Posted on 04/06/2006 1:32:13 AM PDT by MadIvan
Women develop worse diets and put on weight when they set up home with men but their partners benefit from improved eating habits, according to a report published yesterday.
Lifestyle changes were found to occur during a heterosexual couple's "honeymoon" period when they began cohabiting and tried hard to please each other.
It involved an adjustment in routines - including eating food previously favoured by only one of them. That could result in regular fruit and vegetables for him, but an increase in unhealthier foods for her.
Women generally had the strongest long-term influence on what was served, with the majority assuming the traditional role of food shopper and cook.
But they were also more likely to put on weight by starting to eat more foods that were high in fat and sugar.
At the same time men benefited from a reduction in "bad food" and an increase in healthier fare put before them.
Both sexes reported putting on weight after starting to live together, through a tendency to make less time for exercise, the ritual of a joint evening meal and contentment.
Women, however, were more inclined to use food as a "comfort zone" when dealing with emotional stress in the relationship.
They also gained weight after leaving relationships, although there was no such finding in men.
The study was carried out by Newcastle University's Human Nutrition Research Centre and is published in the current issue of Complete Nutrition.
Its findings are based on research projects conducted in the Britain, North America and Australia that considered the lifestyles of cohabiting heterosexual couples, including married couples.
Dr Amelia Lake, a registered dietician and research fellow at Newcastle University, believes the report highlights health issues that couples should address early in the relationship.
More men than women found their partner to be a positive influence on their diet, in terms of encouraging them to eat more fruit and vegetables and eating regular meals.
Dr Lake said: "You can't just blame an unhealthy lifestyle or diet on your partner, as there are many other things that affect what you eat and do.
"However, research has shown that your partner is a strong influence on lifestyle and people who are trying to live healthier lives should take this factor into consideration.
"Couples who move in together should use the opportunity of the honeymoon period to make positive changes to their diet and lifestyle by working together and supporting each other.
"But couples who have been in their relationships for longer should remember that it is never too late to make changes and again this needs team work."
Regards, Ivan
Ping!
I hang my head in shame, my wife was a vegetarian when I met here, we had a strict no kissing rule if I popped in the Kebab shop after a night out.
LOL but it did not take long before we started her back on meats, you cant beat the good old bacon sandwich, then Chicken, red meats and even kebabs
Having children impacts on meals even more.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
?????
In one of my apartments when I was a single twenty-something I never even bothered to plug in the stove. Actually I put a tablecloth over it and an aquarium on top. I did however have about a separate pizza place designated for each given night of the week. :)
It's been just the opposite for hubby and me... since we met I've lost 10 lbs, he's gained (x*&^$%#) lbs... why couldn't I be a terrible cook?
I want you,
I want you so bad.
I want you,
I want you so bad.
It's driving me mad,
It's driving me mad.
I want you.
I want you so bad, babe.
I want you,
I want you so bad,
It's driving me mad,
It's driving me mad.
I want you,
I want you so bad.
I want you,
I want you so bad.
It's driving me mad,
It's driving me mad.
I want you.
I want you so bad, babe.
I want you,
I want you so bad,
It's driving me mad,
It's driving me mad.
She's so heavy.
She's so heavy.
Seems like this is the conclusion for women: Darned if you do, darned if you don't!
LOL!! Opposite of me.
I cook tons of really great food that's really bad for weight. My Wife's big and I'm a rail. I wouldn't change a thing!
Live life to enjoy all you can.
Meteor hits planet Earth: Women and minorities hit hardest.
ugh.
I would also suggest that women hold alot of desk jobs and snacking can become a big habit while the working out part fades away.
They are trying to put us in a pigeon hole again I see. After my husband died in 2004, I quit cooking, it was to much trouble and a waste of food and money to try and cook for one. I've lost 30 pounds because it is simpler to throw a salad in a bowl and a bread stick in the toaster oven. Breakfast is a granola bar or a piece of fruit, sometimes a cheese omlette.
"Fat bottomed girls you make this rockin' world go round."
---Queen
I think you've got that backwards: It is men who go to pot with beer bellies, but G_d forbid if women stop paying attention to their figures. That's the real truth of the matter.
Unfortunately, there's no guarantee the guy won't just up and leave if they're not married. Of course, there's no hard-and-fast guarantee that won't happen even if you are.
Same thing happened to me. My husband passed away in 2003 and I lost 30. About a year ago I started having a serious relationship and I've gained it all back. I only cooked for myself and now it's for two and we go to dinner a lot. I think stress had a big impact on my weight loss.
"You are the perfect woman......:0)"
LOL~! well thank you!
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