You have probably already heard of the notorious “newlywed spread.” The seemingly inevitable weight gain post-wedding is the dread of many brides and even grooms who worked so hard to be in their best shape for the big day.
Studies have shown that happy couples, particularly newlyweds, tend to gain weight after their marriage. This means that the more satisfied and comfortable a couple becomes, the less they pay attention to the need to look good to attract a mate.
Still, looking and feeling your best is not purely for appearance’s sake! A healthy amount of attention to your looks during your married life helps you stay fit and happy.
Practical Tips to Keep Look and Feel Great in Your Marriage
As you settle into married life, it is important not to neglect health and fitness. Here are some ways to keep prioritizing your overall well-being in your marriage:
1. Have a good skincare routine.
Your routine does not just make you look better. It helps prevent acne, blemishes, wrinkles, and other skin issues from coming up. You should remember: prevention is better than cure, even when it comes to skincare.
In an interview with Good Housekeeping, dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern says there are three main parts of a skincare routine: cleansing, treating, and moisturizing. While cleansing and moisturizing are straightforward enough, treating usually includes the use of serums, spot treatments, and eye creams.
Your daytime routine should always conclude with broad-spectrum sunscreen, too. It protects your skin from sunburn and problems such as skin cancer and early aging. You can even supplement your regimen with botox treatments that keep your skin looking younger for longer.
2. Plan your activities and meals with your spouse.
Since you are married now, there is one other person to consider in planning your workouts and diet plans. Your activities will inevitably affect your spouse’s schedule, so it is important to communicate and even work with them to create your plans.
Include them in your fitness activities. It is a great opportunity to bond more with your partner and an effective way to stay motivated. Having someone to work through the process with you makes it feel more like a team effort.
Your weekly meal plans are also important to develop with the help of your spouse. The day’s responsibilities can make you compromise and just settle for takeout. Take into account your preferences and dietary restrictions, set up a meal plan ahead, and when you can, prepare the food even before the week starts. This way, you don’t have a chance to consider unhealthy choices midway through the busy week.
3. Communicate your goals with your spouse.
Alongside involving your spouse in your plans, you should also let them know what your goals are. Note that it is easier to put in the work when you have a concrete goal in mind, such as “lose 10 pounds by the end of August” or “get at least seven hours of sleep nightly for the next two weeks.” This way, your spouse can keep you accountable and track your progress.
Also, it just feels much more fulfilling when you have someone to celebrate your milestones with, and there is no better person than your spouse to join you in commemorating these victories!
4. Make dates your cheat days.
Completely cutting off all the delicious, high-sugar and high-calorie meals will just leave you feeling deprived. It is okay to set up days to indulge a little (not too much!) on those meals. Make them even more exciting by planning your date nights around cheat days so that you and your spouse have plenty of options for what to eat.
Cheat meals are also a good time to take a break from doing all the meal preps yourselves. Order some food to eat at home or dine out at a fancy restaurant. You both have worked hard to keep to your healthy diet and fitness plans, so reward yourselves a little!
5. Do it for your health.
Maintaining your appearance is a valid aspiration. However, good skin, a balanced diet, and a fit body should not be focused on this alone. All three contribute to living a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled married life—looking great is a pleasant byproduct of those efforts.
Lastly, you may see the goals you set as a way to “fix” something wrong about yourself. While breaking bad habits is good—especially when you want to build a family—you should see your efforts in a positive light. Ultimately, you are nurturing a lifestyle that prioritizes your family’s health and well-being, even into the future.
