by Susan Kristoff

Created on: November 05, 2009

Have you recently become a Lifetime Member after reaching your weight loss goal through Weight Watchers? Congratulations! Losing weight and becoming more healthy provides tremendous benefits to your body and spirit. But the end of your weight loss journey is just the beginning of your weight maintenance journey. It is now your goal to maintain your weight at a healthy level while transitioning your eating and activity habits from weight loss to weight maintenance. Many people are intimidated by trying to maintain their weight, and others think they can go back to their old eating habits as soon as they reach their goal. Here are a few tips to help you with your weight maintenance and help keep you motivated to keep your body healthy.

- Remember that the reason that you gained weight initially was likely due to poor eating habits or too little activity in your life. Weight Watchers is not a diet system, it's an eating system. If you return to your old way of living, you're likely to return to your old weight level as well.

- Slowly add in more Points to your meals and see how it affects your weight. You'll discover a certain Point level that is just right for your body and your activity level. It's okay to go above or below that number on occasion, but if you keep that number in mind, you'll stay on track.

- Keep tracking Points until you get a good feel for portion sizes and nutritional content. If you've stopped tracking for a while, go back and track for a week to assess how you're doing. This is also a good way to ensure you're still enough fruits, vegetables, and milk products.

- Keep up your exercise routine. If you get bored, try a new activity to challenge your muscles or learn a new sport. Exercise isn't just for weight loss; it can keep your heart healthy, your cholesterol low, and your bones strong.

- Don't forget to come back and weigh in at a Weight Watchers meeting once a month. By showing up, you'll feel more accountable, and you'll remain active in the Weight Watchers system as a Lifetime Member.

- Having trouble? Come to meetings whenever you need an attitude boost. Your fellow members can give you encouragement, suggestions, and keep you grounded. Some people feel that once a month is enough to keep them on track, others come to meetings weekly or every other week for the support the meetings provide.

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