So keep with the new eating and activity habits you’ve established. You know that if you go back to your old habits, the weight will creep back on again.  That is why it is so important not to think about being ‘on a diet’. People who think like that are much more likely to put weight back on – because they then go ‘off the diet’. Instead, think of yourself as following a healthy lifestyle that will help maintain your weight.

However, in the world that we live in, there are endless opportunities to eat more and to be less active than we need to be to maintain our weight. Think about how you will ensure that your weight stays steady. Research shows that are a number of things that can help to keep you on track:

• Continue to eat healthily and enjoy occasional favourite foods or meals out
• Remain active – this cannot be stressed enough!
• Keep a regular check on your weight or note how your clothes fit
• Have regular meals
• Keep an eye on portion sizes
• Plan ahead for holidays or times when you are likely to put weight on
• If you do put on a few pounds, don’t give yourself a hard time – just start keeping a record of what you and your levels of activity to help you get back on track
• If you do struggle to get back on track, seek help from your doctor or nurse – a few words of encouragement or support can make a big difference.

Enjoy the benefits of all your efforts and stay ‘weight aware’!