It always seems like our bodies our fighting us. You exercise, eat right, and take care of yourself. And, that extra weight you put on, you’ve finally lost it. But before you know it, that weight seems to creep back! Here’s some tips for once you’ve lost that weight, how to keep weight off for good.
Tip #1 – Don’t go back to old habits – but also give yourself some variety!
Once you’ve lost weight, letting those healthy habits slip a little is one of the main reasons that weight comes back. But, if you’re too strict to your diet, it’s hard to stay on it as well. Keep your daily caloric intake down, and swap in different food sources to give yourself some variety while maintaining your overall caloric intake, as well as the same mix of protein, carbs, and fat.
Tip #2 – Start Lifting Weights
If your main source of cardio has been exercise – that’s great. Improving your cardiovascular health is important to both overall health as well as weight control. But your body is an engine. Adding muscle is like adding a bigger engine – as bigger engines need more fuel. By lifting weights, you build muscle and burn calories. And, that extra muscle also keeps burning fat after your workout. Adding muscle doesn’t mean becoming a body builder. But strength training can tone muscle, shape your body, and burn fat!
Tip #3 – Keep track of what your doing with your diet and exercise daily
Once you’ve hit your goals, it’s good to write down 4 or 5 “warning signs” that you feel show if you’re heading down the wrong path. Then, compare your daily results to those warning signs to make sure you’re not starting down the wrong road. This can help keep you from rationalizing your daily diet and exercise choices.
Tip #4 – Don’t beat yourself up
If you have a bad day, where you overeat, miss a workout, eat bad foods – don’t beat yourself up over it. It’s just one day. Tomorrow is a new one – and a new chance to eat right and exercise properly. Food guilt can actually cause you to gain wait, as by “giving up” – you can rationalize another “slip” rather than keeping focus and staying on track.
Tip #5 – Choose workouts you love – and avoid food-based rewards!
If you hate your workouts, you won’t do them. So, do workouts you do enjoy! Just make sure that you include exercises that target your main muscle groups, and that you keep it fun. And, rewarding yourself for doing good is a great way to keep your motivation – just avoid using food as your reward. Making a reward something that will keep you motivated, like a new pair of running shoes once you’ve hit a mileage goal is a healthier choice than indulging in a unhealthy meal.
And, if you need exercise equipment for your home gym to help you keep that weight off, Fitness 4 Home Superstore has a full selection of cardio & strength equipment for your fitness needs. Visit any of our three Phoenix-area stores today!
