What to do if you have different tastes in food: 5 ways to find a compromise with your partner

Even such an insignificant detail as food preferences can ruin your relationship with your loved one and become a reason for disagreements. What to do if your partner does not share with you the desire for a healthy lifestyle?

Nutriciologist, specialist in eating behavior and weight psychology

If you have decided to eat right and your partner doesn’t want to change his or her eating habits, it’s worth discussing rules that will suit both of you. In most cases, it is possible to reach an agreement.

What to do if your partner does not support your choice

Actually, there’s nothing wrong with you and your partner having different food preferences. First, you need to recognize that everyone is different and that’s okay. Everyone has the right to adhere to their chosen views, especially if it concerns taste preferences.

psychologist, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology of Synergy University

The main thing is not to keep quiet, everything should be discussed. That is, the situation when one quietly throws away food, pretending that everything was delicious, sooner or later will lead to resentment and the desire to part. Also, you can’t force each other to like something and impose your opinion.

First we outline the problem, share our preferences, without trying to change each other’s minds. Then we look for ways to solve the situation, discuss what concessions each of you is willing to make, outline our boundaries and come to an agreement.

Remember that initially different food preferences are not a problem. The only question is how willing you are to be honest with each other and work on the relationship, trying to understand and accept your partner’s interests.

Nutritionist Tips

Divide the shelves in your refrigerator. Set aside one or two for your groceries. Talk to your partner and explain why it’s important for you to eat right. What will it do for your partner? For example, you need to get your health in order or you want to lose or gain weight.

About how to properly store food in the refrigerator, told in the material.

Interest your partner. Look for benefits that will allow your partner to be interested in your lifestyle. By the way, in most cases, the person you love will pull up over time. Especially if you demonstrate good health and visible results.

Make arrangements ahead of time. Ask your partner not to bring “unhealthy” food into the house if possible. Or bring only as much as he or she will eat at a time. Tell him not to stock up on food. Or keep them in a sealed container. It’s hard to stick to a healthy diet when you’re distracted by forbidden goodies.

Look for common ground. We are all different and like different foods. Cook your own, cook your partner’s favorite. Try new recipes, dishes, foods. You may find something you both like.

For example, a delicious and healthy version of a side dish for dinner – broccoli. How to cook it properly, told in the article.

Look for a compromise. Agree in advance that, for example, today you eat your favorite dish, and tomorrow what your partner likes. This, by the way, an excuse to go to a restaurant together and taste new dishes. At the same time you will show your loved one that you care about his tastes and you are willing to compromise. This is a great bonding experience.

As you can see, it is important to learn how to negotiate and understand your partner.