How to Keep Weight Off For Good

How to Keep Weight Off For Good
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kaleena_A_Lawless]Kaleena A Lawless

I have been told a few times over the years that I'm a very "humanized" personal trainer. Even though I lost 50lbs and have kept it off, I still enjoy my life! I do not live off of egg whites and protein shakes (bleh!), and I indulge in my favourite foods and drinks every weekend.

Do not think that losing weight means that you have to give up everything you have ever loved. Getting healthy and being fit is not a sacrifice, or the end to all things that taste good! On the contrary, it is a positive lifestyle change that strikes the balance between doing what is good for you, while still enjoying your current lifestyle!

Here is How I Did It:

1. I exercise regularly

When I started exercising I could not run for more than 20 seconds! Actually, even walking fast was difficult. Not only has a consistent exercise routine improved my runs (I have run races!) but I also discovered I enjoy cycling, yoga, and weight lifting. While I was losing weight I exercised 6 times a week for 30-45 minutes. It was an aggressive approach for someone who hated exercising, but it worked! I lost 50 pounds in a year.

2. I cut out the REALLY unhealthy food

I used to eat fast food multiple times a week. Not only was I eating "food" like McDonald's, I was super sizing orders, AND getting dessert! This diet wasn't only making me unhealthy and overweight, it made me feel terrible! I cut out the fast food, and started cooking more food at home. I monitored caloric intake for a few months, with a food journal. After getting a feel for how much I should be eating, I learned how to estimate how many calories and nutrients I need in a day. I lost weight on a 1500-1800 calorie a day diet. Also, I still love burgers and fries, but I switched to veggie burgers and sweet potato fries. Not only is the meal more filling, it has more flavour too!

3. I learned to harness some willpower

I have to say right away, that if I, the queen of instant gratification, can have some willpower, so can you! I have the biggest sweet tooth in the world. I don't think my palate matured after the age of five. I still love sour candy, chocolate, lollipops, and cakes. My trick over the years, is to avoid all junk food from Monday-Friday. I eat only healthy, decent sized portion meals through the work week. On weekends I allow myself to eat whatever I want. You know what? By Saturday I am so proud of my weekday healthy eating that if I do head for the sweets, it is in very moderate amounts.

The bottom line is that maintaining weight loss is hard. Only 10% of people that lose 50 pounds or more, keep the weight off for five or more years. The trick is to continue exercising, eating right, and learning how to eye moderate portions of whatever it is you choose to eat. I never used a weight loss pill, or tried any diet in my life! I just follow these guidelines and continue to love the way it makes me look and feel. That is all there is to it!

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Keep It Off!

Kaleena Lawless

Personal Training Specialist http://www.kalisthenixfitnessblog.com

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