Many people are thrilled once they reach their weight loss goals. Finding yourself looking at the scale and seeing the number you’ve been working hard for is quite an achievement. However, your work is only halfway done. In fact, statistics show that less than 1/3 of people who lose weight will manage to keep the weight off for the next five years. You’ll need to continue the same dedication and commitment if you hope to maintain the hard work you’ve put in. If you’ve recently lost weight and are looking for ways to keep it off, here’s how.
Follow Healthy Habits
The most important part of keeping off is remembering that healthy habits aren’t just temporary while you’re trying to lose weight. It’s a lifestyle that needs to be maintained. Make sure that every day you’re following the same healthy habits that you did while you were on your diet.
While now it’s perfectly alright to pump the brakes and allow yourself a little more wiggle room, it’s not time to go crazy, either. You should still be getting regular exercise, and drinking plenty of water. You should be taking your vitamins, and prioritizing rest. The more you can keep up with your healthy habits, the less you’ll see the scale starting to creep back up on you.
Monitor Your Progress
You monitored your progress throughout your diet, and if you hope to maintain your results, you’ll have to keep monitoring them. In other words, make sure that you weigh yourself every now and then, and you take your measurements.
How tight are your pants fitting? Do you feel energized? Taking an inventory of your health every now and then is critical for keeping up and staying on track. If you start to notice your health slipping, or weight starting to creep up on you again, it’s time to get strict again.
Stay Active
Part of keeping the weight off is so much more than just going to the gym. A healthy and active lifestyle involves being active in all areas of your life. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, then going to the gym for 30 minutes to an hour a day isn’t going to do much good. You should try to get up and move throughout the day, even if you’re not breaking the sweat. Get your body moving and engage in physical activity whenever possible.
Build a Support System
Surrounding yourself with a support system is critical for staying on track. A support system will keep you motivated, and hold you accountable when you start to slip in your old ways. Whether it’s your workout buddies, or your immediate friends and family, surround yourself with people who share your same health goals. If you’re around people who encourage unhealthy habits, then it’s only a matter of time until they rub off on you.
