5 ways to avoid the pitfalls of double dieting
1 Don’t expect the same speed of weight loss
One of the most common drawbacks to losing weight as a couple is the biological differences between men and women.
Men generally lose weight faster in the beginning as their bodies are naturally programmed to store less fat and tend to carry more muscle, giving them a faster metabolism.
This might be infuriating for women, but don’t get discouraged if your man seems to be dropping pounds more quickly than you are. Set your own goals and stick to them, and try to support and encourage each other without making comparisons.
2 exercise at the right pace
If you’re dieting together there’s a good chance you’ll be exercising together too. However, research shows that while vigorous activity helps men lose weight, for women it can just make them hungrier and subsequently eat to replace all the calories they’ve just burnt off.
But there is a solution if you want to exercise together: University of Toronto researchers found that women doing lower intensity exercise didn’t have the same drive to consume all the calories they’d burnt off. Which means that brisk walking, dancing or yoga are a better bet for joint workouts than a power run or spin class!
Just be sure to jointly schedule at least 150 minutes of moderate-paced activity per week to help boost weight loss for both of you.
3 Make a pact to ditch unhealthy snacks
When trying to make more healthy choices as a couple, it’s important for both of you to agree not to bring unhealthy foods, such as crisps, biscuits and soft drinks, into the house. If junk foods are out of sight, you’ll be less likely to binge on them, which makes it easier to stay on track.
4 stop eating in front of the telly
It’s easy for couples to get into the habit of TV dinners. The problem is, research shows that watching television while you eat distracts you from signals that tell you when you’re full, making it far easier to overeat.
Try enjoying dinner time at the table together instead, so you can just focus on your food – and each other of course.
5 Motivate each other during weak moments
If one of you is struggling with motivation, remind him or her of all the reasons you both want to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. Make the most of having each other to lean on for support.
And if you do fall off the wagon and have the occasional binge night together, don’t be too hard on yourselves – just return to the diet the following day, and you’ll soon be back on the path to a slimmer, healthier partnership.