With the arrival of Valentine’s Day, it is not uncommon to notice that, after some time together, some couples become comfortable with the distractions of everyday life and end up leaving their health on the back burner. However, in addition to strengthening bonds, sharing healthy habits, such as practicing physical activity regularly and maintaining a balanced diet, can increase the chances of maintaining these changes over time.

“Relationships play an important role in the formation and maintenance of new practices. When the couple develops a good openness to dialogue and structures a network of support and common goals, the tendency is for both to create a more balanced and healthy routine, through good nutrition and physical activity. This happens because people influence each other on a daily basis, whether by example, motivation or joint construction of a lifestyle that promotes well-being”, explains Rita Simões, nutritionist at Hospital Nove de Julho, from Rede Américas.

Organizing meals together is the first step towards a healthier routine

Structuring meals as a couple is a simple strategy that can significantly contribute to a healthier routine. Joint activities, such as plan the menu for the weekgoing to the supermarket and preparing meals, in addition to helping to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and increasing the presence of nutritious options in everyday life, add several health benefits, as well as building a new lifestyle.

“When the couple participates in planning and preparing meals, healthy eating stops being an individual responsibility and becomes part of the routine. This favors more balanced choices, increases adherence to good habits and contributes to making behavioral changes more sustainable in the long term”, adds the nutritionist.

Move together

Practicing physical activity as a couple can be an efficient way to make exercise more frequent and enjoyable. Whether walking, running, training at the gym, group classes or outdoor activities, the company of a partner can serve as an incentive to maintain regularity and overcome moments of demotivation.

In addition to the benefits for cardiovascular health, weight control and improving physical conditioning, exercising together also promotes interaction, strengthens complicity and creates opportunities to share goals and achievements. In this way, physical activity is no longer just an individual commitment and becomes part of the couple’s lifestyle.

A healthy life for two depends on small, continuous changes

Building healthy habits is a gradual process, which requires consistency, adaptation and patience. When this path is traveled together, it tends to become lighter and more pleasurable, as partners can share challenges, celebrate small achievements and support each other in times of difficulty.

Instead of seeing changes in diet, exercise or routine organization as obligations, the couple starts to see them as experiences lived together. “This sense of partnership increases motivation, strengthens commitment to established objectives and makes the journey in search of better health an opportunity for connection and growth for both”, concludes the expert.

By Barbara Penha