Fat Loss 101 | PT 2 - Keeping The Fat Off

Like many gym-goers, you're probably looking to drop a few (or more) pounds. 

In this blog post series, we'll further dig into fat loss to help you understand it in its entirety.

In part one, we talked about the role of diet in weight loss. 

This week, we'll look at how to maintain your hard-earned results once you've achieved them. 

So hit the showers, dry off, and read on for some helpful tips!

The Yo-Yo Epidemic

Trying to lose weight is like playing a game of whack-a-mole: as soon as you whack one problem area, another pops up. 

And, like the game, most people who lose weight gain a hundred per cent or more back in twice as little time as it took them to lose it. 

This is referred to as "Yo-Yo dieting," and it's prevalent.

But why is the Yo-Yo epidemic happening? Is it something in our genetics?

Are some people just more predisposed to lose weight and keep it off?

Let's find out.

Success Story Commonalities

Losing weight is hard, but keeping the weight off is even more challenging. 

People who have successfully lost weight and kept it off tend to have certain habits in common. 

The most common thing is that they don't see weight loss as a process with a start and end date.

They see the weight gain as a side effect of certain habits, and therefore, they choose to change the habits... and stick to the new ones for a lifetime.

Now let's have a look at what those habits are!

Nutrition

Most people are looking for a quick fix when it comes to weight loss. They want to find the magic pill that will allow them to eat whatever they want and still lose weight. 

However, the truth is that there is no such thing. 

The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to make fundamental changes to your eating habits. 

More importantly, people who successfully lose weight and keep it off usually stick to their newly established healthy eating habits even after the end of the diet. 

In other words, they don't return to their old eating habits just because they've reached their goal. 

If you're serious about losing weight, remember that it's not going to be a quick or easy process!

It takes dedication.

Exercise

Another thing that weight loss success stories have is that people change not only their eating habits but also their activity habits.

In other words, they exercise more! 

And there's a good reason for this: not only does exercise help to burn calories, but it also helps to boost metabolism, build muscle, and improve mood. 

Moreover, regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing various health problems.

So, listen up... weight loss isn't just about changing the number on the scale.

So if you're looking to lose weight and keep it off, make exercise a part of your healthy lifestyle.

A little strength training and cardio, done consistently, can go a long way!

Conscious Constraint

Last but not least, keeping the weight off is, to a considerable extent, a matter of conscious constraint. 

If you're not careful, it's all too easy to let yourself go and start packing on the pounds. 

Once that happens, it can be tough to get back to your ideal weight. 

That's why it's essential to be aware of yourself and your actions and not let yourself loose. 

For example, if you know you tend to overeat when stressed, try to find other ways to relax. 

And if you're prone to snacking late at night, try to keep healthier snacks on hand, so you're less likely to indulge. 

Being mindful of the risks can help keep the weight off for good.

Nevertheless, don't completely swear off your favourite foods, even if they're 'junk foods.'

Instead, keep the balance in favour of nutritious, satiating foods!

Final Thoughts

If you're finally looking to keep the weight off for good, there are a few key things you need to remember. 

First, focus on creating healthy habits that you can stick to long-term rather than going on restrictive diets that are tough to maintain. 

Second, find forms of exercise that you enjoy and make time for them in your schedule.

If working out feels like a chore, it's less likely that you'll stick with it in the long run. 

Finally, allow yourself some indulgences every once in a while. 

If they don't become a regular habit, treating yourself to something delicious now and then won't harm you. 

What strategies have worked best for you to keep the weight off? Comment below, and let's discuss!