5 secrets to keeping weight off
You’ve lost it, now what? The hard part begins, that’s what! Keeping the kilos off can be tough going, but it’s possible. Try these five simple, tried and tested tips.
Avoid complacency
Weight maintenance is challenging. Time and again, we lose weight
only to put it all back on. How demoralising! The whys are complicated – becoming complacent and falling back into old habits is one trap, losing weight too quickly on a plan that’s not sustainable is another. Even science suggests genetic and biological forces affect our ability to keep weight off.
1. Move it
Successful maintainers use exercise to their great advantage; they understand that regular physical activity keeps their metabolism firing on all cylinders. Along with the laundry list of other health benefits it brings, working out on most days of the week allows you a little wiggle room in the treats department.
2. Track it
One word. Amnesia. We like to tell ourselves (and anyone who’ll listen) that we don’t eat a lot. Or that we only ever eat all the right things. But, well, amnesia. Here’s a good plan: if you bite it, write it. Tracking what you eat helps keep your memory in fine working order! Use ye olde style pen and paper or an online tracker like MyFitnessPal.
3. Plan it
By devoting time to planning and shopping for a weekly menu, you greatly reduce the odds of grabbing whatever is quick and handy. We love the prep ahead and freeze approach so you just thaw and heat come mealtime. If you know you will be eating out or partying hard, plan for that too by getting in a little extra exercise and eating smart during the day.
4. Chug it
Water, water, water. And maybe a little bit more water. Drink it hot with lemon first thing in the morning and sip it ice cold by the glassful throughout the day. Long-term losers swear by it. So easy it’s ridiculous!
5. Stash it
A personal stash of super snacks is a must for weight maintenance. Keep them in your desk, glovebox or handbag for assorted emergencies such as office cake-fests, road trips and late night telly watching. We are talking nuts, apples, boiled eggs, baby carrots or celery dipped in hummus, air-popped popcorn, fruit and nut bars, quality protein bars. Here is a recipe for Coconut chocolate chia bites and Dark chocolate coconut balls.
Tip Probably best not to keep boiled eggs in your glovebox!
