Lose the Weight and Never Find it Again

A friend asked me yesterday, "What are you going to do now since you've lost the 10 pounds?" "Keep it off" is the answer. That can be the hardest part of weight loss for many people; lose it and not find it ever again. Lots of people have lost weight, but somehow it finds it's way back home to the thighs, the belly or the butt. Why does it happen? I believe it's because new habits and a new lifestyle weren't formed. Instead, there were temporary changes that brought weight loss. You have to ask yourself, "The things I'm doing to lose weight now, are they things I would want to do forever?" If the answer to that is "no" then it's likely that the habit won't stick, but the weight will.

Just because I lost 10 pounds, doesn't mean I'm done. I can always improve my health habits. I haven't "arrived" by any means and most people (like 99.9%) never will. So, I can keep making healthy changes with maintenance and my overall health in mind. The holidays are approaching...how will I avoid gaining weight?

I am going to continue to log on sparkpeople. There are several things I want to improve upon, but more importantly, I know I'll be adding holiday treats and eats into my diet so I want to keep tabs on it.

I am going to continue to weigh myself on Wednesdays. Ignorance is bliss for some, but it's not so blissful when your pants feel tight. Weighing daily isn't necessary. Weight fluctuates daily and there's no reason to get worked up for nothing.

I am going to get my bodyfat tested. I want to see how much of my weight is fat. There are healthy levels of body fat and I am curious to see where mine lies. That gives me a better idea of what my natural/healthy body weight should be.

I am going to continue and increase the use of the hunger scale from my previous post. This will be really helpful during the holidays. I can enjoy the food when I'm hungry and chose not to indulge when I'm not. That will keep the extra weight from piling on.

I am going to increase the amount of water I drink. That way, my appetite won't take control.

I am going to continue to workout. Thankfully, it's my job so it's never really an issue.

I am going to continue to plan meals for the week and grocery shop according to the list and plan. That will help me to buy the necessary ingredients and not all of the extras that are out in the aisles for the holidays.

I am going to monitor my progress and attitude to make sure it's not consuming me, hindering me, or boring me.

With these things that I am going to do, the one thing I am NOT going to do is bring the weight back on!