Is it Harder to Lose the Weight or Keep it Off?

You’ve been working really hard on getting the weight off right? You’re either doing it while on a specific diet, just eating less in general, and/or exercising regularly. And this is all great, it’s probably working. But what happens when you’ve reached your goal and it’s time for weight maintenance? Studies show that you can lose weight on almost any diet, but when it comes to long-term management this is where we fail the most.
 
Why is the weight loss so hard to maintain?

• Your metabolism slows – as your body becomes more efficient you stop burning all those calories.
• Hormonal changes – you’re now more likely to feel hungry and less likely to feel full on the foods that you did before.
• It’s becomes harder to distract yourself from food if its there.
• Food becomes more pleasurable and harder to resist.

 
So now that you know these things, what can you do to maintain the weight loss?

• Set a long-term goal – no Whole 30 here!
• At the beginning start creating habits – starting with two weeks of tracking EVERYTHING that goes into your mouth. Then your next habit, then next…
• Incorporate lots of protein (chicken & turkey are great sources), and eat carbs (veggies & fruit) and healthy fats (eat those avocados!) in every meal.
• Make a weekly meal plan and stick to it.
• Make sure your exercising at least three times a week for at least 20 minutes.
• Incorporate strength training in your weekly exercise – gaining muscle will keep your metabolism ticking.
• Don’t freak out during setbacks, they happen, you’re only human.
• Don’t forget your water!
• Remember to get the proper amount of sleep for your age.

 
If you reached your weight goal and need some extra nutrition or exercise support Contact Us at Functional Performance Fitness to talk about your goals. Functional Performance Fitness has many programs for nutrition and exercise – contact us now!