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Health and Beauty

The secrets of maintaining weight loss

Everyone can lose weight - temporarily. The problem is that at least 80% of us put it all back on again. Here are the 12 golden rules for making your weight loss permanent

Secrets of maintaining weight loss

weight loss tips,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping woman crouching on scales, man looking on

Everyone can lose weight - temporarily. The problem is that at least 80% of us put it all back on again. Here are the 12 golden rules for making your weight loss permanent

Don\'t ban food

weight loss tips,emotional wellbeing,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping Woman eating chocolate When people are allowed to eat what they like in moderation, they find it easier to maintain weight loss than when foods are forbidden.

Always eat breakfast

breakfast & brunch,weight loss tips,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping Woman eating bowl of cereal Follow-up studies of successful maintainers found that nearly 80% ate breakfast every day. Your metabolism slows down overnight, and eating in the morning gets it going.

Check your weight regularly

weight loss tips,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping Woman\'s feet on weighing scales You don\'t need to be obsessive, but most successful maintainers report getting on the scales once a week to stay focused.

Keep a food diary

weight loss tips,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping Shopping list surrounded by fruit and vegetables Write down everything you eat in the early days to help identify unhelpful patterns.

Sit down to eat

weight loss tips,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping woman in green top using knife and fork eating lunch A recent German study found successful maintainers avoid eating on the hoof, but sit down and take their time over meals.

Prepare for the tough times

weight loss tips,emotional wellbeing,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping Woman lying on the sofa on the phone They\'re bound to happen, particularly in the first six to 12 months. Plan your strategy for coping, whether it\'s calling a friend or just distracting yourself.

Accept your weight might creep up

weight loss tips,emotional wellbeing,exercise,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping Empty dinner plate with single fork on top If it does, don\'t panic and do something drastic, such as starving yourself or giving up. Eat 75% of your normal portion for dinner, skip wine and do a little more exercise to get back on track.

Exercise, exercise, exercise

weight loss tips,exercise,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping Woman on a bike exercising drinking from her water bottle There\'s no getting away from it, regular exercise is the key to keeping weight down, and research shows that maintainers are active for at least an hour every day.

Never waste calories

weight loss tips,emotional wellbeing,Good Housekeeping close up shot of woman with long hair eating large lollipop Make a conscious decision to save calories for food that you really enjoy.

Check why you\'re eating

weight loss tips,emotional wellbeing,healthy eating,stress management,Good Housekeeping Woman looking upset with her head in her hands Stop and ask yourself if you\'re really hungry, or if you\'re trying to cope with anger, stress or anxiety. If it\'s the latter, address the matter

Eat before you get too hungry

weight loss tips,healthy eating,Good Housekeeping woman eating large green apple The danger is that the longer you wait, the more likely you are to overeat. Eat balanced meals and eat them regularly.

Know it gets easier

weight loss tips,emotional wellbeing,Good Housekeeping Woman with dark hair smiling holding a strawberry When you feel your motivation slipping, remember that research shows the longer you keep the weight off, the less effort it takes.