Once you've achieved your desired weight, you return to your old eating habits and levels of activity, the weight will return. Plain and simple.

Quick-fix diets face this kind of problem. They don't offer long-term changes which sometimes cause the downfall of the program.

Stay realistic

Avoid feeling dissatisfaction with what you have accomplished. Enjoy your life and be satisfied with the healthy weight you can achieve. Initially, weight loss is gradual compared to those who return to their previous weight.

Have self-discipline

People who watch their weight show flexibility in their self-control. Most of the time, they make healthy choices but does not avoid eating food.

Eat healthily

Learn proper choice, preparation and enjoyment of a balanced diet. Skill in cooking low-fat diet, understanding labels of food and being able to judge portion sizes food labels and having the ability to judge portion sizes contribute to a balanced diet.

Eating regular meals, tasting them and planning ahead is also a part of this.

How to eat like a successful slimmer

* Maintain a balanced, lower fat diet in addition to fruits and vegetables. * Don't stay away from any foods, eat portion sizes and minimize the amount of certain foods. * Eat three regular meals a day at regular times (starting with breakfast), and lesser snacks. * Dine out occasionally, but lessen fast food. * Sit down to eat your meals, enjoy them and pay attention to what you're eating.

Stay active

Getting regular exercise is one of the factors that determine long-term success. It does not only burn unwanted calories and increase metabolism but also increases self-esteem and fights stress.

According to research, walking alone for 30 minutes daily plus some additional activities during the week can be enough.

Have ongoing support

The right kind of support during and after weight loss is vital. It is not an easy task and maintaining them is not easy as well.

Self-monitoring, being conscious and taking down notes is a way of supporting yourself.

Learn to deal with stress

Food is a quick and effective method of handling stress for some people. Evaluate the stresses in your life and your response to these stresses.

Discover new ways to handle your stress. Regular exercise, breathing techniques and removing negative self-talk that fuels anxiety.

Be like a successful slimmer

* Regularly inspect your weight (once or twice a week) or use another indicator. * Avoid guilt-feeling when you overeat or about certain foods. * Handle stress and solve problems. Ask for assistance and support from your family, friends, a club, website or health professionals.

About the author:

Jan Thomsen is writing health, diet and exercise articles for the 1200 calories diet site and family oriented articles for the Halds family blog