Almost one year ago I began my weight loss mission, I was sure that losing weight was going to be the most difficult, horrible thing that I had ever done. One year later I can tell you that I was wrong. Losing weight although not always the easiest most fun thing that I had ever done was not the hard part, keeping the weight off is the hard part.
Throughout the weight loss phase you have something that you are striving for, that magic number or perfect size. You are working towards your goal and that is what keeps you saying no to that piece of cake and hitting the gym every day. The moment you step onto the scale and see your magic number flashing back at you and your skinny pants fit everything changes.
The goal has been met, mission accomplished, you feel great and a weight (literally) has been lifted from you shoulders. Now it is time to go out and celebrate with that pizza you haven't had in 6 months. From that point on what is it that will keep you from over indulging, skipping the gym, going back for seconds? You lost the weight so now you deserve to indulge a little right?
Maintaining weight loss is very challenging. Anyone who has ever lost a deal of weight in their life knows this to be true. Personally this is the third time in my life that I have lost a great deal of weight and I am determined to make it my last. Each and every time once the weight came off I slowly slid back into my old ways of living and eating that put the pounds on initially. This is the reason that diets do not work, it really must be a complete change of lifestyle. Never losing sight of why you should still say not to that extra dessert or walk away from the all you can eat pizza buffet. Slipping back into your old ways will also stuff you back into your old pants.
The past few months this is something that I personally have been struggling with and withe the holiday season approaching I am determined to not lose sight of my goal and all that I have accomplished. While you are surrounded by holiday snacks at the office try to keep in your mind what you have been working for this entire time. Saying no completely is so much easier to maintain than sticking to just one bite. Think about how much better you feel at the end of the day knowing you stuck to your plan and your pants still fit!!
