Indian weddings are often dubbed ‘big fat weddings’ for good reason. They feature extravagant celebrations, bountiful feasts, and a range of cultural events that are hard to forget. Leading up to the big day, engaged couples typically focus extensively on their health and appearance, ensuring they look their best. However, once the wedding is over, many couples find that their commitment to self-care diminishes significantly. Over a year or two, it’s not uncommon for couples to surpass their ideal healthy weight. While some see this as a natural transition, fitness expert Sanya Wadhera offers a different perspective.
In a recent post on X, Wadhera highlighted that maintaining health is often overlooked in the list of priorities that come with an arranged marriage in India, which can contain up to 50 items—none of which pertain to wellness.
Why Couples Prioritize Fitness Before the Wedding
Leading up to the wedding, many engaged couples establish rigorous self-care routines. Whether it’s fitting into their dream wedding outfits or achieving glowing skin, there’s a lot of motivation to invest in wellness. Missing a gym session or neglecting skincare appointments is often not an option. Wadhera affirms this behavior, noting that before the wedding, couples are typically in the best shape of their lives.
What Happens After the Wedding?
Unfortunately, the weeks and months following the wedding often entail a marked decline in fitness and wellness habits. According to Wadhera, there are a few reasons why newlyweds may see an increase in weight:
- Merged Routines: Before marriage, individuals control their eating, sleeping, and exercise habits. However, after tying the knot, routines can merge, making it easier for couples to adopt the less disciplined habits of their partner.
- Increased Social Obligations: With both partners saying ‘yes’ to every social invitation, the opportunities for indulgent meals increase. Weekends can become packed with dinners, functions, and events, putting pressure on the couple to indulge.
- The “Settling Down” Mindset: Many couples start using “settled down” as an excuse to let their fitness routines slip, making it easier to prioritize comfort over health. This mentality can lead to a cycle of mutual enablement, where both partners co-sign unhealthy choices.
Resuming Your Health Journey
Fortunately, it is never too late to reclaim your health and fitness. Here are some practical strategies for couples looking to get back on track:
- Open Dialogue: Initiate a meaningful conversation—not about diets, but about how you both feel regarding your physical health. Honest discussions can dramatically change your approach to well-being.
- Shared Meals: Start by choosing one meal a day to prepare and eat together, focusing on wholesome, real foods. This small change can create a ripple effect towards healthier eating habits.
- Find Joint Activities: Dedicate at least 30 minutes to a shared physical activity, whether it’s a post-dinner walk or a weekend workout session. Doing something together is key to mutual motivation.
- Hold Each Other Accountable: Rather than enabling unhealthy habits, encourage each other to stay on track. Saying “Let’s skip today” might feel comforting, but supporting each other’s efforts leads to better outcomes.
In a world increasingly focused on chasing trends, the essence of wellness should be prioritized. As Sanya Wadhera emphasized, “Settling down doesn’t have to mean giving up.” Couples can cultivate their health and happiness together, ensuring that their journey remains as fulfilling as their love story.
Conclusion
Neglecting wellness after marriage is a common pitfall for many couples, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By fostering open communication and supporting each other in healthier choices, couples can regain control over their fitness journeys. It’s time to prioritize your well-being together—because a healthy partnership is a happy partnership.
