So the honeymoon is over. You've been with your partner for a while, and you're starting to notice your habits, and make comparisons about the way you both handle things. You can find yourself wondering if you've been doing things the wrong way for years, and you can even find yourself feeling embarrassed about silly things. And, among my female friends, I've noticed the biggest concern is worrying about how much food you consume in comparison to your SO. But there are so many reasons not to be embarrassed about eating more than your partner.
For starters, if you're concerned with the amount of food you're eating, it should be because you're concerned with you're eating. Not because you're concerned with the amount of food you're eating compared to another person, be it your partner, your friends, or your family. Food and nutrition should be considered on a person by person basis. There's no generalizing how much food a person should or shouldn't eat. Especially because food is so personal to so many people. If you're concerned with your eating habits, or think there might be something larger happening with your relationship with food, you should seek out help from a nutritionist or a counselor. If you're simply feeling embarrassed about eating more than your partner, here are some solid reasons that there's no need to be ashamed.
1
It's Not About Quantity
Maybe your partner only eats one big meal a day, and focuses on proteins. If you feel like you're eating more than your partner throughout the day, or at a specific meal, this doesn't mean much at all. It's about what you put into your body, not how much.
2
Every Body Is Different
The Harvard School of Public Health says there isn’t one "perfect" diet for everyone. Everyone's body is different, due to genes and metabolisms. There's no prescribed amount of food for a group of people, because there's so much to take into account. So rather than comparing your intake to that of your partner, remember that you're individuals, and your necessities will differ.
3
Eating Habits Are Personal
I'm sure you've heard that comparison is the thief of joy. Just like most everything else in life, comparing your food intake to someone else's is sure to rob you of any pleasure you're finding in that delicious meal. Maybe your partner's lazy. Maybe they spent all day eating snacks and could only stomach half of your date night dinner. Rather than being embarrassed, tell them to hand the plate over — you don't want food to go to waste.
4
Food Is Your Choice
Although nutrition experts at Harvard have created what they refer to as a "Healthy Eating Plate," it's important to remember that your eating habits are yours. The food you choose to eat is yours. You want a salad? Get that salad. You want a burger? Get that burger. Your food, your choice.
5
Your Partner Probably Doesn't Even Notice
There's a good chance your partner hasn't even noticed whether or not you're eating more than them. And if your partner has noticed and is saying negative things to you, it's time to reevaluate your relationship. But chances are good that the only person watching the plates is you.
6
Some People Just Don't Appreciate Food
This may be hard to believe, but there are some people out there who just don't love food. The only reason I even believe this phenomenon is because I have a brother who couldn't be paid to take an interest in food. He just doesn't love it. That doesn't mean those people are better or worse than you. It just means they function differently when it comes to food.
7
Who Cares How Much You Eat?!
Honestly, who cares?! Shake off those societal dieting constructs and eat whatever, and however much you please. As long as you're comfortable with yourself, what else matters? Take pride in your body, in your health, and let that confidence shine.
