Losing weight is a process that requires a lot of willpower, strength, and self-discipline. Still, almost anyone who’s been through a weight-loss journey can tell you that maintaining the weight afterward is the hardest part of it all. Why is that so and what are the ways to do it properly?
In this article, we’ll discuss the answers to these questions in detail, so keep on reading if you want to find out more!
1. Don’t stop exercising
The number one mistake people make after they’ve reached their goal weight is that they stop doing regular exercise. Remember, you don’t need to have extreme workout sessions every day like you did when you were trying to lose those pounds, but you shouldn’t completely stop exercising either.
Your weight-loss journey wasn’t only about your looks, it was about your health too. Keeping a moderate workout routine will provide you with a variety of health benefits, so never stop exercising!
We suggest exercising at least 30 minutes a day. You don’t even have to leave your home, just play an online video tutorial and do your thing in your living room! It might be a bit frustrating in the beginning, but once it becomes your routine, you will never want to go back. Besides burning calories, regular exercise relieves stress, anxiety, improves your blood circulation, and so much more!
2. Improve your mindset
If your weight issues stem from your mind, there’s no amount of dieting and exercise that can keep you on the right track! You’ll never be satisfied with the results if you don’t go into it with the right mindset. Yes, losing weight helps us to improve our body-image, and yes, it keeps our bodies healthy, but if you’re finding yourself spiraling into your old habits and feeling unhappy even after you’ve lost some pounds, it’s time to visit a professional.
Go into the process with optimism, and be proud of yourself! Losing weight, no matter how much you’ve lost, is quite difficult, but you still managed to do it! You’re on your way to become a happier, healthier individual and you should celebrate your success!
Of course, we all have our ups and downs, but if you notice you’re not feeling any better after you’ve reached all of your weight-goals, there might be something a bit more serious going on. If that reminds you of your situation, make sure to seek therapy, as you could be at risk of developing an eating disorder.
3. Don’t skip any meals
No matter what you do, don’t skip your meals! While it might seem like a good idea, it will do you more harm than good, especially in the long run. Instead of skipping meals and starving yourself, make sure to come up with a good dietary plan. We recommend you schedule an appointment with a nutritionist, as everyone’s body is different, so what works for someone else may not work for you and vice versa.
Of course, nutritionists can be quite expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, we suggest you try out different diets until you find what works the best for you. You can find some helpful tips online on websites such as health-info.org.
Remember to keep your meals well-balanced and nutritious. Don’t count your calories as it will lead you nowhere. Instead, keep track of the vitamin and protein intake. The secret to maintaining your weight is not the number of meals you have, it’s what those meals consist of.
4. Weigh yourself
We’re not saying you should spend hours of your day looking at the scale, but checking your weight from time to time is still important. The best time to measure yourself is in the morning before you’ve eaten.
Keep track of your progress, so you can know whether you need to make some changes or not. If you’re experimenting with a new diet, or you’ve extended your workout sessions, make sure to check how does it affect your weight.
Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged if you notice you’ve gained a pound or two. It happens to everyone at one point, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Instead of letting it bring you down, use it as a motivator!
5. Get enough sleep, and stay away from stressful environments
Sleeping well is one of the most important factors when it comes to our health. Without enough sleep, your brain will seek additional sources of energy, so you might end up overeating to compensate for the lack of rest. Therefore, you should make sure to get at least 8hours of sleep every night! Don’t try to replace your sleep with caffeine, and keep yourself active during the day so you can sleep better at night!
Of course, sometimes what causes our insomnia is the stress we encounter in our daily lives. If that’s the case, do whatever it takes to stay away from those toxic environments. If you’re unable to do so, remember to blow off some steam by exercising or simply venting to a close friend.
6. Drink more water
Drinking water is essential for weight maintenance. It makes you feel fuller and reduces your calorie intake. In addition, research shows that drinking more water helps in burning calories much faster.
Of course, drinking more water isn’t only important for keeping your weight where you want it to be. It helps in regulating your metabolism, improves your skin and bones, keeps you feeling focused and energized, and so much more than that!
Make sure you drink the recommended amount for your size. Download an app that will help you keep track of it, or simply create a water-drinking journal!
The bottom line
The only thing that might be harder than losing weight is maintaining it. Still, with enough effort and the right mindset, everyone can do it!
Make sure you drink enough water, get enough sleep, and eat a balanced diet. Don’t stop exercising and make sure you’re measuring yourself frequently.
Overall, a healthy lifestyle and some self-discipline are all it takes! Surround yourself with supportive people, and never give up!
