How your man is making you fat
Denecia Green, author of Lies, Sex & Betrayal, shares five ways in which your man may be making you fat, and what you can do about it.
1. His unhealthy eating habits
From romantic dinners to cozy evenings watching television and munching popcorn on the sofa, spending time with your other half can be a high-calorie affair. How do you deal with this? Firstly, there is no rule that says that you have to eat when your partner is eating. If he gets home late or wants a snack when you’re not hungry, it’s OK to enjoy a glass of water while he eats. Remember that your body and metabolism are different from your partner’s. If he insists that you “just have a little”, or uses the “I don’t want to eat alone” line, emphasise that spending time together is what really matters most and gently remind him that eating when you’re not hungry is like trying to sleep when you’re not tired.
2. Spoiling you with sweet treats
Which woman doesn’t want to be spoilt rotten especially by the man in her life? But what do you do when he’s opting to give you calorie-laden gifts to show his affection? Let him know that you do love and appreciate his kind gestures but instead of chocolate covered strawberries or pastries, you would prefer things that are not as fattening. You can even remind him that you do appreciate being reminded of his love in little ways like leaving love notes or mushy text messages.
3. Binge eating after a break up
Every woman is guilty of this – investing in a relationship and then having it dissolve just so can send anyone into a slump. What is your strategy to counteract this low point? Forsaking your diet and finding comfort in a tub of ice cream or a slice of cake with extra frosting? Get ahold of yourself! Reclaim your life and your figure! Instead of moping around the house and eating uncontrollably, schedule a girl only rendezvous, grab that little black dress and get right back out there.
4. When he comments on your body
Your man may make harsh remarks about your body at times without giving it a second thought. Whether he says these things to you when you are alone or with other people, there is no doubt that whatever he says really does hit deep. Telling you that you need more padding in certain areas like your butt or your breasts can cause any woman to forsake her diet altogether in an effort to gain weight. Rather than picking apart your features one by one, practise embracing yourself as a whole. Your beauty is more than skin deep. Have a conversation with your partner and explain to him that you are uncomfortable with a few of his remarks about you and your body. If he is unwilling to change, maybe then it is time to call it quits.
5. Baby weight
Yes, you both want a child, but in the end who is left holding the bag? You, of course. Having a child is no joke especially when it comes to gaining weight. But not to worry, now that the baby is out it is time for you to get back that figure of yours that you first used to hook him in the first place. So grab some dumbbells or run in the mornings. Better yet, take your partner along with you in the mornings as your shed those pregnancy pounds.
