These tips may be able to help you, too!
The weight loss process will certainly teach us a thing or two. You will learn what works for you and what doesn’t. And, if you give it enough time and effort, you’ll reach your goal! But then the question becomes, what do I have to do to keep it off? I lost my excess weight and have kept it off for over ten years now. I have first hand experience that I want to share with you! So, here are 5 things I learned about maintaining my weight that I think can help you, too!
5 Things I Learned About Maintaining My Weight
Losing weight and keeping it off is largely dependent on the choices we make each day. And the good news? Most of these choices are actually pretty simple! When it comes down to it, if you’re able to be consistent, you will see results!
I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to maintain my weight over the years, but below are 5 of my most important tips!
1. When I “Fall Off the Wagon” I Get Right Back On.
One of the most important things you need to remember is that there will be times that you stray from your plan. It’s a part of life! And whether it’s for one snack, meal, day, or even week, getting right back on track is crucial! After you enjoy an unplanned treat or take a week off from your “diet” while you’re on vacation, it is imperative that you go right back to your healthy eating habits. The longer you put it off, the harder it becomes to get back on track. It’s much easier to recover from a week off, than a month or year.
Related: 11 Tips for Staying on Track over the Weekend
2. I Still Enjoy the Food I Love.
Another thing I’ve learned over the years is that eating must still be enjoyable. Eating bland and boring food all of the time is not sustainable. Once I realized that I could make my favorite treats and meals healthier, it was a game changer. Not feeling like you’re on a diet is actually a fantastic way to stick to your diet!
Some of my biggest cravings have been chips, chocolate, and Mexican food. Having healthy recipes to satisfy these cravings has helped me maintain my weight for years. Here are some tasty recipes that have come in handy:
- Baked Sweet Potato Chips with Rosemary and Sea Salt
- Peanut Butter Banana Cups
- Skinny White Chicken Enchiladas
Keep in mind that we have a wide variety of recipes on the site. If you’re craving something specific, type it in the search bar. Chances are good that we have a healthier version for you to try!
3. I Prioritize Foods that Will Fill Me Up.
If your diet leaves you feeling hungry and unsatisfied, it’s not going to be sustainable for long. Many diets place too much focus on calories, while failing to pay attention to specific nutrients. And while the number of calories you consume do matter, the types of foods you’re eating will often determine how successful your plan is.
By prioritizing ingredients that are relatively low in calories but high in fiber and protein, I ensure that I feel full and satisfied all the time! Fiber and protein will fill you up and fight off cravings! Here are some articles you may find helpful:
I also want to emphasize how important it is to stay hydrated! By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you can control hunger and cravings!
4. I Always Make Time to Meal Prep.
Meal prep, meal prep, meal prep… I can’t emphasize enough how much this one thing has helped me stick with it! This plays an enormous role in successful weight maintenance. (I talk more about this in my article “How I Mastered Weight Loss and How You Can Too”.)
Chances are good that if I had to prepare full meals every day, I would have gotten frustrated and given up a long time ago. My life, like many others’, is incredibly busy. Taking some time to prepare the coming week’s meals on a Sunday afternoon– or whenever you have some free time– will make your week so much simpler. It takes the stress and guesswork out of things and makes it easier to stick to the plan!
And before you claim that you don’t have any free time for meal prep, think about how much time you spend on your phone, social media, or watching tv each week. Most, if not all of us, can find some time. Remember, your health should be a priority!
Check out our article: Meal Prepping Made Easy: How to Prepare for the Week Ahead to get all of the best tips and tricks! You might also like to start off with 14 of the Best Recipes for Meal-Prepping.
5. I Stick with What Has Worked For Me.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. That absolutely applies here! Because I am at my ideal weight and have maintained it for years, why stop or try some new fad diet? I’ve already found what works for me, I have no need to switch things up. Once you find what works best for you, stick with it.
If you can manage to apply these 5 things I learned about maintaining my weight to your journey, I’m confident you will be successful. Always remember that it’s the choices you make day in and day out that determine your results. If you can be consistent, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish!
Do you have any special weight loss or maintenance tips? If so, be sure to share them in the comment section below! After all, there’s no such thing as too much help!
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