Many people find a sense of relief after losing weight, but staying healthy doesn't stop there. Individuals who lose a significant amount of weight must put in an honest effort each day to keep it off. However, it doesn't have to be an ongoing struggle to stay fit. Here are tips to make it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Don’t skip meals. Part of staying in shape is making sure you get the nutrients you need on a regular basis. Skipping meals can throw off your eating habits and lead to overindulging when you do eat.
- Eat your veggies. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains into your meal. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends half a plate full of fruits and vegetables at every meal.
- Exercise daily. Physical activity is not only an important aspect of losing weight, it's an integral part of keeping the pounds off. Changing one's lifestyle and working out on a regular basis is crucial to staying fit and healthy. If you can't find time to hit the gym, try to do exercises around the house to stay fit. Resistance bands are one way to maintain your strength-training regimen. Running in place or up stairs can keep your heart healthy.
- Write it down. While losing weight, it is critical to keep a journal to track your caloric intake and eating habits. This practice is also important once you've lost the weight. Individuals who keep a journal and record their meals are more likely to keep the weight off because they are tracking their eating habits.
- Find support. If you were part of a weight loss program, it is critical that program have ongoing support and education to help you maintain your weight loss. Having this ongoing support system can help prevent an extra five pounds from becoming an extra 20 or 30.
- Do household chores. Household chores can help you burn calories. Washing windows, making the bed, and mowing the lawn can be tedious. However, each activity helps you burn calories.
Reaching your goal weight isn't permission to slack off. Continue to journal, taking note of your caloric intake. Keep that scale nearby and check your weight on a weekly basis. Going the extra mile can have a number of benefits to your body and your overall well-being.