The day I finally reached my goal weight, I felt an incredible wave of pride, relief, and even a bit of fear. I’d done it! I’d overcome obstacles, stayed disciplined, and ultimately achieved something I had wanted for years. But what I didn’t expect was the lingering question that hovered afterward: How do I maintain this? For me, the process of keeping the weight off proved to be a whole new adventure, full of adjustments, learning, and some surprises along the way. Let me share what worked for me and how I managed to make this healthy version of myself a lasting reality.
1. Create a New Goal Beyond Weight Loss
Once I hit my target weight, I realized that I couldn’t just stop there. A new goal was necessary—something that kept me motivated and inspired. For me, that meant shifting my focus from weight loss to becoming stronger and more flexible. I started practicing yoga regularly and eventually got into weight training. Having a performance-oriented goal helped me stay engaged and ensured that I kept my new habits alive. Setting a new objective that focuses on your fitness, whether it’s running a 5k or improving your flexibility, keeps the excitement and drive alive.
On Amazon, I found the perfect at-home yoga set that helped me stay on track—the Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block Set helped me improve my form, and the BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat provided a comfortable space for my practice.
2. Embrace Consistent Physical Activity as a Lifestyle
In the process of losing weight, I worked out consistently. But after reaching my goal, I had to come to terms with the fact that regular activity wasn’t just a means to an end—it was now a permanent part of my life. What helped me maintain my weight was finding activities that I truly loved, so it never felt like a burden. I started hiking more often, taking dance classes, and even going on brisk walks during lunch breaks.
I also invested in some simple equipment to make staying active at home easier. One item that really helped was the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands. They’re inexpensive, easy to store, and allow for a lot of variation when it comes to strength training exercises.
3. Stick to a Balanced Diet, Not a “Diet”
The idea of “dieting” implies a start and an end, and that mentality wasn’t going to work for maintaining my weight. So, I decided to transform my diet into a long-term, enjoyable approach to eating. I made sure I didn’t demonize any particular food. I still enjoyed desserts, pizza, and the occasional burger, but with portion control in mind. I learned how to listen to my body’s hunger and fullness cues—something that took time but was worth the effort.
I also focused on meal prepping to avoid those impulsive, unhealthy choices. Using the Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers made it so much easier to stick to a balanced diet. Preparing meals ahead of time allowed me to make nutritious choices even when I had a busy day.
4. Keep a Food Journal to Stay Mindful
Maintaining awareness of what I was eating helped me avoid slipping back into old habits. I started keeping a food journal, not to count calories obsessively, but to gain insight into my eating patterns. Writing down what I ate helped me become more mindful of when I tended to snack out of boredom or when my portions started to grow.
I used a simple notebook, but later on, I switched to the Fitlosophy Fitbook. It provided some structure and even had space for setting fitness goals. The key for me was to stay honest with myself without using it as a form of punishment—it was more of a gentle nudge toward consistency.
5. Prioritize Protein and Fiber
Something I learned after much trial and error was the importance of feeling full and satisfied. I realized that when I focused on including enough protein and fiber in my meals, I was less likely to overeat or crave unhealthy snacks. Breakfast became my favorite meal to prioritize protein—Greek yogurt with some berries, scrambled eggs with veggies, or even a protein shake.
For those days when I needed something quick, I used the Orgain Organic Protein Powder. It tastes good and is easy to mix with almond milk for a fast, nutritious shake. Including lots of fiber-rich vegetables in my meals and snacking on fruits like apples and pears also helped me stay full for longer.
6. Establish a Support System
I can’t emphasize enough how important a support system is. Whether it’s friends, family, or an online community, having people to cheer you on is vital. After reaching my goal weight, I was fortunate enough to have a friend who also wanted to maintain her weight, so we teamed up. We would exchange recipes, share tips, and motivate each other when one of us felt off-track.
For additional support, I also joined an online group focused on health and wellness. They introduced me to the concept of non-scale victories—like how I felt more energized or noticed improvements in my sleep—that helped me stay focused beyond just the number on the scale.
7. Keep Track of Your Weight—But Don’t Obsess
While I knew I couldn’t obsess over the scale, I also recognized that some form of accountability was important to help me maintain my weight. I decided to weigh myself weekly instead of daily. This way, I could monitor any significant fluctuations without stressing over every little change.
To make this habit feel more rewarding, I bought the Etekcity Smart Digital Scale. It helped me track not only my weight but also other metrics like body fat percentage, and I could see my progress over time through an app. This helped me realize that it’s normal for weight to fluctuate and that trends are more important than day-to-day changes.
8. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water has always been a game-changer for me. It keeps my energy up, reduces unnecessary snacking, and helps with digestion. I started carrying a water bottle everywhere I went, so staying hydrated became automatic rather than something I had to think about. The Hydro Flask Water Bottle is a favorite of mine because it keeps water cold for hours, making it easy to drink throughout the day.
9. Practice Self-Compassion
This was perhaps the hardest but most important part of maintaining my weight. No journey is perfect, and there were definitely times when I overate, skipped workouts, or felt less motivated. The old me would have spiraled into self-doubt and guilt, but I learned that being kind to myself was far more effective in the long run.
Instead of punishing myself after a “bad” day, I tried to look at it from a different angle. I reminded myself that one meal or even one weekend wasn’t going to ruin everything I worked for. It was all about the habits I built consistently over time—and those didn’t disappear because of a temporary setback.
10. Focus on Sleep and Stress Management
I was surprised at how much sleep and stress impacted my ability to maintain my weight. Poor sleep made me crave sugary foods, and high stress made me want to snack constantly. So, I made it a priority to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. One of the best things I did was develop a nighttime routine, which included putting away screens, reading a book, and drinking herbal tea.
To help manage stress, I started meditating for ten minutes each day using the Insight Timer app. I also began incorporating more self-care habits into my life, like taking a long bath or enjoying a good book. These small changes had a big impact on my stress levels and, ultimately, my ability to maintain my healthy habits.
11. Celebrate the Non-Scale Victories
In the journey to maintain weight, focusing on non-scale victories was incredibly important to me. I stopped worrying about my exact weight and instead noticed the changes in my energy levels, mood, and stamina. For example, I could climb a flight of stairs without getting winded, I slept better, and my clothes fit more comfortably.
One day, I went shopping and bought a new pair of jeans that made me feel great. To me, that was a win—even though it wasn’t tied to a number on the scale. Celebrating these small but meaningful achievements kept me motivated to keep going.
12. Stay Flexible with Your Routine
Life changes, and I realized my routines needed to adapt accordingly. There were times when I couldn’t stick to my usual workouts because of travel or work, but I learned to embrace flexibility. I would go for a long walk if I couldn’t make it to the gym or do a short workout in my hotel room.
I learned not to be too rigid, and that made the process much more sustainable. Having the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper helped me stay active even on days I felt stuck at home. It’s compact and allowed me to get in some cardio while watching TV.
Conclusion: It’s All About Balance
Maintaining weight loss has been an ongoing journey, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. I’ve learned that the key to success is creating a lifestyle I genuinely enjoy—one that includes delicious food, fun physical activities, and room for indulgences. It’s about balance, self-compassion, and adaptability.
The tools and products that helped me along the way, like meal prep containers, yoga gear, and my trusty water bottle, were just part of the process. The real transformation happened when I shifted my mindset from “being on a diet” to “living a healthy lifestyle.”
If you’re working on maintaining your own weight loss, remember that it’s okay to stumble along the way. What’s important is getting back up and continuing to move forward. Celebrate your successes, learn from your setbacks, and remember that this journey is about living your best life—one healthy choice at a time.