Losing Weight Is Nothing Compared to KEEPING It Off

After weeks (or months) of dedication to your workouts and denying the unhealthy cravings that try to tempt you away from your diet, you're finally where you want to be. Those new jeans hug your curves just right, and the sound of the zipper affirming your success is like music to your ears. Mission accomplished.

Losing weight can be tricky, making sure that weight doesn't come back to haunt your figure is even more of a challenge.

Typically, "phase one " of the weight loss plan is usually the shortest. The most extensive part of the process is maintaining the results. Just like a garden, you put in the hours to make it as beautiful as possible, but it needs to be watered and maintained regularly to keep it looking wonderful.

Lori McCarty is a personal trainer in New York City. She's often involved in "phase two." She not only helps clients lose weight, but focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle afterwards. She lends us these tips for making sure your new physique stays fit.

Get a grip

While it's important to stay on track, don't let the scale control you. Lori advises most of her clients to weigh themselves about once a week. Because weight fluctuation on a day-to-day basis is typical, stepping on the scale every day may cause unnecessary alarm and paint a picture that is less than accurate.

            "Fluctuation is normal. Of course, people who weigh everyday may get different weights and they start to panic if they've gained a pound since the day before. A lot of it has to do with water. It's not a bad thing to gain water weight," says Lori.  Hormones and stress may also lead to fluctuations.

            When you do decide to step on the scale, Lori believes the best time to do so, contrary to popular belief, is at night. She suggests that weighing yourself in the evening is a more natural indicator of where you really are, as opposed to weighing yourself in the morning when your body is probably a little dehydrated after not having anything to drink during the night.

Keep the pace

Make sure you eat breakfast. A common misconception is that less is more. On the contrary, skipping breakfast can be detrimental to all of the hard work you've put in. Lori explains that nearly 78% of people who eat breakfast better maintain their weight loss.

Similarly, it is very important to maintain a steady diet. Over indulging followed by a period of dieting is out of the question.

"Inconsistencies in diet can cause fluctuation. Eating consistently throughout the week and the weekend is key," says Lori. "Some people tend to say 'If I eat well during the week, on the weekend I can eat a lot and I'll be okay'. People that eat consistently even on the weekends have the most success."

            Eating processed foods and eating out frequently may also impact the way your body feels and functions.

Pump it up

Lori also recommends adding in resistance training to your workout regimen. It not only helps you burn calories more efficiently, but also fights the loss of lean muscle so the only thing you're losing is that unwanted fat.

Lori normally encourages her clients who have lost a significant amount of weight to work extra hard to maintain the weight loss for a solid two years. This significantly increases their odds for continuing longterm success.

Brag a little

One final thing that can add to that component aside from diet and exercise is sharing your success story with others.

"I think anytime someone loses weight and they can continue to share their story and influence other people, it just reaffirms them. It reaffirms their principles and the things they've worked so hard for. Someone's story may also help other people," explains Lori.

Try out some of Lori's guidelines, and hopefully you'll be able to hear the sweet sound of the zipper on your favorite new pair of jeans for a long, long time.

 

 

Lori McCarty received her Master's in Exercise and Sports Science from University of Memphis. She has worked in personal training and group fitness instruction for ten years. A native Mississippian, Lori resides in New York City with her husband and two children.