Keep your focus to maintain weight loss

So after months of hard work the extra weight is finally off — now what?

Maintaining your weight loss will no doubt take focus, but the hardest part is definitely behind you. Now it comes down to permanently taking control of your health so you'll never again gain back that extra weight.

Remember your reason for losing weight in the first place. Is it still important to you? If not, find a new internal drive. You must want to keep your newly acquired body.

Once you have a solid focus, use it to set your goals. Whether it's to stay healthy for life or simply fitting into a dress for an upcoming wedding, a goal of any kind will keep you looking toward the future for the focus you need.

Schedule “you time” every week. If taking care of yourself isn't a priority, then it could very well get pushed aside and replaced with “more important” things.

The best intentions usually aren't enough to stay consistent, so unless you block off time just for you several days throughout the week, you may find yourself struggling to find time for exercise.

Your weekly workouts should be as much of a routine as your lunch break or picking up the kids from school. Three to five workouts per week will help you maintain a healthy body weight.

Plan your meals ahead of time.

If you've had previous weight loss success, you already know how important meal planning is for consistent results. Plan out your meals based on where you'll be that particular day.

If you're at the office, make sure you stock the fridge with healthy options so you aren't skipping meals or snacking out of the vending machine. If you're traveling, be aware of grocery stores and restaurants in the area that have healthy food options or pack a cooler so you have what you need at your fingertips.

Eating a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates for 5-6 meals a day will ensure a variety of nutrients and help maintain blood sugar levels, which curbs hunger and keeps your metabolism running efficiently.

Surround yourself with healthy people. If friends and family seem to be pulling you off track, get them more involved in their own health. At the same time, get out and meet people who have healthy interests. Find a workout partner, take a yoga class, or join an online support group.

Hanging out with motivating people will support healthy choices and improve your lifestyle.

Remember to reward your efforts when worthy. Staying healthy takes focus but it shouldn't be stressful. Sometimes you just want that dessert or need a massage instead of another workout. As long as you're happy with your progress, go for it!

Understand the value of moderation and know what your body can tolerate without sabotaging your efforts.

So enjoy your slimmer body while understanding what it takes to keep it. The sooner you get these healthy habits set in place, the more fun you'll have in your new lifestyle.

For more exercise and nutrition tips, visit our blog at PushFitnessTraining.com or find Push Fitness Schaumburg on Facebook.

• Joshua Steckler is the owner of Push Fitness, a personal training studio located in Schaumburg specializing in weight loss, muscle toning, and nutrition. Contact him at PushFitnessTraining.com.