The Dating Game: Diet Version!
Like the post? Add Your Comments | | |
Junior Copy Editor
The first few months of a relationship tend to be some of the most exciting. You want to spend what seems to be every waking hour with your other half, learning everything there is to know about him or her. You find that the relationship's novelty makes the mundane routine of work and sleep all the more tolerable -- and your love life a little more exciting.
Around the six-month mark, however, something happens. It could have happened overnight or over a number of weeks -- you don’t know. What you do know is that the habits you once found cute and adorable about "snookums" are now infuriating and apocalyptic. Whether he's starting to leave the toilet seat up one too many times (It moves in more than one direction, you know.) or she's spending more time at the mall than with you, something's changed.
Face it: Your significant other has become comfortable with the relationship. Perhaps too comfortable.
Because there's no longer a need to impress the other person -- you've been dating for a while already --letting go of one's self isn't unusual. Unfortunately, this complacency (Dinner and a movie again?) can lead to something unsightly: weight gain. Since your relationship began, your man's six-pack has been reduced to a not-so-hot bulge or your girlfriend's tight arms have become new sites for flag waving.
Whatever the case, such weight gain can be stopped. Instead of dining out again and letting the calories take their toll, try these "action dates" to change up your lazy routine.
Volleyball: Summer's here, so it's the perfect time to hit the beach or be outside. Invite some friends for a game of beach volleyball or visit the local park to play. You'll be able to catch some rays and burn some calories while revving your metabolism. Playing an hour of volleyball can burn anywhere from 180 to 400 calories, depending on one's weight.
Biking: Not interested in volleyball or just not very good at it? Try biking to pass the time. Not only is it good training for your commute to work (Thank you, rising gas prices), but it's also something different -- the open air, the winding bike path and the ambient noise of your city. Work off anywhere from 120 to 200 calories by biking leisurely for 30 minutes.
Walking: When was the last time you went for a walk with your lover and just talked? Been a while, huh? Well, if you can't ride a bike or play volleyball, walking around your neighborhood is an easy way to get off the couch and communicate. Although it won't burn as many calories as the other activities (about 80 per half hour), it gives you a chance to talk in a different setting about what's affecting your relationship.
Do you have your own special "active" date ideas you like to share with your partner? Share them with us and leave a comment below!
Labels: diet, lifestyle, relationships
Comment: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:15:00 PM - 
said...
You have a pretty interesting take on dating.
While I dont agree with the reasoning behind exercising, doing so is really good for you.
People should not date based on how the other looks.
Though staying in shape could lead to a long life with your significant other.
I will suggest hitting the pool though. Swimming is great exercise and you get a tan too. Plus you dont get all sweaty when you swim, so you feel comfortable too.
Plus if you really must, seeing your boyfriend/girlfriend in as little clothing as possible must help spice up the relationship.
Comment: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:19:00 PM - said...
My boyfriend and I like to attend concerts every once in a while. having different tastes in music, it always allows us to bond and burn some calories while enjoying each other's favorite bands. And you know that playing Volleyball may not be such a good idea if your partner is less athletic than you. The relationship can suffer even more.
Comment: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 4:47:00 PM - emiglia said...
I love this! Everyone thinks of exercise as a chore nowadays, but I love to exercise with my boyfriend! We bike to the beach and back every day in the summer, and while we're there we swim and play paddleball. It's so much fun!
Comment: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:53:00 PM - 
Iris Amelia said...
Great blog, nice tips. Walking is pretty much one of the easiest things to do for exercise. Walking 30 minutes every day not only burns calories without overexerting, but it opens up a nice block of time to spend with your significant other.
Hope to see more tips soon!
Comment: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:45:00 PM - said...
My boyfriend and I are very competitive, so we tend to argue just about everything just for the sake of being right. Lately, however, we've been running and that has turned out to be a great outlet for our competitive nature. I'm not half the athlete he is, so I usually fall behind and when we time ourselves my time triples his. But, far from making me want to give up, that only makes me try harder so I can keep up with him and not only am I getting in shape, but the fact that we are doing this together is definitely bringing us closer.
Comment: Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:43:00 AM - said...
I think that is a good motivation to exercise with your boyfriend and girlfriend and it also keeps things interesting and fresh.
Comment: Thursday, May 22, 2008 5:52:00 AM - Julie said...
Well, I have tried many of these suggestions, but when your boyfriend is a workaholic, like mine, pretty much the only exercise he has energy to squeeze in is sex...and, in my opinion, that could be the best, most enjoyable exercise around! Another good idea is shopping at the mall...especially as big as Houston's Galleria is, it's a good way to shop and get some exercise in too. But, as far as cycling or walking, I have not been successful in encouraging my man to join me. And, volleyball? You must be kidding....I would make an ass out of myself and really suck at the game and he is so competitive it would not be fun. Swimming is a good idea if I could get him in the ocean or pool....he's always so tired after work....he never has energy to exercise...and what energy is left I want to save for some savory sex! Jules
Comment: Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:46:00 AM - Jennfier said...
Grill out together. My boyfriend and I are at the six month mark and still going strong. Now that summer is here we love sitting out on the patio and trying new things to stick on the grill. Being outside puts you in a better mood and allows you to really talk to each other verses eating a meal inside in front of the Television.
Comment: Thursday, May 22, 2008 10:49:00 AM - Wendy said...
These are really good ideas. And as much as 'people shouldn't date based on how the other looks', the reality is, a lot of times people do date based on looks. So, these are really good, easy and fun ways to keep fit and looking desirable for your partner. Plus staying healthy is important, and these exercises are actually fun! I really like the idea of inciting a little competition too, like volleyball and racing on the bikes, thats always fun. :)
Comment: Thursday, May 22, 2008 10:55:00 AM - said...
well being older my life started again at 55 and my bf is 61 were both active during the week with the gym for him and my home gym on weekends we go to dinner but we both eat healthy so we always know its not fattening we walk and just talk but i think the wait gain isn't from just being comfortable with your partner but just that person not wanting to keep in shape
Comment: Thursday, May 22, 2008 7:31:00 PM - said...
A lot of people blame dining out as the culprit for weight gain, but it is really a scapegoat for what is really going on - there are many reasons. I am dating a man who does not work out and he watches sports on TV rather than play them. I mistook that for liking sports. Yikes! So when I finally realized that watching sports does not mean that they like it enough to participate, I motivated myself to go and find the right gym/community center and enjoy the sports I have always loved and if he still wants to only watch the sports, then we will have to find other activities to do together, but I am determined not to let his "couch potato" attitude drag me into a life of spectatorship. I want to participate. So far we go to events and movies together and we talk - so I feel good about my "brain" with him and I have workout and sports friends who make me feel good about myself in other ways.
Whether this relationship lasts or leads to something more - I would hope that he will eventually want to take better care of himself - because he is a great guy. He should want to live a great life.
Comment: Thursday, May 22, 2008 7:59:00 PM - said...
True that to everything you said. Unfortunately I'm all out of date ideas and look forward to seeing more!
Comment: Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:02:00 PM - said...
exercise is also an aphrodisiac. so, low sex drive? go workout together, sweat together, and then head under the sheets!
Comment: Friday, May 23, 2008 1:28:00 PM - said...
You think weight gain occurs at the 6-month mark? try the 8-year mark.
Holy moly -- our love really is growing ... my belly.
Diet and Fitness Blog is powered by eDiets.com
 |
 |
 |
|
RSS/XML
