New Relationship New Rules

So you're blissfully happy in a new relationship with a fabulous new man - only problem is you're gaining weight. Sound familiar? Maybe your priorities have shifted and you dont have the time, effort, or energy to count every calorie and carb gram that once ruled your life. Or, maybe you're gaining weight without realizing that the more time you spend with your man, the more detrimental it can be to your waist line.

Ladies (and some gentlemen), here's the thing ... Your boyfriend/husband/fiance can drink more than you can, eat more than you can, eat faster than you can, and will eat foods that you normally would never touch! He can do all these things without it negatively impacting his physique. He can, you can't. Here are some tips to help you avoid the weight gain that often comes at the start of a new relationship.

Take control of the kitchen. Most men honestly don't care what's for dinner. Prepare lean proteins, vegetables and complex carbs. Leave dinner preperation to him and you might be coming home to a pizza.

Going out for dinner? Choose a restaurant that has healthy food options. Remember to hold the butter, oil and salt! Just because food is baked, broiled or steamed doesn't mean it's prepared without these additives.

If he's going out drinking with his friends and invites you to come along, decline every now and then. Not only will it give you and your partner some much needed time apart, you will save yourself 500-2000kcal. Hitting the bars isn't only about the beverages consumed while out, but you are more likely to eat late at night or suffer from a hangover which likely means skipping a workout and eating high-calorie foods in an attempt to recover. Schedule a girls night at the movies or spa instead.

When serving food at home, make your plate first (this is different than serving yourself first). You know what a healthy, reasonable amount of food is for yourself. If you make his plate first and then yours, you are more likely to dole out far more food than you normally would.

Take your time while chewing! He might be scarfing down his food, but that doesn't mean you have to. It takes the mind about twenty minutes for it to realize your stomach is full. If you slow down, you are less likely to over-eat.

If he's digging in for dessert, try drinking sugar-free hot chocolate or a glass of milk with sweeter and sugar-free vanilla syrup (this is a personal favorite. You can add ice to make it a faux-milkshake). Both will satisfy your craving for something sweet and take you a few minutes to finish. By the time you are done he should be done eating his sleeve of Golden Oreos.

I know, it isn't fair. Most men don't worry about their caloric intake the way women do and if your boyfriend/husband/fiance works out, he's going to be eating even more!

If you pay attention to these few things, your body and your mind will thank you. He will too :-)

P.S. I apologize if this post seems sexist, but it is what it is. Most men eat with more freedom than women do.