How much does love weigh?

Does getting too comfortable in a relationship result in piling on the pounds?

According to a recent study conducted at the University of North Carolina in the US, married women are more than twice as likely to be obese than their single friends. In fact, simply living with a partner can result in a 63 per cent increase in your risk of obesity. Listed below are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Special treats

If you other half frequently brings you home your favourite bar of chocolate, cheesecake, bag of crisps, bottle of wine etc then obviously this is a lovely gesture. However, what it also means is that you are frequently snacking on fat and calorie laden foods. Tell your partner that you are really grateful and happy that they are thinking of you but would prefer it if they brought home healthier treats such such as cherries, peaches, strawberries, olives etc that will hit the spot whilst still being good for you.

Eating out

When we are single we tend to eat out now and then with friends, but those of us in relationships often find ourselves eating out far more frequently. Coffee and cake together, sweets and popcorn at the cinema, drinks at the pub etc all builds up. Try to either limit yourself to eating out no more than once a week and introduce cook nights where you try to make eating dinner at home more exciting. Perhaps each have one night a week where you make a special effort with making dinner. Also try to be more active in your leisure time. Swap the cinema for bowling or a coffee shop breakfast for a nice morning stroll.

Portion control

Understandably many people serve up equal sized portions for both men and women, despite women needing slightly less calories per day to get them through. Ladies try to ensure that you have slightly less food on your plate and if it seems too empty fill it with some extra veg.

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