8 Ways to Stay in Shape After You Get Married

You've managed to snag the dream partner to spend the rest of your life with. Congratulations! Both you and your spouse looked stunning on your big day, and you even framed the pictures to freeze when you looked and felt your best. And why not! You took so much extra care of your health to fit into the dream dress for your wedding day, and it paid off. As you journey through the next chapter in life, keeping that same healthy lifestyle is essential.

Unfortunately, we know that life happens, and sometimes married couples may gain a few extra 'love pounds' after a happy day. While there is no direct correlation between marriage and gaining weight, a study from Southern Methodist University did, in fact, conclude that married couples do gain unnecessary weight after tying the knot. I, for one, would like to clear the air. While it does indicate you are susceptible to gaining weight or losing that figure, it does not mean it is inevitable. Staying in shape does not only mean looking slim to remain attractive in your partner's eyes, but it also means staying fit and healthy for the rest of your life.
Experts strongly advise adopting healthy habits to stay in shape even after getting married to help avoid weight gain.

1. Choose to Dine Smartly

It is common among newlyweds to enjoy date nights and dine out often. However, constantly eating out means having an unhealthy number of extra calories, from drinks to dinner, and who can say no to dessert? That doesn't mean couples should avoid eating out, but perhaps make it a monthly activity.

Replace daily restaurant and take-out orders with home-cooked meals that will neither drain your wallet nor expand your waistline. When you cook it yourself, you oversee the portions you make and eat.

If you find it unappealing to eat healthy because it challenges your taste buds, plenty of delicious but healthy cooking recipes are available on the internet. Or even better, sign up for cooking classes with your partner as a bonding experience.

2. Stock Your Fridge with Healthier Choices

Since you can't resist sweet treats, snacks, and fizzy soda, it's time to shape up your fridge. Stock up on healthy choices like crisp red apples or other fruits. Go green and keep low-calorie meats such as chicken and fish on hand. Try eliminating processed foods from your life—goodbye to grilled cheese sandwiches. Next, shop together and pick out healthy food items you can eat. It might prove difficult, but you both must make the journey together.

3. Find Healthy Activities to Do Together

Most importantly, having a pleasant time with your significant other revolves around food-centred activities, such as going to restaurants or curling up on a couch with fatty snacks. Change the tradition by choosing more active hobbies. Pick a day during the week when you challenge each other with a sports game. If you're not into sports, mild activities like yoga, swimming, bike rides, or walking around the neighbourhood may be more your speed.

4. Work Out

Most importantly, work out together every day. If you are a beginner, take baby steps and introduce yourself to light workouts. You may use a classic treadmill or try fitness applications that track, guide, and measure your daily progress. Pick exercises you like and that are helpful to your current condition. Refrain from attempting to keep up with your partner; you probably have different stamina and physique, so keep your workouts tailored to yourself. You can think of many excuses for not exercising, but you only need 10-15 minutes daily to keep yourself in shape.

5. Stay Motivated

Staying in shape is not an extreme sport of starving yourself for a few months and then giving up by splurging on food. Nay, it is a lifestyle that must be maintained throughout your life. If you do not wish to look back 5-10 years later and regret your choices while wistfully gazing at your photographs from those prime days, start now and change your habits to healthy ones. It may be challenging, but not impossible. You can subscribe to health and fitness magazines and YouTube channels or get a gym membership. Learn more and stay motivated.

6. Reduce Stress

Having an argument or two with your spouse is normal if it doesn't escalate and cause your life to be stress-laden. Keep your work-related frustrations separate from your home life. Communicate clearly with each other and share whatever's on your mind without damaging your partner's mental health. Stress is one of the biggest reasons for binge eating. The more you are stressed, the more you corrupt your healthy eating habits. Channel it into something constructive rather than gorging yourself and then feeling guilty about it. If your partner is lagging, do not body shame or criticise. Instead, subtly suggest that they would require your help to become healthy.

7. Stop the Mindless Eating

Just because you're both binge-watching the newest popular show does not mean you must munch on unhealthy snacks. It can lead to mindless eating, thus cancelling your healthy efforts.

8. Bring Your Own Lunch

We all know what it is like to dream of your favourite food while working on an empty stomach. When you get your break, you rush out to your favourite place to grab a bite. But taking in that much junk food can be harmful to your body. It is much better to bring your favourite homemade meals to work. It will save you the expense and keep you away from all those unhealthy temptations.