10 Ways to Keep the Weight Off (for Good)

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The grind is over. You’ve lost the weight. You’re there — or darn close.

Now the trick is keeping it off.

How do you avoid the temptation? Not fall back into old habits? Continue eating right?

That struggle is real — very real. But it can be done.

We rounded up 10 ways you can keep the weight off and stay on-track, even when life gets in the way and the temptations start piling up.

1. Keep your cupboards clean.

The age-old adage “out of sight, out of mind” exists for a reason — it works. Banish all the high-calorie foods from your cupboards for good. Instead of potato chips and cookies, keep them stocked with healthy whole grains, crackers, apple sauce and other low-calorie, cupboard-friendly foods.

2. Back up, slow down.

You wake up one day and realize you’re back to some bad habits? Take a step back, write them down, and then make a commitment to change them — but slowly. Just like when you started eating right and losing weight, it’s all about taking baby steps. That’s what will lead to long term, lasting change.

3. Schedule in some extra sleep time.

Restorative sleep — it’s a thing. It means adding a few extra hours of snooze-time on a day off, and it’s a critical step for people who want to balance stress levels, reduce appetite and restore the body to its fullest potential. (Struggle getting to dream land? Check out our tips for falling (and staying) asleep.)

4. Breakfast — eat it.

What is one of the first meals that falls by the wayside? For most of us, it’s in the morning — the time of day when we’re busiest. But there’s a reason nutritionists tell us it’s the most important meal of the day. It gets our energy flowing and has even been shown to reduce cravings later in the day. (In a hurry? Try one of our 9 grab-and-go breakfast recipes).

5. Don’t ditch the diary.

There’s a solid chance that when you started your weight loss journey, you wrote down everything you ate or kept track with an app. A food diary is critical to success, both while you lose weight and after you reach your goal. It ensures that you’re not going overboard on calories and holds you accountable.

6. Step on the scale regularly.

Just because you got where you wanted to be doesn’t mean you should stop your weigh-ins. If you found you’ve gained a few pounds, take the next week to dial back on the high-calorie foods and reassess where you might be going wrong. Even if the scale is not your thing, pay close attention to your clothes. If they start feeling tighter, time to take a few steps back.

7. Stay active.

How did you put on weight in the first place? You probably weren’t very active and ate way too many high-calorie foods, which in turn reduced your interest in activity even further. It’s a vicious cycle, and the key to not falling back into it is to keep moving. You don’t have to go overboard — 4 to 5 days a week is fine — just don’t stop. Find your ideal fitness routine and stick with it.

8.Get encouragement regularly.

As with most things in life, having support and finding inspiration is crucial to success. Just because you’ve reached your goal weight doesn’t mean you no longer need it. In fact, you may need it more now than ever. Talk to a friend or partner about your health, follow a Pinterest motivation board, join a healthy Facebook community — whatever works for you...just do it.

9. Reduce tube time.

When you were at your lowest point, chances are you spent much of your free time parked on the couch in front of the TV. Rather than watching others live their lives, get out and live yours. Limit your TV time to 1 show an evening, and instead, sign up for a new hobby, go for a walk, play a family game. Do something that requires a bit more energy, and it will go a long way to keeping the pounds from piling back on.

10. Hold on to the power of positive thinking.

No matter what life throws at you, if you keep a good attitude, good things are bound to come your way. Approaching healthy living with a positive attitude makes it more enjoyable and, like most things in life, turns into positive results, too! 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

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