Most people who go on crash diets eventually regain the weight (and sometimes more). So where do things go wrong?
- Many people go on highly restrictive diets but resume their old patterns when they can no longer stand the deprivation.
- Food is ever-present in our daily lives, making it easy to give in to temptation.
- Many give in to emotional eating to manage anxiety, depression and boredom.
- People lack the support needed to help them maintain their weight loss goals.
So what's the formula for lasting success? Those who successfully maintain weight loss make lifestyle changes:
- They exercise a lot, walking on average 8,000 more steps a day than the average person. Diet AND exercise are needed for steady weight loss.
- They favor healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats and complex carbohydrates. This eating plan is sustainable for the long term.
- They monitor their progress with frequent weigh-ins and food diaries.
- They find ways to deal with stress besides overeating and get treatment for depression or other conditions that get in the way.
The truth is that many people with a healthy weight have to work at it. So don't get discouraged; just get started.
