When you have been on a major weight-loss mission, finally seeing results can be incredibly satisfying. Maybe have been through weeks of grueling boot-camp, or perhaps you have been working with a personal trainer to achieve the fitness goals you had in your mind. There is no better feeling than stepping back onto the scales and seeing that you've hit your goal weight or knowing that you can finally fit into that dreamy dress you bought as motivation. But what a lot of people don't realize is that losing weight is the easy part – it's keeping it off that is the real challenge. This is partially why fad diets are so dangerous, as once the individual comes off the diet, they simply put all the weight back on by reverting to old habits. When you've worked so hard to improve your health, it seems a real shame to waste it – so here are some ways you can stay on the fitness bandwagon even after the diet is over.
Make time to cook from scratch
Just as you would pencil in time for the gym, you need to make time in your schedule to cook your food with fresh ingredients. Yes, we all live busy lives, and it can be exceptionally hard to do this sometimes. But, relying on packaged food or convenience food will do nothing for your new, slimmed-down figure. Learn to prioritize your health over other things. If you find yourself saying yes frequently to things that get in the way of you cooking wholesome food for you and your family, you may need to realign your priorities. If it helps, prepare some of your evening meal in the morning before you go to work – that way, there will be less to do when you get in later, tired after a long day.
Don't be shy for a little extra help
Everyone's bodies are different, and we all lose and keep fat off in a variety of ways. A technique that worked for your friend may not necessarily work for you, for example. It's all about finding what you feel comfortable with.
Set yourself a new goal
Often, people start to put weight back on because they simply don't have any more goals. If your original motivation was to lose three stones and you did, it can be difficult to know where to turn to next. But don't be shy of setting yourself further goals, and remember, they don't need to be weight-related! Why not sign yourself up for a half marathon, or make it your mission to be able to lose a certain amount of weight in six month's time? Goals like this will keep you focused and will help you to maintain the body you worked so hard to get.
