by Nicole Burley, Jan Hempstead, Shelley Chapman

Exercise together. Even if you don’t want to go to the gym together, take a long, brisk walk together or ride bikes. If you’re more daring, try something like zumba, a major calorie burner, or salsa dancing lessons.

1. Share WHY it matters to you. As you discuss your feelings and desires to get to a healthier place together, try to be open and kind. Talk about why it’s important to each of you that you stay fit, trim and healthy and try to think long-term for your overall health and longevity together.

2. Make sure you believe in your goal for YOU. Getting healthy for someone else is a short-term fix. Make sure that YOU have your own clear reasons for wanting to be healthy, regardless of your partner.

3. Go Green. Instead of driving, walk or ride your bicycles. The simple act of choosing to walk to your favorite spot instead of driving can take pounds off your waist line in the long run.

4. Avoid “Mr. Jiggle.“ While we all love giving our partner’s body part’s cute names, it may not always be cute. Be mindful that weight gain can be sensitive for some, so try placing kisses NOT comments on your partner’s bodies. Let them know that you support their efforts to be in shape.

5. Have a Menage a Trois. That’s right, it’s a party for three! Look at the relationship you have with food and encourage your partner to do the same. Create your own beneficial relationship with food as a couple so that food supports your body goal’s in a fun and nutritional way instead of one that, well, weighs you down.

7. Make eating a shared and enjoyable time. Shop together for healthy foods; plan fun, healthy menus; try out new recipes; cook together.

8. Exercise together. Even if you don’t want to go to the gym together, take a long, brisk walk together or ride bikes. If you’re more daring, try something like zumba, a major calorie burner, or salsa dancing lessons. Dancing does wonders for couples and bodies!

9. Lead by example. There’s no better way to encourage healthy habits in another than by practicing them yourself. If you start eating healthier or getting more exercise, your partner will—by nature—follow suit. Don’t expect overnight results for this one, but be patient, it’s sure to happen.

10. Compliment each other’s efforts. We can’t say this enough. With all of the negative talk in our heads about our bodies, it’s powerful to hear from your partner that they see thebeauty on your inside AND outside. Notice each other’s efforts and progress—and say sumthin’ nice!

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.