Diet & Fitness Blog

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, shouldn't 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? Find out how working together as a couple can create even greater results than doing it alone...

"Let's get rid of the word diet -- and talk lifestyle," says 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 on board 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 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: "It's fine if you want kids, but don't expect any help from me." Absurd, right?

Changing lifelong habits of poor eating and overindulgence are changes that will dramatically affect the way you live, as well as how long you live, but it's a difficult transition. Just like any major change, you'll need support.

"One of the most common complaints that I hear from women dieting on their own is the difficult time they have preparing two different meals," Sklare says. "Not to mention that when your partner is on the same eating program that you are, they are less likely to bring foods into the house that tests your will."

"Just as your partner can be a supportive presence in your efforts, they can also help undue your resolve," warns Susan. If the commitment becomes one-sided and you feel your partner giving up, Susan recommends not giving up on your spouse.

"If your partner isn't as committed to lifestyle change as you are, then they may sabotage your efforts. They may give up and want you to give up as well. If that happens, explore why your partner wants to give up, acknowledge their struggle with the change and show your support for their efforts, emphasize your commitment to your new healthy lifestyle and ask for their support as well," Burke says.

"Most people find comfort and encouragement in interacting with others of like minds that have an intimate understanding of their struggle and share a similar perspective," Dr. Sklare explains.

Dieting together can be a great way to bring you closer to your partner while achieving a healthier body, but if you don't keep the lines of communication open and support each other, it can also break apart a shaky relationship. Working together as a couple can create even greater results than going it alone, if you're both ready.

And when you decide you're ready, eDiets FREE diet profile is a great place to start. Good luck!

Labels: diet, motivation, relationships, tips, weight-loss

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