5 Most Common Struggles Dieting Couples Face

Working out and dieting with your partner might seem like a great solution to your dieting problems. You always have an exercise buddy and someone to help you stay on track with your diet.

Plus, research shows that people who choose to change their healthy habits with a partner usually end up more successful than those who take this journey alone.

However, once you get super tired of exercising and hungry for something sweet or fried, you might find yourself constantly arguing with your SO.

But why are you arguing when you both have the same goals? Here are just some of the issues dieting couples face: 

1. Setting (realistic) goals

Do you want to improve your diet and eat more homemade meals while your partner wants to drop 100lb in half a year? As you can see, your goals differ drastically. However, instead of arguing about your goals, you must communicate and find a solution that satisfies both parties.

First, start by discussing what you want from this process: weight loss, muscle gain, better fitness, more energy, better sleep, healthier mind, and body connection…Of course, your goals don’t have to match, but you have to be familiar with each other’s goals in order to keep each other accountable. 

2. Being too strict

One great thing about dieting with your partner is that you can motivate each other every day. However, while motivational speeches and messages might help at the beginning, they can get old very fast.

Before you start relying on your SO to keep you accountable, you need to take responsibility for your actions and choices. In order to avoid fights about slacking, come up with a workout and cooking schedule, hang it on the fridge and you’ll avoid all confusion.

You can ask your partner whether they plan to exercise or take a fitness challenge with you, but don’t push further than that. While it’s your job to be supportive, it’s not your job to keep them in check—this can cause an imbalance in your relationship. 

3. One doing better than the other

This is a tough one: all people are different and they respond to dieting and exercising in different ways. If you’re a woman, you’ll likely lose weight slower due to your biology.

Men have more testosterone and more muscle, so their metabolism is faster. However, if you stay on track and take your journey slow and steady, this difference should even out in time. Also, there are various supplements that can even the odds.

If you don’t want any help with weight loss, you can still try supplements and improve your gym progress, recovery, and focus. This might help you keep up with your man and tie your race toward a strong body and better fitness. 

4. Having healthy dates

If you have a tradition to gorge on tacos on Tuesday or enjoy a movie-and-pizza marathon a few times a month, you’ll have to change your habits together. And don’t think you have to quit date nights! There are so many healthy and tasty recipes and restaurants you can check out together.

Cooking as a couple is a great way to bond and grow your love towards each other and a healthy lifestyle. You can also visit different restaurants in your city and find healthier options to enjoy for your dates. 

5. Being cranky

The first few weeks of dieting will make you mean and cranky which means plenty of fights and resentment (sugar withdrawal is nasty). While it’s perfectly normal to be grumpy during this period, it’s definitely not okay to take it out on your significant other. With plenty of communication, you’ll be able to discuss your feelings, stay motivated and keep unpleasant behavior away from your relationship. 

Getting fit even with the help of your partner isn’t easy. However, it’s important to know that you’re in this together and you only want to feel and look best for each other.

This support will ultimately cause you to succeed and make your relationship stronger in the process.

So grab your partner and start your new lifestyle today!