Tips on How to Keep It Off
So you've lost the weight, congrats! I wish I could tell you that the battle is finally over but unfortunately keeping the weight off after you've lost it can be just as tough. Here are a few basic tips from Bonnie Taub-Dix, a registered dietitian in New York City and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association on how to keep weight off once you've lost it:
- Allow yourself a weight-gain range of 3-5 pounds without panicking. When you’re at the lower end of your range, give yourself a little freedom to enjoy some of your favorite foods. If your weight goes up another pound or two, then you’ll need to pull in the reins again to keep yourself within your desired range.
- Find a consistent tool to help you stay in touch with your body weight. You can weigh yourself on a scale daily or one or two days a week. I prefer weighing Fridays and Mondays — a way to control weekend splurges when overeating is most common. Or you can use an article of clothing, such as a pair of your favorite skinny pants, that will become your frame of reference. Try them on the last day of each month. Clothing doesn’t lie (and don’t try to blame the dry cleaner for shrinkage!).
- Get rid of “fat” clothes that are too big on you and no longer fit. Why would you ever want to fit into that size again? Dress the body you have.
