Most individuals are unaware of how their romantic relationship can influence their day to day habits and consequently their health. Having a partner causes large changes in many people, including in fitness and dieting habits that affect your physical performance. We’ve highlighted a few of the biggest affects relationships can have on your physical state.
1. Your emotions may influence your dietary choices
Those in relationships often find that they make poor dietary choices when they are experiencing a rough patch in their relationship. As examples, some individuals may binge eat their favorite foods, whilst others may turn to junk food which doesn’t require the nutrients their body needs to function properly. Others may experience a loss of appetite after having an argument with their partner.
2. Your partner’s fitness habits may influence yours
If you date an individual who is a fitness fanatic, you may find that you start to work out on a more regular basis. On the other hand, if your partner is a couch potato you may find that you might spend more time watching television with them on the couch than on a treadmill at the gym. If you want to start a workout regime, try and incorporate your partner so that you’ll have some friendly peer pressure to stick to the habit.
3. Once you’re in a long term relationship you may be in danger of “letting yourself go”
Those who are single are often in better shape than those in long term relationships since they think they don’t need to impress any new romantic interests. Once couples become comfortable in a long term relationship, they often gain weight as they no longer feel a need to try and impress their partner.
If you find yourself becoming complacent when it comes to your diet and fitness regime, you may want to consider signing up for a fun run or booking a romantic weekend away, which may give you the extra motivation you need to work out and make wise food choices.
4. Your portion sizes may change
If you’re lucky enough to have a partner who cooks for you on a regular basis you may find that the portion sizes which they serve up are smaller or larger than the portion sizes you would serve yourself. If you’re in a relationship and find that you’ve gained or lost a significant amount of weight, a change in portion sizes may be the reason why.
5. Your partner’s drinking habits may affect your drinking habits
If you are a light drinker and your partner usually orders a couple of beers or glasses of wine every time you’re out and about, you may find yourself drinking double the amount you normally would. If the thought of experiencing hang overs and consuming your recommended calorie intake for the day on alcohol alone worries you, try and brainstorm date ideas that avoid the bar scene, and alternative plans for nights out.
While your partner’s lifestyle habits may influence your own, the good news is that now that you’re aware of the influence your partner has on your own habits you can ensure that you remain in control of the lifestyle decisions which you make. You can even use these tricks to help both you and your partner get into better shape than ever!
