Is Your Boyfriend Making You Fat?

Flashing a seductive smile, you giggle softly as your gorgeous dinner date orders a double mocha brownie with two forks. Your conscience says no, but your heart says yes. Rather than spoil the moment discussing the benefits of healthy nutrition, you rationalize, promise to amp up your next workout… and take a bite.

One bite turns into two and two turns in to half the dessert with another glass of red wine. Then it hits you…. “Wow, I just consumed a #$% number of calories!” Back at your apartment well after midnight, you fall into bed knowing full well you won’t make it to your regular 5:30 a.m. Spinning® class.

The next night, he invites you over to watch the game with his buddies and you soon find yourself surrounded by pizza, brownies, and other tailgate horrors. One bite here and there turns into one serving, then two, and so on… sound familiar? For some reason, men have a way of influencing a woman’s nutrition program in a negative way. Even top supermodel, Marisa Miller, confessed to gaining 10 lbs for the two months of dating her husband.

So, what to say and do without sounding self-centered, or being worried about acting like some health nut? Well, ladies, there is a way to make dating fun and exciting while still sticking to your fitness protocol. Below are my top 4 tips for success!

1. Cheat on either your drink, meal, or dessert, but not all three. Everyone loves to enjoy themselves and be in the moment when they are with someone special. This tip allows you to indulge without going overboard.
2. Offer to make him dinner. This way you’ll be in control of the menu. You can even bring a fun dish that’s healthy if his friends are all watching the game. Chicken kabobs are great, with hummus or a light BBQ sauce.
3. Ask him to go on a walk with you. Not only is this date incredibly romantic, but it’s a good indicator of his activity level. If he’s not up for long walks, that’s usually a good sign he doesn’t care much about physical activity. At this point, maybe question if the relationship is going to fit with your lifestyle.
4. Hit the gym or go for a bike ride together. This is a fun and usually free date that allows time to get to know one another, verses sitting in a dark theater where you can’t even talk. So get a great workout in and earn that glass of Riesling!

Now that you’ve heard my tips on how I manage to date and stay on track with my fitness program, I want to hear YOUR best tips! Let me know how you survive!