Losing weight may seem like an easy task, but maintaining that weight loss is the real challenge. Simply counting calories and exercising will get you to your goal, but what comes next is crucial in avoiding a relapse. Going back to old habits will not lead to long-term success. If you want to stay skinny and maintain your weight loss, here are 9 guidelines to follow for lasting results.
1. Keep track of what you eat
Don’t throw away your food logs just because you’ve reached your goal. Little things can and will sneak back into your diet, and you must be aware of them before they get out of hand. Keep watching what you eat.
2. Stay active
You don’t need to maintain a vigorous exercise regime anymore, though it would not hurt if you did. Keep your body active however you can, and avoid becoming sedentary.
3. Stay hydrated.
Dehydration is no joke. Staying hydrated is staying healthy. Continue to opt for water over other sugary drinks, though feel free to sparingly work them back into your diet. Aim for at least 3 litres of water a day.
4. Eat without distraction.
Savor every single bite of food you take, and stop when you are full. Do not allow yourself to slip into mindless, automatic eating. Be aware of every bite you take.
5. Eat more at the start of your day.
Make sure you are eating breakfast. Keep your lunches at noon, and your dinners reasonably early. Eating late at night will cause weight to come back.
6. Weigh yourself regularly.
Keep track of how things are going. Weigh yourself once a week at first, and then taper off onto only occasional weighings if you have been successful in keeping the weight off. If you have not, make changes as soon as you notice weight returning.
7. Be consistent, but not boring with your food.
Consistency is key in maintaining a healthy diet, but too much of the same causes food boredom which can end with you eating out more and more. Spice things up now and again with your own homemade food, but stick to your healthy foods more often than not.
8. Continue to strive for a healthier lifestyle.
There are always ways to improve. See what changes you are willing and able to further make, and monitor how they go to see if they work for you. Nix them if they don’t help, even if they have helped someone else.
9. Stay accountable.
Continue to go to the gym, or weight loss meetings, or whatever community you found support in while you were losing weight. If they were worth their (lost) weight in gold, they will continue to be valuable resources for support. If not, hold yourself accountable.