Working hard to change your eating habits and lose weight is a challenging process. Now that you have achieved some desired results, maintaining that lifestyle is the next step. Here are some tips to help you on your way.

1. Emotionally support yourself through non-food activities. Calling a friend for encouragement or getting a hug from someone you care about will give you a longer lasting lift than simply choosing to eat something.

2. Eat a meal in the morning. Eating a meal that is high in fiber will fill you up and reduce the risk of overeating later in the day. Breakfast foods that provide carbohydrates help stabilize your blood sugar and boost your metabolism.

3. Limit your stimulant intake. Overindulging in caffeine, sugar and junk foods can influence mood swings and cause anxiety. Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages.

4. Find something else to do when you are tempted to eat but are not hungry. Exercise, go for a walk, read a good book, or try a relaxation skill such as deep breathing when you feel stressed. Do any activity that will invigorate you and help you get past that food temptation. This coping skill will become easier the more you practice it.

5. Snack smart. Plan snacks for the times of day when you know that you start getting hungry. By planning you can make healthy choices and avoid impulse eating.

6. Avoid restrictive dieting. Restricting can work initially, but can lead to later feelings of deprivation and irritability. Allow yourself the freedom to eat some foods higher in fat and calories once in a while, but plan your diet for the most part around healthy choices.

7. Exercise regularly. Keeping up on your exercise program helps you to feel healthier so that you will usually want to eat healthier. Exercise will also help to produce chemicals in the brain that actually help reduce food cravings. An added plus is the psychological and physical benefits that you gain!

8. Eat at a designated eating spot and not in front of the television. By eating at the kitchen table or other eating area you will be less distracted. Distracted eating tends to pull your attention away from enjoying your meal and consequently may leave you feeling unsatisfied when the meal is over. If you're not satisfied you will be likely to go back for seconds or to snack later on.

9. Seek out support from someone you trust like your Wellness Coach, personal trainer, nutritionist, or doctor. That's what they are there for.