femalenetwork.com

It happens to both men and women. Upon entering couplehood, former singletons tend to pack on more pounds than usual. The common observation people make when they notice this? “Hiyang kasi sa boyfriend/girlfriend.”

There’s nothing wrong with gaining weight, really, but for those who get bothered by this, you must understand that love or being in love does not make a person fat. Random habits that couples acquire upon entering a relationship tend to build up those extra pounds.

In her iVillage article, “Does Love Add Pounds?” Michele Fagan says, “It’s inevitable. New relationships revolve around food. This focus on food makes sense: You communicate over the table, spend hours exploring fabulous qualities about each other. And all the while, you take a nibble here and a sip there.”

Fagan has the following suggestions for couples to avoid adding that extra “love weight.”

Refocus your activities.
Instead of a dine-out date, why not get more physical? Couples should engage in more active pastimes instead of sitting and dining. A bike ride or a walk down a quiet road will burn some calories, while allowing you to chat and spend quality time with each other. Other fun ways of getting physical include learning a new sport, dancing, or training together for a marathon.

Consider working out together.
Go to a fitness center and spend time there as a pair. You can both be each other’s great motivation for that extra push. You will have opportunities to chat, and the sight of each other in sexy workout clothes, exerting effort to get in tip-top shape can actually be a turn on for a more passionate “workout” when you leave the gym. Couples’ stretching is also a great way to get close. Start scheduling your dates at a gym near you.

Make wise food choices.
When a couple is dating, dining out is still a must. On occasions when you find yourself in a restaurant, make sure to asses your orders. As you scan the menu, be wary of sauces, especially when the description says “smothered in.” Focus on lean proteins and avoid having sauce-laden entrees on your table. Make dining out more intimate by sharing food with your partner. This way, you both get to indulge on your favorite treats, as you also minimize food intake.

You might have found your perfect match in each other, but that is no excuse to become complacent with fitness. No matter what you decide to do on your dates, communication is the key. Make plans that are fun and would enhance, not just your relationship, but also your lifestyle.