Whether you’ve already reached your weight-loss goal or you’re still on your way, losing weight and keeping it off can be a challenge. If you’re following the South Beach Diet, you’ve set yourself up with the tools you need to meet such a challenge. The South Beach Diet isn’t a quick fix weight-loss program. It’s a tried and true lifestyle plan that teaches you how to eat nutritiously, exercise regularly, and improve your overall health. So, even when you hit a weight-loss slump, don't give up! Follow these motivating tips to get yourself back on track. Stand by your goals and re-affirm your commitment to achieving better health and fitness for life.
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Surround
yourself with positive people.
Think back to the time when you started your weight-loss journey. Do you
remember enlisting the support and advice of family and friends? You’ll
continue to need their support, even after losing the weight. Those closest to
you can encourage and inspire you to make healthy decisions during challenging
times. Sometimes, offering your own advice to other people who are trying to
lose weight will help you stay accountable to your own goals and inspire you to
stay committed.
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Be
creative. Changing up your food choices and
recipes will not only help prevent mealtime boredom, but it will also keep you
on the right track. Otherwise, your eating routine could just end up being,
well, routine. One of your goals should be to introduce new nutritious,
appetizing foods and preparation methods into your weekly meal plans. Aim to
try one new vegetable a week (like kohlrabi or purple cauliflower), and experiment with different ways of preparing basic seafood,
meat, or poultry dishes. Have you tried stir-steaming? Have you used a ridged
stovetop grill pan?
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Set
realistic weight-loss goals.
Studies show that while crash dieting can result in quick weight loss, it
ultimately leads to more weight gain over time. To help you stay on a healthy
path as you shed excess pounds and maintain your weight loss, set realistic
goals. With a gradual weight-loss plan like the South Beach Diet, you’ll safely
lose 1 to 2 pounds a week on Phase 2 if you follow our eating and exercise
guidelines. And because you’ve learned how to make the right food choices most
of the time, you’ll keep the weight off.
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Reward
yourself. Every success counts —
big or small. So whether you’ve decided to get off
the couch, quit smoking, or kick another unhealthy habit, it’s important to
reward yourself for your achievements. Instead of using food as a reward, treat
yourself to other things that help you feel good about yourself, such as new
workout clothes or a new (tighter) pair of jeans. Acknowledging your successes
will boost your mood and provide you with momentum to attain your
goals.
- Take a challenge. Join a Challenge on our South Beach Diet Community Challenges Message Boards. Our Challenges will teach you how to adopt an array of healthy habits, such as learning healthy cooking techniques, leading a greener lifestyle, adopting strategic snacking habits, and getting creative with your workouts. In addition, as a participant in one of our Challenges, you’ll receive helpful advice and support from our Community staff, Message Board leaders, registered dietitians, and fellow teammates. Not a member? Join SouthBeachDiet.com today, and lose weight now!
