Freshman 15

She can’t be entirely responsible for coining the phrase, but Cameron Diaz was recently overheard saying she’s trying to get down to her “date weight” since breaking up with Justin Timberlake a few months back. Never mind the fact that she’s already a stick, I’d never heard that expression before.

Date weight is the weight you’re at when you’re on the prowl. Or in a broader sense, just looking healthy and refreshed … like a mini-peel. Your date weight is like a never-ending photo shoot because the scores of models you seen in perfume or underwear ads don’t always look like that. Besides the fact that they’re airbrushed, models and bodybuilding competitors don’t keep an average 8% body fat on a regular … I assure you. The same can be said about flawless skin. I say it’s like a photo shoot because these people diet to no end and drop weight just to get the perfect photograph, a moment in time. But that’s not to say they put weight back on afterwards because let’s face it, their careers depend on how fabulous they look. But again, it’s not on a regular and there are fluctuations. (Just look at Tyra.)

So there you are posing at the local meat market. Thin as all get out. You’re at your date weight. And you look amazing. Then, a relationship walks in (or some other life wrench, wanted or unwanted … illness, promotion, pregnancy). Months later, settled and loving and “I love you for what’s inside,” you start packing on the junk. And the adage becomes reality … being in a relationship adds pounds. It’s the freshman 15. For lovers.

Staring at your junk in the mirror, you begin to wonder “What the fu^k?” Because just yesterday your fat caliper said you were at 11%. Or in Cameron Diaz’ case, 1%.

Complacency maybe. Too busy juggling work, social life, partner and chores to hit the gym. (How couples with children do it is beyond me.) Freaking out you start trying little tricks like standing a lot or washing dishes by hand. Chewing gum, frequent small meals, a 10-minute walk after dinner … anything to burn an extra calorie.

I say this because it’s exactly what I do, though I think most of my “weightiness” is in my head because I haven’t in fact gained weight (at least not blatantly) … rather just become lazy. And consequently, a bit obsessive. I try not to blame anything or anyone … like turning 30, a hot significant other, or dessert (which I rarely gave in to prior to being in a relationship).

It just made me laugh when I heard Diaz call it date weight. Because that’s exactly what it is. But I think you can have both by engaging your other half in physical activity and doing things together that break sweats. Even if it’s just a walk around the block. Or a romp in the sack. The important thing is to do it together. Because once one of you starts looking trim and getting the attention of others (not that you didn’t before), your partner may start to become overbearing. Or you may want to take the new you out for a walk, which is maybe why Justin and Cameron broke it off.

I mean, he did bring “sexy back.”