You say “I do” and all those months of sweating it out on the treadmill prior to the wedding go out the window. You’re married, you’re happy, you’re supersizing your fries and suddenly your jeans are being upsized, too.
So how do you avoid the matrimonial middle spread?
A recent survey conducted by a U.K. diet company has concluded that 82 per cent of couples put on weight within four years of exchanging vows. The survey polled 1,000 people and four out of every 10 couples had put on 2 kilograms a year — proof that getting married can lead to weight gain. Here are some tips to steer clear of that trend.
Downsize your portions
My husband loves to cook. Thousands of women will shoot me for complaining about having a wannabe MasterChef commandeering the kitchen, but he simply doesn’t have a clue about portion sizes. Meals are served on plates twice the size of a human head and they’re loaded up with enough food to feed an army of sumo wrestlers. To avoid this, serve yourself. At least that way you can have some control over portions and use a smaller plate so it looks like you have more food.
Stick with your routines
Prior to your wedding, in an attempt to look like a supermodel, it’s likely you were vigilant about what went in your mouth and you probably exercised daily. Once the ring goes on the finger and you’re on the honeymoon, however, all your hard efforts go out the window. The weight you gain back is most likely the weight you lost in the first place, so it’s important to return to your normal routine as soon as possible.
Tips for keeping weight off >>
Get physical on date night
Are you the type of couple that schedules a date night once a week to ensure you still get that quality time together? Instead of heading to your favourite restaurant or the movies, plan something that doesn’t involve eating — go for a romantic walk along the beach, play tennis, go bowling, go biking, join a boot camp or even take a martial arts class together.
Don’t mimic his eating patterns
With dinner done and dusted, your hubby decides to break open a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips or Tim Tams, or he whips up a late-night snack. Just because he is snacking and offers you a share, doesn’t mean you have to accept. Rather than padlocking the pantry and fridge after 7 p.m., you could just learn to say no.
Looking for date night ideas? >>
Celebrate milestones without food
In the throes of love, it’s tempting to celebrate monthly anniversaries (the anniversary of the first kiss, the first date, the first time you proclaimed your love) by heading out to dinner. If you must celebrate, make a pact to buy non-food-related gifts — a DVD, CD or jewellery.
Beware of his kind gestures
While his intentions to give you a night off cooking may be honorable, his kind gesture to bring home fish and chips or order in pizza may unintentionally sabotage your attempts to maintain a healthy weight. If you decide on takeout, opt for a healthy alternative.
More on weight loss
4 Weight loss myths
Get over the weight loss plateau
Gluten-free diet tips
Leave a Comment