Being in a relationship can help boost your health and happiness, but it can also ruin your diet if you're not careful. To help stay in shape at each stage of your relationship, check out the most common fat traps to avoid.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 1:
EATING "MAN-SIZE" PORTIONS
Not only do men generally weigh more than women but they also tend to burn kilojoules faster, meaning that your man will probably require significantly more kilojoules a day than you do. However, whether you are sharing a pizza, takeaway or candlelit meal, many women find themselves matching their man for portion size. Although it may be tempting to join your partner for second helpings, look after your waistline by cutting back on portions and stopping eating at the first signs of fullness.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 2:
HIGH KILOJOULE DATES
When you first start out in a relationship, you are likely to go on a lot of dates. This is fun, but it can also sabotage your diet. Whether you're dining out, going for drinks or munching popcorn at the cinema, it is surprising how many dates revolve around consuming kilojoules. To keep up the romance without piling on the pounds, try alternating drinks and meals out with dates that don't revolve around food, such as visiting a theme park or attending a live show or gig.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 3:
DINING OUT MORE OFTEN
Entering a relationship could also mean you consume more kilojoules per meal. Many couples find that they eat out more often than when single, which not only can mean larger portions and more courses than you would eat at home, but it also makes it harder to control what goes into the food you eat. To cut kilojoules and give the evening a more personal feel, try cooking healthy meals for each other, instead.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 4:
LACK OF EXERCISE TIME
It can be hard enough to find motivation to exercise at times, but if it comes to a toss-up between spending time cuddling on the couch with your partner or heading out for a run it can be even more difficult to choose the latter. If you find you have less time for working out, try intensifying your workouts to get the most out of shorter exercise sessions. Alternatively, try squeezing some exercise into your time together by heading out for a romantic walk or going dancing together.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 5:
SHARING DESSERT
You may think that sharing a dessert at the end of the meal is a great way to halve the kilojoules, but remember that half of something you usually wouldn't have ordered is still extra kilojoules on to your daily intake. Though it is good occasionally to treat yourself, if having someone to share with tempts you more to order dessert it can easily become a regular habit. Rather than splitting a calorific dessert, fill up on salad or veg during your meal, or order a fruit-based dessert or sorbet.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 6:
"CATCHING" BAD HABITS
For most of us, it is hard enough struggling with our own unhealthy habits. However, if you are spending time with someone who regularly fills their cupboards with junk food, orders in takeaways and snacks on sugary treats, it can be extra hard to resist temptation. Rather than giving in to your partner's vices and picking up their bad habits, try to get them to pick up some of yours by introducing healthier snacks and treats to their diet and exerting a positive influence.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 7:
INCREASED ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Being in a relationship can also lead to an increased intake of alcohol. Though romantic dates and cosy nights in on the sofa mean that there are more opportunities for the wine to flow, there is also the increased temptation to match your man drink for drink. As alcohol is high in kilojoules, increases appetite and weakens resolve to resist those junk food cravings, drinking excessively will not only damage your health; it can also pile on the pounds.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 8:
ENTERING THE COMFORT ZONE
Many of us make an effort to stay in shape when we're single. However, after a certain amount of time in a relationship it is easy to fall into the trap of feeling you no longer need to impress. Although it could be true that your partner will love you whatever your size, it is still important to make the effort. While it is nice to look good for your partner, staying in shape will also help boost your own confidence and happiness, as well as improve your health.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 9:
EDIBLE GIFTS AND ROMANTIC GESTURES
Traditionally, food has been used as a way to express love and affection, whether through cooking romantic dinners or buying edible gifts, such as chocolates, for your partner. Saying "I love you" with food can also be the easiest way for you both to pile on the kilos. Instead, come up with other creative ways to show your feelings, such as writing a romantic note or email for your partner or buying them something that reminds you of a special time together.
RELATIONSHIP FAT TRAP 10:
EMOTIONAL EATING
Although many of us eat more when we are content and in love, if things take a turn for the worse you could also find yourself reaching for food to help you deal with negative emotions. If you are going through a bad phase in your relationship, you may be tempted to comfort eat to distract yourself from your feelings. That's a bad idea because, in the long run, this will only make you feel worse. Rather than bingeing on unhealthy foods to feel better, try to find healthier ways to alleviate stress such as talking things through with a friend, heading out for a run or a walk, or attending a yoga or meditation class.
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