Congratulations! You have managed to reach your ideal weight and feel better than ever. You have worked hard and your scale, and your clothes, prove it! You are super proud of what you have achieved and feel great about your healthy new body. But….now, what?
For many people, reaching their weight loss goal is a momentous achievement. While this is an important step towards becoming healthier, there is still work to be done to keep the weight off long term. One of the biggest traps that people fall into is thinking that it is all behind them when in reality, weight loss is a lifelong journey.
Going back to bad habits
Weight gain can often be attributed to unhealthy habits particularly living a sedentary lifestyle and eating processed foods that are nothing but calorie bombs. While it is ok to cheat every once in a while, it is important to maintain those healthy habits that you picked up during your weight loss journey.
Getting too little sleep
Many people ignore the importance of getting enough sleep. This is your body’s time to recover and can help you be productive all day long. This means that you will be more likely to be able to squeeze in a calorie-burning workout. If that’s not enough, studies have also shown that getting enough sleep also can help your body moderate your appetite and food intake. The benefits of sleep truly are endless. If possible, try to go to bed early and wake up early. Disruptions in your Circadian rhythm can alter your eating habits and encourage weight gain.
Drinking too much alcohol
Many people choose to abstain from drinking when they are trying to lose weight. Since cocktails, mixed drinks, and beer can really pack on the pounds, this is not only a good idea from a caloric perspective but it can also make you feel more energetic and productive throughout the day.
Unfortunately, it is easy to slip into old habits and you may find yourself grabbing a drink or two at the end of a long workday or when hanging out with friends. These empty calories can quickly derail your weight loss plan quickly so make sure to think carefully about if you will drink or what you will drink. Having a game plan in place can help you cut down on a lot of excess calories.
Not exercising enough
While many weight loss programs will promise to help you lose weight simply by changing your diet, exercise is a key component of weight loss. At the end of the day, you will lose weight only if there is a calorie deficit, meaning that you are burning more calories than you consume.
Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in, five times a week. This could be going for a jog, taking an invigorating walk, or doing an exercise class. The important part is that you are working up a sweat and burning off calories!
Not celebrating your success
You have worked hard to make it this far and you need to celebrate your achievements! Whether this means buying a sexy dress that makes you feel like a million bucks or taking that dream vacation to the beach you always wanted, keep rewarding yourself for everything that you have done to live a healthier lifestyle. These little treats will help you remain focused on continuing the daily habits that help you lose weight and keep it off long-term.
Are you ready to lose weight once and for all?
If you are inspired to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, give us a call to set up a free medical evaluation. Our expert staff can create a customized program designed to help you lose weight and improve your health and provide support every step of the way!
