Breakup With Brunch! 10 Easy Ways To Lose Weight As A Couple

"I'm not in the market anymore, so I'm more relaxed and not so concerned about the physical part."

Your search for love is complete and now you're letting your looks go? You're not alone! Married (or cohabiting people) tend to settle into routines and become more sedentary than their single counterparts.

But here's the good news: since gaining weight also comes from a tendency to pick up your spouse's eating and exercise habits, it's also easier to use your partner as a weight-loss buddy and motivate each other to lose weight TOGETHER.

Plus, by embarking on a weightloss journey together, you increase your chances of sticking to the plan. This isn't just good news for your waistline—it's good news for the health and vitality of your relationship. After all, a happier you means a happier love life, right?

Here are 10 easy ways to jumpstart your weight loss plan—as a couple:

1. Share WHY it matters to you.
As you discuss your desire to get to a healthier place together, try to be open and kind. Talk about why staying fit, trim and healthy is important to each of you. Think long-term!

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's goals).

3. Get moving!
Instead of driving, walk or ride your bikes. The simple act of choosing to walk to your favorite spot instead of driving can take inches off your waistline in the long run.

4. Be careful not to insult your partner.
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 body. Let him know you support his efforts get in shape.

5. Have a ménage à trois ... with food.
That's right, it's a party for three! Analyze the relationship you have with food and encourage your partner to do the same. Create a positive relationship with food as a couple so that food supports your body goals in a fun and nutritional way instead of one that ... well, weighs you down.

6. Schedule regular fitness dates nights.
Plan your next date night around an activity that gets your hearts pumping and keeps you tied to your mutual weight loss goals. Some suggestions: plan a hike, ride bikes ride or a rock climbing lesson. Don't forget to pack a healthy picnic for when you're done!

7. Make an effort to enjoy mealtime.
How? Try to shop together for healthy foods, plan healthy menus together, try out new recipes and cook together. The most important word here is together.

8. Exercise as a team.
Even if you don't want to go to the gym together, make an effort to go on long walks together or ride bikes. If you're more daring, try something like Zumba or Salsa dancing lessons. Dancing does wonders for couples and bodies!

9. Lead by example.
The best way to encourage healthy habits in your partner is to practice them yourself. If you start to eat healthier or get more exercise, your partner will, by nature, follow suit. Don't expect overnight results for this one, but be patient. It will happen.

10. Compliment each other!
We can't say this enough. It's incredibly powerful to hear from that your partner sees your beauty inside AND outside. Notice each other's efforts and progress—and say somethin' nice!