It’s a tricky situation when your wife or husband starts packing on the pounds. It’s also a common situation. Most married couples put on a few pounds in the first few years following their nuptials. So, how do you get your spouse to lose the weight? Try these four tips to bring healthy (and sexy) back.

1. Have better snacks around.

The need for snacking will never go away. But, you can make healthy snacking just as easy as pulling open a bag of potato chips. Stock up on fruit and vegetables. More importantly, make them easily accessible. Peel and slice cucumbers, melon or apples (toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning), and have the bite-size snacks easily available in your fridge.

2.  Eat out less. Eat out better.

It’s most effective to avoid eating out as much as possible. Cooking at home means you can control portion size, ingredient quality and overall health components. However, social gatherings and the occasional need for convenience means you’ll probably have to eat out a few times a month. When possible, try and choose a cuisine that lends itself to healthy options (think sushi, not Italian). At the very least, pay close attention to what you’re eating--order healthy and light, and chances are your spouse will notice and take a look at their own ordering habits.

3. Get active together.

If you have the means, the time and the gumption, you can certainly join a gym together, but that might not be a reasonable option for you or your spouse. Try starting small. Take a half hour walk each evening after dinner. Not only is it good for both of your health, but taking the time to chat through the dusk is great for your relationship.

4. Go see the doctor.

Encourage your spouse to get a check up. Get blood work done to check overall health factors like cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Surely, if your spouse is overweight, the doctor will be the straightforward ‘bad guy’, and tell your loved one about his or her weight problem. It’s tough to hear, but a health scare is a reminder of mortality that might be just the motivation your spouse needs to drop a few pounds.

These tips should help your efforts in helping your spouse to lose a bit of weight. But, the best thing you can do is be supportive and encouraging. Tell your husband or wife that you’re proud of their progress and that you love them. A little kindness goes a long way.