Simple Tips for Managing Your Weight: Lose Weight, Stabilize It and Maintain It

Effective weight management is far easier than you realize. Losing weight, stabilizing it and then maintaining it at a certain level, are all equally important, particularly as you become older. .

First, establish a realistic weight goal for your height and weight. Take appropriate steps to lose enough weight to achieve your goal. Be aware that once you have succeeded, that is only the first step.

Weight management becomes crucial, at this point. Why work hard to lose weight, unless you plan to maintain your weight loss?

According to dieticians.ca, “The best method for losing weight is to eat less and be more physically active.”

This is also true in terms of effective weight management. Begin to look realistically at how you will manage your weight, being aware that you are the one who is ultimately in control and bears the responsibility for it. 

Weight stabilization is important. Consider seeking professional health care guidance, if weight management appears to be problematic and overwhelming to you.

Consider the following simple tips for managing your weight.

Keep a record of your weight.

Weigh yourself daily and keep a record of it. You will find that there are times when your weight goes up and down, depending upon fluid buildup or retention. This is particularly true with women during their menstrual cycles and post menopause.

Learning you have put on a few pounds can be discouraging, but this is not a hopeless scenario. Averaging your weight out over a month and comparing it on a monthly basis, will give you a better idea of how stable your weight actually is. 

Pinpoint your known cravings.

Being able to pinpoint your specific cravings can help to simplify your weight management. If you are aware of something you cannot resist eating whenever tempted to do so, try to avoid that temptation or consider the alternatives. For example, you are craving apple pie. Perhaps it is not the pie itself that your body is telling you it wants, but rather the apples. Fresh apples or homemade applesauce with cloves may satisfy that craving. Experimenting with different foods may reveal what your cravings really are. Spices often help reduce your cravings too, as they satisfy the palate.

Avoid purchasing, cooking and eating foods that cause you to gain weight.

You know if you eat certain foods that you will gain weight, for example, French fries and gravy. In a restaurant setting, choosing a small, baked potato with sour cream may be equally satisfying and healthier for you.

If you do choose to purchase, cook and eat foods that cause you to gain weight, reduce your portion size, each time you prepare them. Remember that what is satisfying about gravy is its flavor and that a small amount of the juice from a roast can taste wonderful, too. Eat slowly and chew your food well.

Buying only healthy produce is a good habit to get into. What you eat is so important. The volume of food you consume does not necessarily satisfy your appetite. It is a major factor in weight management.

Develop a regular exercise program.

Whether you are an indoor person or one who likes being outdoors, exercise on a regular basis helps to burn calories and builds muscle tone and strength. Enrolling in a structured, exercise program will give you added incentive and motivation. Finding another person to be your exercise buddy may help both of you to manage your weight. Exercising together can be fun!

These four tips will help you to manage your weight. You may find additional incentive and motivation in many places including the Internet, weight management clinics and your doctor’s office. Proper weight management is vital for heart health. That may prove to be your single most important motivational factor.