On The Bachelor NZ, their special bond survived 20 single women desperately trying to come between them. And since falling for each other in the public eye, they’ve weathered relentless rumours that their fairytale romance is a sham.
But when Arthur Green and Matilda Rice confess that there’s been tension in their relationship, it’s a surprise to hear that the source of the problem is a diet and exercise manual!
Six months ago, when he embarked on penning his first book – Eat Clean Live Lean, a healthy-living guide dedicated to the Paleo nutrition regime – sculpted Art was forced to sacrifice precious moments with his blonde babe.
“It took up a lot of my time,” says the 27-year-old business owner, whose writing dreams began when he managed a small gym in the dry, sparsely populated Western Australia mining region of Pilbara in 2012. “It was tough trying to focus on writing while managing my Clean Paleo work and, most importantly, finding time to spend with Matty.
“On the weekends, she would want to do things I wouldn’t be able to do because I’d have to write. We’d compromise and I’d go and write at her house, but she was the worst distraction. She’d sit on Instagram and bug me with cute pictures of dogs or offers of food.”
But with Eat Clean Live Lean now in stores and selling like (Paleo) hotcakes, Art’s admirable commitment to his long-held goal has paid off and the young lovebirds can finally enjoy their first long, hot summer together.
Soaking up the sun on our sexy beach shoot, Art and Matilda are in their element, stealing flirtatious hugs and kisses at every opportunity, and constantly complimenting one another on how good they look.
“We’ve never had a summer together,” smiles Matilda, 25. “Only a winter, which was great for getting to know each other – and spooning – but summer is when all the fun happens! And after such a crazy first year, we’ve both been counting down to the holidays.
“Together, we’ve starred on a TV show and found each other, and I’ve changed jobs, while Art has beaten up an All Black for charity and written a book. I’m just so proud of him. It’s such
an awesome achievement.”
Mind makeover
While Matilda confesses she’s yet to finish reading Art’s book, one look at the media sales executive’s bikini body shows she’s already reaping the rewards of dating a fitness buff.
“I’ve been pretty good with my eating and exercise because I’m on the summer shred,” says Matilda, who has switched to a Paleo diet, which puts an emphasis on eating low-carb wholefoods, since dating Art.
“I’m as disciplined as possible with food and I work out a lot more than I used to, which I actually enjoy because Art’s always so active and up for anything, so exercising doesn’t feel like a chore any more.
“I’ve lost a measly one kilo on the scales, but I feel way stronger, more toned and fitter than I’ve ever been. A few years ago, in London, I went through a stage where I was obsessed with losing weight. I ate next to nothing and got super-skinny, but it wasn’t sustainable and it was really unhealthy.
“Art’s taught me lots about balance. He’s helped me see that dieting is silly, and your focus should be health and overall wellbeing instead. Paleo works for us. It doesn’t feel forced or unnatural. We just do it by default. Balance also means treating ourselves from time to time!”
Almond croissants, dark chocolate, ice cream and red wine are all still on the menu for Matilda, who makes time for one personal-training session a week. Art, meanwhile, exercises morning and night, but it’s the couple’s joint workouts he enjoys the most. Together they play tennis, touch rugby and netball, run and love fine-tuning their physiques in the gym.
“We do leg days once a week,” says Art, “then it takes us about a week to get over it because our legs are so sore. Matty’s really good – I know she tries really hard, which I love. We both go the extra mile in front of each other.”
Matilda nods, adding, “In the beginning of our relationship, there was all this talk about me dating ‘Mr Fitness’. Did that mean I was letting him down if I wasn’t super-ripped? But that’s definitely not the case. Art makes me feel good about my body in every way. It sounds a bit naff, but when you have someone who genuinely loves you, there’s no bigger confidence boost.
“I still have my days when I wish I was a little thinner or had a smaller waist, like most people do, but my body is my body – I can’t change it and it’s a pretty amazing contraption. I love that Art always tells me I look great just the way I am.”
Flashing Matilda a mega-watt grin, Art insists, “Well, it’s true!”
It’s clear that almost a year to the day since Art locked eyes on his girlfriend-to-be, exiting a limo on the first day of filming The Bachelor NZ, and nine months since they made their union official on the sandy shores of the Gold Coast in the TV3 show’s finale, the smitten twosome’s love is stronger than it’s ever been.
“We couldn’t be happier,” confirms Matilda. “I make sure I tell and show Art how much he means to me every single day.”
“It’s great to feel appreciated,” smiles Art. “When people don’t feel loved, I think that’s one of the biggest downfalls in a relationship.” He puts their lack of bickering down to the open and honest communication in their relationship.
“I love what we have,” Matilda concludes. “Art’s always looking out for me and that really touches my heart.”