Your guide to dating while losing weight
First dates are challenging. But with a little know-how, you can meet your goals — and the love of your life.
It was a wonderful Thursday evening. We were on our first date: He made a reservation; we shared several tasty small plates and dessert. I indulged a little bit, but I didn’t mind because we’d made a connection. To me, it was worth it.
But first dates don’t always work out that way. Sometimes you find yourself glugging a second glass of wine just to survive while the dud across from you expresses his or her concern for the declining fertility rate. Or sometimes, you feel so anxious about how it’s going that you mindlessly munch all evening. You know what? Not worth it.
Dating and living a healthy lifestyle don’t go hand in hand. I get it; I’m a single girl who has lost 50 pounds* over the past three years. But if you plan ahead, you’ll be able to stay on track while you figure out if he’s Mr. Right.
Before:Pre-Program your evening
Check off a few healthy to-dos from your list: Fit in a workout and have a protein-packed snack about an hour beforehand so “hangry” doesn’t kick in. Try an apple with peanut butter or fat-free yogurt with fruit.
It’s normal to start feeling self-doubt, especially before a first date. If you start getting cold feet while getting dressed, take a few long, deep breaths to calm those anxieties. “Affirmations are key. If you’re not feeling good about yourself, find a different viewpoint,” says Donna Barnes, life and relationship coach and author of Giving Up Junk Food Relationships. “Tell yourself, ‘I’m beautiful’ and ‘I’m confident.’ Your perception becomes your reality.”
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