subject: Getting Healthy As A Couple [print this page] Lets be honest, as people settle into relationships it can be easy to give up on healthy habits and replace them with unhealthy ones. Many times it happens without even noticing it and since people are comfortable in their relationship and with their partner it takes much longer to notice when theyve deviated from healthy habits than it would if they were single. Its not that people mean to let themselves go, it can just be a natural occurrence that happens when we become comfortable with where we are at in our lives or it can happen when other things in life get in the way. The first thing to go when things get comfortable or complicated is our health.
The first key to getting healthy is realizing that youve gotten off track. Once you are ready to take a step to improving your health through better diet and more exercise, you have to figure out where to start. The greatest thing you can do to ensure your success in getting healthy is to have a support system, and your partner is the best support system you could ask for.
The best way to get your partner to help be your support system is to get them on board with your wellness plan as well. If you are working to improve your own health then chances are your partner could probably do the same thing. By entering into the endeavor together, you increase your chances of success and you have someone with you each step of the way who understands what you are going through.
Even if your partner isnt as excited about improving their wellness as you are, there are lots of fun ways you can get healthy together that wont make it seem like such hard work.
Try something new. Exercise doesnt have to happen in a gym. You can play catch with football, go for a hike, or shoot hoops. As long as you are getting your heart rate up you are getting exercise.
Go grocery shopping together. Make a list together of healthy recipes youd like to try, plan the menu, and then go shopping together. If you both feel like you have a hand in what youre eating it will be easier to stick to the menu rather than sneaking in a burger or fast food.
Dont feel like you always have to do the same thing. If you do go to a gym, dont feel like you both have to lift weights or run on the treadmill. Even if youre doing things separately youre still at the gym together.
Offer encouragement and praise. If you see your partner making progress on their overall health goals, be sure to show them you notice by praising them and if you see them slipping offer words of encouragement. When you reach your goals, do something together as a reward such as seeing a movie (skip the popcorn!) or taking a romantic weekend away.
If you and your partner get healthy together youll reap the benefits of an improved overall relationship including a better sex life, more shared interests, and more energy for one another. Bettering your health benefits you and everyone around you and getting healthy with your partner improves your odds of staying happy and healthy together for longer.
