Divorced, Dieting & Dating
Are you feeling self-conscious about the extra weight you gained during the pandemic?
You're not alone! A recent survey revealed that 42% of adults in the United States experienced weight gain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a dating coach and matchmaker, I empathize with the concerns my clients have about the ways their weight and health impacts their dating experiences. That's why I've teamed up with my dear friend and expert, Brigitte Weil, a matchmaker and food coach, to bring you valuable insights and tips on how to navigate the dating scene with confidence.
Join us as we dive deep into the intersection of dating and food.
Brigitte, you're a food coach and matchmaker. How do the two work together?
The two are actually separate companies and my skillset is the common denominator. I’m very good at helping people get what they want who have had struggles on their own, whether it’s losing weight or finding love. I’ve been a food coach for over 2 decades, and was recruited into the matchmaking industry 8 years ago.
Who do you work with?
I work with anyone who raises their hand and says they need help reaching their weight loss goals and have not been able to do it on their own. I only require their sincere desire to make changes in their daily life and then I give them the blueprint, hold them accountable, and see them through to their goals.
How do you work with them?
I spend initial time learning about them and their eating habits and what has worked in the past and what has not. I am very realistic about the plans that I personalize for my clients - all food plans and strategies that accompany those plans need to be realistic to fit in with one’s lifestyle, budget, work schedule, family life, etc.
What do your food coaching clients have to say about dating after their weight loss/health journey? Is it easier? More fun? The same?
Confidence is super sexy! Even if they have only started their journey and taken off a couple of pounds, their clothes fit a bit less tight and they feel more energy and more positive and this is a very appealing quality to those I introduce them to as well. Confidence is contagious and very hot :)
For people who may not be happy with their current weight or shape, do you recommend waiting to date until they've reached their goal or for them to date before?
That is a decision that is unique for every individual which we discuss along the way. I do though strongly believe that being on a weight loss journey, or any road to self-improvement is very positive and displays openness and honesty, and the desire to be at one’s very best, so one does not need to be at their desired goal before stepping out on the dating scene.
What advice would you give to someone starting their weight loss journey?
Be gentle on yourself! Losing weight is hard and anybody that tells you it is easy is lying. It is a process that takes patience, TLC, and behavioral change, which does not happen overnight, but I do promise one does get better at it, especially when they are accountable to me!
What does society get wrong about plus-sized men and women and dating?
A lot! It is an assumption that men and women who are overweight are not happy or not successful or do not care about themselves. That is simply not true. People of all sizes may be unhappy or not successful, and do not care about themselves. And a lot of men and women are indeed attracted to men and women who are plus-sized, it’s a preference like being drawn to a man who is bald, or has a full head of hair, or a woman who is short vs. tall.
What is your favorite part of being a food coach?
Teaching people how to make sustainable change in their life that last forever is hugely rewarding. I have clients that I worked with decades ago that I run into from time to time and they tell me that they STILL hear my voice in their head. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that I have facilitated a permanent positive change in one’s life that has increased their happiness.
