I was asked recently what I would recommend to someone who wanted to maintain a healthy weight. I would begin by congratulating the individual on their weight loss. It’s a wonderful accomplishment, something they should feel proud of every day. Continuing to enjoy their new body is one way to keep their good habits in place. It feels good to be at a healthy weight, so they should enjoy it.
When I first lost my weight, I did so through Weight Watchers. I continued to attend meetings, and I used a book called The Weight Maintenance Survival Guide by Kelly D. Brownell. While the book is old (1990), I’m sure the advice is timeless. Eventually I began working for Weight Watchers as a way to be sure I maintained my weight. Finally, I went out on my own as a Wellness Coach. Over the years, I’ve used coaching to help my clients maintain their good eating habits, stay active, and balance work and life demands. It’s all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
While I no longer count points, I always read labels, strive to exercise a minimum of three times a week, and eat a low fat diet with lots of vegetables and fruits every day. My mantra is “moderation in all things” so that I avoid feeling deprived and over-eating. While it’s rare these days, when I feel uncomfortable because I’ve eaten too much, I examine the circumstances and commit to making a different choice the next time I’m in a similar situation.
Don’t believe the common message that it’s impossible to lose weight and keep it off. The problem most people have is they lose weight using a process they can’t maintain in the long run. The reason I chose Weight Watchers to start with is because I knew it was a lifestyle I could live with for the rest of my life…and I was right.