NEW YORK — Over half of 2,000 surveyed Americans with romantic partners make efforts to hide their unhealthy eating habits from their better halves, according to a new survey.
In all, 71% of respondents make unhealthy dietary choices behind their partner’s back, and 55% have tried to hide food in their home from their partner. Meanwhile, 70% actively lie to their partner about their eating habits. The research was commissioned by the food company Sabra.
The survey tried to uncover how diets impact relationships. The majority (68%) of respondents said their romantic partner negatively influences their eating habits, while 54% said that eating a nutritious diet would improve the health of their relationship. All in all, 64% said their relationship as a whole has seen better days.
Americans in relationships appear to really need some help improving their diets. Nearly half (49%) of respondents said they trust their partner to remind them to stick to their healthy eating goals. On the bright side, 75% even said that they’ve influenced their partner to lead a healthier life overall.
Another 77% said their partner positively influenced their overall life and wellbeing, helping 62% of survey respondents eat healthier, and 59% exercise more often.
The survey indicated that many people don’t only rely on romantic partners to create and maintain healthy habits. In addition, 34% said they need their best friend to hold them accountable for their nutrition and exercise decisions, and 28% put their trust in a coworker to ensure they maintain healthy eating habits.
Loved ones tend to encourage more healthy habits than just nutrition and exercise. For example, 54% of romantic partners encourage their counterparts to save money, while 53% actively remind them to love themselves, or maintain a positive attitude towards life (41%).
With Valentine’s Day approaching, how many couples forget their nutrition and exercise regimens for the holiday? Well, 42% consider Valentine’s Day a “cheat day” for food.
The survey respondents were also asked to compare their relationships to food. The top choices were melted mac and cheese and spaghetti and meatballs. The top vegetarian comparisons were peanut butter and jelly and creamy hummus with a warm pita.
“Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romance and relationships, but let’s face it, not every relationship is as healthy as it could be,” says Sabra CMO Jason Levine in a statement. “Enjoying foods you feel great about eating with someone you love may be just what you need to smooth things over and swipe right.”
The survey was conducted by OnePoll.