If you have lost weight then “congratulations!” is well in order. But for those who have lost weight truly know that the toughest year of weight loss is not actually losing the weight, it is the very first year of maintenance. Many people think that because they are thin they can go back to their old habits and suddenly they are overweight again. It comes as an awful surprise that they need to stick to their diet routines and healthy habits to maintain a healthy figure. The first year of maintenance brings many challenges.

People often react positively when we are losing weight. They are excited and happy to see us getting thinner. Maybe they give us extra attention. Or ask us how we are doing so well at our diets. Maybe they are even a little jealous of our success. You feel so proud knowing you are doing well at your diet – and this gives you a great feeling. But in the first year of maintenance there is no one there to say “hey, you are still thin — way to go!” The excitement of your losing weight has died down. People are now paying attention to other things. (more…)