Diet & Fitness Blog

By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer

Does everything we love make us fat?

Whether it's cheese or chocolate, French fries or fried chicken, many of our favorite foods tend to lead to an expanded waistline. Now, you can add your significant other to the list of things you love that are causing weight gain.

eDiets conducted a survey of more than 1,500 people to see how relationships affect weight and an overwhelming three-quarters of those surveyed said it was easier to maintain a diet when single, and a similar percentage of respondents found it more tempting to eat bad foods with their partners.

However, the news on dating and dieting wasn't all negative. In fact, roughly three-in-four respondents said their partner was supportive of their weight-loss efforts and about half exercised the same amount or more in a relationship as when they were single.

"The good news is the survey shows that a healthy relationship and healthy eating habits can go hand-in-hand," says eDiets Director of Nutrition Services Pam Ofstein. "As it should! Take the support of your partner and commit to each other to build a healthier, stronger relationship and lifestyle."

The survey found that respondents took pleasure in snuggling up at home about as much as a long romantic walk together. Other interesting findings from the survey:

-- 57% feel that being in a relationship has a negative effect on their waistline
-- 63% feel their significant other would rather eat unhealthy foods or portions
-- 74% are more tempted to eat "bad foods" when they were with their partner
-- 75% said it was easier to maintain their diet when single
-- 59% would rather have a great relationship than a great body

For eDiets member Nancy R., who's lost 65 pounds so far on the Glycemic Impact Diet, this involvement didn't happen overnight.

"Once my husband realized that I was really invested in this process, it was like he flipped a switch," Nancy says. "Now he notices my hard work and encourages me in a way that works for both of us. He’s been right there encouraging me all the way. And when I have had struggles, he's never said a negative thing about it."

The encouragement Nancy gets from her husband is crucial even, if at times, unconventional.

"When I'm about to go work out he asks, 'Are you gonna go work it out?' and then he grabs my butt and says 'Squeeeeze!' and then he says, 'Ah yeah, buns of steel!'"

The key is to find what works for you and your partner and be supportive of each other. Make it playful.

"It may be easier to avoid those love handles when you’re single," says Pam, "but who says you can’t be with the one you love and get a handle on your waistline!"

To help you enjoy your lover this Valentine's Day without worrying about your waistline, Pam has these tips to keep you slim and sexy this time of year:

- Focus on your loved one. Think of things you can do for them or ways you can make their day. Be original or do something traditional. Send them flowers or a love note (an old fashioned tradition that never goes out of style); do the dishes or a chore you know they always put off. The possibilities are endless.

- Who says a romantic meal has to be a five-course dinner? Start with a few appetizers or starters that are low in calories or fat (like shrimp cocktail); a glass of wine and good conversation; and finish with a light, fresh fruit dessert.

- Be creative with dessert. Forgo the high-calorie temptations and choose something romantic and fun like strawberries with whipped cream or chocolate syrup. Or create a Passionate Parfait (layers of fresh berries with yogurt) in a champagne glass. Pull out those old wedding flutes you have packed away.

"Who says you can’t indulge a little and love your waistline at the same time? Not all things this day are filled with extra calories: flowers, time with your family or a quiet moment alone – indulge a little with the things that make you feel good," says Pam. "Of course a little dark chocolate or glass of wine can warm the heart a little, too!"

Make NOW your time to do something about your weight. eDiets can help make weight loss a little easier. Let our nutritionists and fitness pros guide you! Click here for a FREE diet profile.

Labels: body-fat, calories, cooking, cravings, dating, desserts, diet, eating, happiness, health, relationships, weight-loss