Losing weight is difficult. It takes healthy eating, exercise, commitment and support. Couples support each other through all sorts of lifestyle changes, such as marriage, a career switch and childbirth, but what about dieting? When two people agree to share everything, should a commitment to healthier living be at the forefront?
According to a new report from Yale University, “When both members are equally motivated to shed pounds, they can support each other and achieve greater weight loss than when they go it alone.”
Why should the two of you diet together?
"Let’s get rid of the word diet -- and talk lifestyle," said eDiets Chief Nutritionist Susan Burke. "Couples should undertake lifestyle changes together. When both resolve to change their lifestyle and their attitude about eating, then it can be a very positive experience -- one that will lead to permanent weight loss."
However, Burke warns that if you're committed to losing weight and living healthy -- and your partner isn't -- it can create conflict in the home. If your partner isn't willing to get onboard your boat to better health, don't give up -- try leading by example.
"I'm a firm believer that the best way to influence those around you is to simply be a good example," says eDiets psychologist Dr. John Sklare. "If you are more dedicated than your partner, be as supportive and helpful as you can be while being the model of the behavior you are trying to inspire.”
While you can do it alone, both experts agree that teaming up is the best way to change both your lives. Change isn’t easy, and having someone who’s going through the same transformation and working toward the same goals will bring a sense of solidarity to the process, Burke says.
“I’m a great advocate of couples doing a lot of things together -- and losing weight together is high on the list," Sklare said. "Two people working toward the same goal not only makes achieving that goal more likely, but it significantly reduces the emotional intensity of the endeavor.”
Burke reemphasizes the fact that this is more than just “dieting together” and that you both must strive for a lifestyle change that lasts. Most people think “diet” means a temporary restriction of calories to lose weight, Burke says.
“They ‘go on’ a diet and eat diet food. When they ‘go off’ the diet they return to their usual way of eating, and usually wind up regaining more than they originally lost. Unless they change their lifestyle and their attitude about eating, they’ll be stuck in this weight fluctuation cycle of losing and gaining,” she explains.
Change is inevitable, but it’s nice to have someone there during those uncertain, trying times when you’re struggling for a serious life change. Imagine if you were the only one working toward getting married or your husband suggested that “it’s fine if you want kids, but don’t expect any help from me.” Absurd, right?
