10 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Weight

Most people know that the most important factors in weight loss are diet and exercise, but those words carry many negative connotations.

By reframing the way you think about these things, you can develop a more positive outlook on your health and weight management.

Build a Healthy Weight Loss Plan that Works

Your weight loss plan begins with an attitude adjustment. Set realistic goals and be patient. Avoid fads and take a common-sense approach to your weight loss plan. If it's too complex, you probably won't.

Beware also of self-destructive behaviors and don't let small mistakes derail your goals.

Ultimately, trying new things to stay active will help you avoid feeling stuck or bored. Starting the day with exercise is one of the best ways to make sure it gets done.

Set goals and stick to them. If you slip, don't give up. Start again stronger tomorrow.

Here’s a rundown of top tips and proven strategies to maintain a healthy weight long-term:

1. Focus on health, not the pounds.

Instead of using a diet program that focuses solely on weight, make real changes to your eating lifestyle.

If you view food as a reward, you will always feel like you are restricted. It is much healthier to view food as fuel, fueling your body.

If you put sugar in a gas tank, the car will not work properly. The same goes for your body!

2. It's a balancing act

Proper health and weight management require a bit of balance. It is never a good idea to go for the extremes.

Eating too little and exercising too much can lead to as many problems as eating too much and not exercising. Find a balance that you can live with.

3. Lifetime habits are better than fad diets

There are countless diets that will help you lose weight quickly, but the moment you start eating normally again, you will gain weight again.

4. A healthy diet is key

Counting calories and carbohydrates is simply not sustainable. Choosing healthy and common-sense options is.

Sticking to a smaller portion diet, with lots of vegetables, will go a long way. Don't be fooled by processed foods that claim to be sugar and carbohydrate free.

5. Regular exercise

When you imagine exercising, you probably think of running hard or lifting heavy weights. However, exercise is any physical activity that improves and maintains health and well-being. It can be a light walk in the morning or a yoga class twice a week.

Pick something that you like to do so that you are more likely to stick with it. And remember, if you have any pre-existing conditions, talk to your family doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

6. Get enough sleep

Chronic sleep loss can contribute to health problems like weight gain, high blood pressure, and a lowered immune system.

Getting enough sleep helps you wake up with a clear mind, able to think clearly.

7. Don't skip breakfast!

Eating breakfast is essential. When you sleep, your body is resting and essentially fasting. Skipping breakfast can cause intense hunger later in the day, which can lead to overeating.

Get your day off to a good start with a reasonable, protein-rich breakfast to fuel your morning.

8. Healthy snack

Eating healthy snacks between meals can help curb hunger so you don't overindulge at dinner. Snacks can also help you get all the nutrients you need.

One cup of blueberries contains only 85 calories, but it contains 25% of your daily vitamin C.

9. Limit your weekly intake of sweets

Sweets are fine in moderation, but too much sugar can lead to serious problems.

There are no proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, or minerals in sugar. It's pure energy, and if you don't use that energy, it turns into fat.

10. Drink lots of fluids

You've probably heard conflicting advice on how much water to drink. A good rule of thumb is 9 glasses of water for women and 13 for men.

It is perfectly acceptable to replace a few glasses of water with healthy liquids, such as low-sugar tea or juice.

In Conclusion… Choose your health!

Prioritizing health is the only way to guarantee a long-lasting weight loss plan. Beyond weight loss is weight management, which means that the efforts you made to lose weight don't stop there.

Make sure you have chosen a healthy method of losing weight that is easy to maintain for years to come.