10 Healthy Date Night Ideas That Support Weight Loss

Whether you’re going out with someone new or enjoying quality time with your long-term partner, the best date nights often have a few things in common: fun, relaxation and delicious food. As such, it’s perfectly OK and normal to schedule“cheat” meals, thoroughlyenjoy the 20 in your 80/20 diet, or go over your calorie goals from time to time. But, if you’re tired of spending the evening in front of the TV orovereatingwhen you dine out, there are plenty of ways you canadd fitness and nutrition to your dates— while still keeping it exciting.

“A virtual cooking class is a fun date night activity toimprove your cooking skillsand confidence in the kitchen, which will benefit you on your weight-loss journey,” saysBrittany Crump, RD. Look for a class taught by aregistered dietitiantosharpen your culinary skillswhile learning how to create abalanced, healthy and low-calorie mealat home. Make it especially thoughtful by choosing a cuisine style that interests your partner.

The COVID-19 pandemic has postponed manyinternational walking tours, but you can stillexplore new corners of your city. “Pick out a few major landmarks to visit, and you’ll up your step count in no time,” suggestsGrady Bridges, a certified personal trainer. Another pro tip: “Walk with a coffeein hand, and you’ll be less inclined to pick up something to eat.”

To incorporate more physical activity into your day (and socially distance, if necessary), a bike tour is a perfect date. If you don’t have a bike, it’s easy to pick up some rentals or use abike sharefor a few hours. “Find a local trail to ride and stop at outdoor attractions on the way to explore your city,” suggests Crump. Bonus points: “Pack a healthy meal to have a picnicat a local park on your path.” Compared to takeout, homemade meals tend to be far lower in calories and allow you the opportunity to personalize your picks (Think: a romanticcharcuterie spreador your partner’sfavorite dessert).

Rent some kayaks, and you’ve got an adventurous—yet intimate—date night ahead, especially if you schedule your paddle for sunset over the water. “Kayakingis great for weight loss because you cantorch caloriesby engaging your core and upper body,” says Max Grossman, a certified personal trainer and founder and director ofHealth Engineered.

“Ask your partner if they’d be yourworkout buddyso you can spend time together while working on yourselves,” saysChris Higgins, a certified personal trainer. Plan an active date, whether that’s achallenging HIIT workout,weightlifting session,bodyweight workoutor even avirtual group fitness class. A big pro: Research shows you’ll likelypush yourself harder to impress them(win-win!). Afterward, you can chat over a cooldown walk, then refuel with ahealthy dinner.

For a unique, fun date night, visit your local ax-throwing establishment. Sure, throwing darts and playing pool can be fun, but ax-throwing can get you out of your comfort zone, bring out your competitive side and burn more calories. “It’s a greatupper-body workout, and most places have it set up in a way where you are still socially distanced from others,” saysRamsey Bergeron, a certified personal trainer.

“A hike up a mountain peak can help youreconnect with nature, de-stress, build strength and test your endurance,” says Higgins. Better yet, you’ll be many miles away from fast food and canfuel your hikewithhealthy snacks. For a romantic touch, look for a trail withsweeping panoramic viewsor find a hike that ends somewhere special, like a campsite for stargazing. If you’renew to hiking, just remember to start small and graduallybuild your way up to longer, more challenging hikes.

If you miss hitting the club forhip-hop dancingor wish you could take sexy salsa classes, there’s no reason you can’t while safe at home with your partner. Take avirtual dancing class,follow along on YouTube, make a playlist with your favorite songs and get dressed up for a fancy night in, or play a lighthearted dancing game together. For instance, Bergeron and his wife enjoy “dance-offs” on the Xbox game Just Dance. “It’s usually hilarious, and you’re not sure if you’re out of breath from laughing or dancing,” he says.

Looking to strengthen your relationship or lighten the mood? “The word ‘yoga’ means ‘union,’ and doing yoga poses together does just that,” saysVirna Lichter, a certified yoga teacher and meditation coach. If it’s safe for you, doingyogatogether with avirtual instructorcan help improve your cooperation and connection andsupport weight lossby getting you moving and easing stress. Up the romance with rose petals, candles and a fresh bowl of fruit to enjoy after practice, suggests Lichter.

Stress triggers a surge in hormonesthat canincrease cravingsandhinder weight loss. That’s where amassage therapy sessionwith your partner could make for a fun, stress-relieving date night that also supports weight loss goals. “You don’t have to be a pro togive a good massage— it’s less about technique and more about being in tune with each other,” says Lichter. “Start with the hands, shoulders and feet and use touch and questions to get to know what your partner wants and needs,” she says.

Discover hundreds of healthy recipes — from high protein to low carb — via“Recipe Discovery”in the MyFitnessPal app.