If, once you've reached your realistic target weight, you go back to your old eating habits and activity levels, you'll put the weight back on. It's as simple as that. Beware of 'how to be even skinnier' media messages that lure you into feeling dissatisfied. You have a life to live and enjoy, so hang on the satisfaction of being at a comfortable, healthy weight you can sustain. Continue to eat a balanced, lower fat diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables Don't avoid any foods, just watch portion sizes and limit the amount of certain foods Have three regular meals a day at regular times (starting with breakfast), and fewer snacks Eat out occasionally, but limit fast food Sit down to eat your meals, take time over them and pay attention to what you're eating Keep 'self-monitoring' to stay conscious of your new eating and activity habits

Many slim people who stay that way by 'watching their weight', show flexible restraint, rather than following rigid all-or-nothing rules. They make healthy choices most of the time, but no foods are seen as forbidden. This means enjoying small amounts of favourite foods without feeling guilty. And if you do over-indulge, or have a big night out, cut back a bit or do more exercise the next day to balance things out. Getting regular physical activity is one of the strongest indicators of long-term success. Not only does it burn calories and increase metabolism-boosting muscle, it also boosts self-esteem and beats stress. Studies show that just walking for 30 minutes or so each day, plus some other activities during the week, may be enough.