Many people struggle to lose weight successfully and, even when they do, they find it hard to keep the weight off. The situation is a familiar one! A recent study found that around 80% of dieters regain the weight they’ve lost within two years.

However, if you want to avoid the weight-cycling cycle, it’s important to adopt a healthy lifestyle that can help you maintain a healthy weight permanently.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best strategies for keeping off lost pounds.

Set realistic goals

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they’re trying to lose weight is setting unrealistic goals. You’re not going to lose 50 pounds in a month, and you shouldn’t try to.

Instead, set realistic goals that you can achieve without putting too much strain on your body. Losing one to two pounds a week is a good rule of thumb.

Make changes gradually

If you want to keep those pounds off, you need to make lifestyle changes you can stick to in the long term. Making too many changes at once can be overwhelming and lead you to abandon your plan.

Instead, focus on making small, gradual changes that you can incorporate into your daily routine. This might be walking instead of driving to work or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Find an exercise you enjoy

Exercise is essential for weight loss, but it’s also important for maintaining a healthy weight. If you want to stay active, you need to find something you enjoy. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to do it.

Try different activities until you find one that you look forward to doing.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is essential for keeping you hydrated and helping you to maintain a healthy weight. One study found that people who drank at least eight cups of water per day burned more calories than those who drank less than four cups.

Eat a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and helps you to maintain a healthy weight. A balanced diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Be sure to avoid processed foods and sugary drinks as much as possible.

Monitor your progress

Monitoring your progress is essential for keeping off lost pounds. It’ll help you identify any changes you need to make to your routine.

You can monitor your progress by weighing yourself regularly, keeping track of your diet in a food diary, or using a fitness app.

Don’t deprive yourself

Depriving yourself of your favorite foods can be a recipe for disaster. Instead, allow yourself to indulge in moderation. If you want a piece of cake, have a small slice, or if you want some ice cream, have a small bowl.

Denying yourself treats entirely only increases the likelihood of you bingeing on them later.

Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones, leading to an increase in appetite and a decrease in metabolism. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.

Manage your stress levels

Stress can lead to overeating and weight gain. Finding ways to manage your stress levels, such as exercise, meditation, and deep breathing, can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Stay positive and motivated

Finally, it’s important to stay positive and motivated throughout your weight-loss journey. Remember that setbacks are natural, and it’s essential to be kind to yourself when you experience them.

Focus on the progress you’ve made so far and the goals you’ve achieved, rather than on how far you still have to go.

To sum up, keeping off lost pounds is possible with a little effort and some lifestyle changes.

By setting realistic goals, making changes gradually, monitoring your progress, and staying positive and motivated, you can maintain a healthy weight for life.