Unfortunately, we know that life happens, and sometimes married couples may gain a few extra 'love pounds' after a happy day. While there is no direct correlation between marriage and gaining weight, a study from Southern Methodist University did, in fact, conclude that married couples do gain unnecessary weight after tying the knot. I, for one, would like to clear the air. While it does indicate you are susceptible to gaining weight or losing that figure, it does not mean it is inevitable. Staying in shape does not only mean looking slim to remain attractive in your partner's eyes, but it also means staying fit and healthy for the rest of your life.
Experts strongly advise adopting healthy habits to stay in shape even after getting married to help avoid weight gain.
1. Choose to Dine Smartly
It is common among newlyweds to enjoy date nights and dine out often. However, always eating out means having an unhealthy number of extra calories—from drinks, dinner, and who can say no dessert? Now, that doesn't mean couples should avoid eating out, but perhaps instead make it a monthly activity.Replace daily restaurant and take-out orders with home-cooked meals that will neither drain your wallet nor expand your waistline. When you cook it yourself, you oversee the portions you make and eat.
If you find it unappealing to eat healthy because it challenges your taste buds, plenty of delicious but healthy cooking recipes are available on the internet. Or even better, sign up for cooking classes with your partner as a bonding experience.
2. Stock Your Fridge with Healthier Choices
Since you can't resist sweet treats, snacks, and fizzy soda, it's time to shape up your fridge. Stock up on healthy choices like crisp red apples or other fruits. Go green and keep low-calorie meats such as chicken and fish on hand. Try to eliminate processed foods from your life—goodbye to grilled cheese sandwiches. Next, shop together and pick out healthy food items you can eat. It might prove difficult, but you both must make the journey together.3. Find Healthy Activities to Do Together
Most importantly, having a pleasant time with your significant other revolves around food-centered activities, such as going to restaurants or curling up on a couch with fatty snacks. Change the tradition by choosing more active hobbies. Pick a day during the week when you challenge each other with a sports game. If you're not into sports, mild activities like yoga, swimming, bike rides, or a walk around the neighborhood may be more your speed.4. Work Out
Most importantly, work out together every day. If you are a beginner, take baby steps and introduce yourself to light workouts. You may use a classic treadmill or try fitness applications that track, guide, and measure your daily progress. Pick exercises you like and are helpful to your current condition. Refrain from attempting to keep up with your partner; you probably have different stamina and physique, so keep your workouts tailored to yourself. You can think of many excuses for not exercising, but you only need 10-15 minutes daily to keep yourself in shape.5. Stay Motivated
Staying in shape is not an extreme sport of starving yourself for a few months and then giving up by splurging on food. Nay, it is a lifestyle that must be maintained throughout your life. If you do not wish to look back 5-10 years later and regret your choices while wistfully gazing at your photographs from those prime days, start now and change your habits to healthy ones. It may be challenging, but not impossible. You can subscribe to health and fitness magazines and YouTube channels or get a gym membership. Learn more and stay motivated.
