When trying to lose weight, the worst thing you can do is to step onto the scales every day. Instead only do it once or twice a week at most. While it is a good idea to track and monitor your weight, weighing yourself every day will put a strain on yourself. Losing weight should not be stressful; it should be fun. It does not matter if you still want to stick to the supplements that helped you achieve your target weight. After all, it is hard to say goodbye to weight loss supplements and fat burners that work. Once you reach your target weight, it is time to switch to the maintenance phase.
Fear of Most People
Many people express concerns about switching to the maintenance phase even before they reach their target weight. “Keeping it off is the hardest part,” people say. “Maybe it is okay to lose a few extra pounds, just in case.” These fears are unjustified. They are just false experiences appearing real. That is why they are called fears.
If you have been losing weight steadily, your maintenance plan will work to continue melting those pounds away, and not adding it all back. Remember, the goal of a weight loss maintenance plan is to help you move on to another phase in your goal of being fit.
What to do during the Weight Maintenance Phase
While in the maintenance phase, your diet should still be based on green vegetables, fish, and poultry. But you can increase your intake of whole grains, occasional pasta, legumes, and alcoholic beverages. You can also still take fat burners that work for you to help keep your weight in control.
Aside from all these, there are other things to keep in mind when living fit and fab.
- You have already lost weight, but that is not the problem. Your food cravings are what trigger you to binge, so continue to prevent these cravings by avoiding deprivation. You can eat what you crave but in controlled amounts and frequencies.
- It is all about control. Do not think that because a particular food is low in calories that you can make it part of your life. You cannot go back to the old habit of eating anything you want. Know how to evaluate your food, not based on the calories, but cravings and control.
- Time may change your metabolic rate. As you age, your metabolism slows down. You need more nutrients with fewer calories. Should pounds start creeping back, increase your fish and vegetable intake, and cut back on the starches.
- You still need to exercise regularly. Regular physical activities are necessary for maintaining your resting metabolic rate, limiting your appetite, increasing your stamina, relieving stress, and giving you all-around good health. So, do not stop exercising just because you are already thin.
- Be a “Selective Gourmet”. Success at weight maintenance is not about food asceticism, but about enjoying excellent gourmet food while being selective. As long as you remember that your body has a budget, and you choose food accordingly, you can still eat sumptuously.
Final Thoughts
While you are maintaining your weight, weigh yourself every other day, preferably in the morning before breakfast. Think of this as a way of keeping track of your investment in being fit and thin. It is usual for your weight to vary by a few pounds from day to day, particularly after dining out. Women are also likely to see additional pounds in the days immediately preceding their menstrual cycle.
The time to be concerned is when you show a consistent increase of three pounds or more. When this occurs, it is time to evaluate what and how you have been eating lately and go back to your original weight loss plan.
*collaborative post
