All summer long, you strive and work hard to lose those extra kilos, so you can fit into clothes a few sizes smaller. And then winter comes along. Ah, winter! The time for hot chocolate, hot chai or coffee and fresh baked Christmas pudding; this season is the epitome of indulgence and comfort. Of course, this poses a major challenge to even the strongest willed people.

It’s easy to lose focus and return to your tough-to-let-go habits. Before you know it, the mistakes you’ve made catch up and the weight you lost has piled back on! With the holidays around the corner, simply postponing the ‘getting in shape’ goal up until January and adding it to your resolutions completes the weight gain cycle.

But don’t worry just yet. With a few tips, we show you how you too can be a successful (weight) loser once and for all.

1. Watch Your Habits

People who are successful in maintaining their weight throughout the year set out a few rules for themselves to follow rather than considering weight loss as a seasonal activity. Watch your behaviours and habits closely. List down the ones that helped you lose weight in the past by being specific. Don’t forget to define how you’ll keep up with it. If replacing desserts with certain fruits helped you in one season, find an alternative for the next season. Same goes for the activities you coupled your diet with.

2. Stay in Motion

Physical activity is something that is certainly the key to keeping weight off. Start with something you know you can continue. Even something as simple as a brisk walk for 60 minutes will do the trick. The benefits of regular physical activity go beyond weight loss. It helps you reduce stress and the risk of chronic disease, strengthens muscles and bones and makes you feel good. The more vigorously you exercise, the better.

3. Check Your Weight Regularly

Regular weighing is important to maintain weight, only second to physical activity. Your body weight tends to fluctuate on a regular basis. Commit to weighing yourself regularly so you know when and how much you’ve gained. It can also be the perfect motivator, but don’t let the number on the scale discourage you. All you have to do is nip it in the bud before it becomes a problem. Don’t forget to have a concrete plan on how you are going to handle it when you regain a few kilos here and there.

4. Reward Yourself

Gift yourself tangible items, at every goal achieved, that remind you of your success and motivate you to do better. Something as small as a keychain can make you feel a sense of achievement every time you look at it. These will help you focus on the benefits of weight loss and stay motivated.

5. Constant Vigilance

Don’t be too harsh on yourself when, once in a while, you miss out on something while striving to lose weight. As soon as you realise your mistake, pick yourself up and get going from where you left. It is important to stay vigilant to your commitment to weight loss and maintenance as it is easier to lose than to maintain it. Controlling food intake and exercising daily is a never-ending commitment, stick to it for successful results.