Weight loss is a very tricky process. It involves a three step procedure that each have to be dealt with separately to attain your desired weight. These three steps are: 1) Committing yourself to undertake a fitness program that will whip you back in shape, 2) Actually doing the program and 3) Maintaining a healthy weight. The first two steps are often the easiest to do. When you are faced with the prospect of an early death as a result of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or heart disease, you naturally want to shape up. The motivation to go to the gym or walk your way to health burns like wildfire in you.

However, like most people, you may have difficulties when you reach the final step in the ladder. When you have already attained your desired body weight, it's easy to become complacent and not maintain your weight. The reason why some diets and weight loss systems fail is because they only have short-term views of weight loss. Any dietary and exercise patterns created with this limited and temporary outlook is bound to fail.

You owe it to yourself to maintain your weight after you have worked so hard to get there. Only by looking at weight loss from the perspective of long-term lifestyle change will you be able to work towards keeping the fats away. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Don't neglect physical activity. You may not be engaged in as intense a workout as you did while you were still in the process of losing weight but it is imperative that you keep your body moving regularly. It should not be difficult to keep a regular exercise schedule especially if you are already used to following a workout regimen during the second step in your weight loss program. Even if you are too busy, strive for a modicum of physical activity on most days of the week.

2. Continue to eat healthy meals. A well-balanced diet composed of fruits, vegetables and whole grains will not only provide your body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats, it will also give your body with the necessary fiber that will protect you from colon and stomach cancers and heart disease. Fiber also keeps your gastrointestinal system functioning well. Do not ever forget to eat a healthy breakfast so you keep your metabolism humming throughout the day. Make sure that you mind your portions and strive not to exceed your daily caloric intake more than what you can expend with your physical activity.

3. Limit computer and television time. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles brought about by facing these screens can easily make us forget the need for physical activity. Leisurely screen times should be limited. This includes chatting over social networks and sending emails. Instead of watching TV or spending time in front of the computer, use it to enjoy the great outdoors with a bike ride or a leisurely stroll along the beach. You'll burn more calories this way.