Back On Track

I often hear people joke, "I try to lose weight, but it keeps finding me." One of the biggest challenges "dieters" face is not so much losing the weight but keeping it off over the long run. Many of us are successful at losing weight, eating healthfully, or staying active for a time, but then we drift off track and gain the weight back or stop exercising on a regular basis. This can make us feel discouraged and give up hope of ever attaining our goals. Don't let previous slipups discourage you! Even the most fit and healthy people experience setbacks at some point; we are all human, after all. Previous experience of losing and regaining weight doesn't prove that you'll never do it successfully — in fact, it actually proves that you can do it! The key to permanent healthy lifestyle changes is learning what works for you as well as what doesn't. For example, if you were able to lose weight in the past by adding a half hour of physical activity to your day, do the same again — if it worked before, it will probably work again. Similarly, look back at your slipups to identify your specific challenges. Maybe you tend to lose your drive after you see a small drop in your weight; if so, setting additional goals and rewarding yourself incrementally might help you maintain your motivation. Maybe a new job cut into your time at the gym; why not use your lunch hour at work to be physically active instead? Take this small trip down memory lane and use the insight to get yourself back on the right track. You can do it!