Youre doing your weekly grocery shopping andmeal prep, kicking ass in the kitchen making delicious, balanced meals.
Youre also living with bae, and bae is not getting on board with your new healthy lifestyle.
Eventually disagreements and arguments ensue.
Chelsea Kyle. Prop and food styling by Beatrice Chastka.
Being in a relationship can have a strong impact on food choices.
This is especially true if you live with your partner.
So what happens when someone wants to change the way they eat but their partner isnt on board?
Theyre usually pumped about the lifestyle changes theyve made and want their partners to get on board too.
Things tend to go left shortly after that.
Ive had couples literally get into screaming matches in my office about this topic.
Here are some strategies Ive used in my nutrition practice to help address this particular situation.
Boundaries: Make them, agree to them, respect them.
We are separate from our partners.
Autonomy within a relationship is important, and that goes for food autonomy too.
If a diet change is not something your partner is interested in doing, then you should respect that.
Pressuring or shaming your partner into healthy eating isand I cant stress this enoughnot a good long-term approach.
And its also not one that will be good for your relationship.
Honestly, always keep doing you.
I understand that life can be easier when you and your partner are aligned with the way you eat.
I totally get that its less of a headache in the kitchen and when going out to eat.
However, if thats not happening for whatever reason, continue to do you.
Eat the foods that make you happy and help you feel your best.
Take this time to be mindful of what foods bring you a balance of satisfaction and nutrition.
Assess how your mind and body feels when you eat a variety of foods.
Lean into community.
We put so much pressure on one person to fulfill all of our needs.
Partner not interested or not ready to make changes?
Okay, lets talk about all of the other people you have in your life who are.
If youre not able to meet up in person, text or video-chat work really well too!
Create opportunities for food-related bonding that youre both into.
Go food shopping together, and ask for input on what theyre interested in eating for the week.
Keep in mind that eating does not have to look the same for both of you.
Perhaps you want sweet potatoes and your partner wants white rice.
This is totally okay!
you could still create the opportunity to bond over food in ways that satisfy both of your cravings.
And while were on the topic, make a run at find ways to prepare meals together.
