other, but you cannot do each other’s work. Following a diet to lose weight is ultimately something you give yourself. You will need to strengthen your own determination, self-care skills, positive attitude, and relentlessness to succeed.
Finally, by adopting new healthy eating habits you can adhere to for life, you can join the group of people who can keep their weight under control healthily.
Photo Credit: Creative Commonsll
