The Hardest (and most overlooked) part of the Weight Loss Journey…Maintenance

When most people think about weight loss, they focus on the starting line:

The Diet,

The Workouts,

The Discipline.

The excitement of seeing results is often what keeps us going in those early weeks and months.

But what happens after the scale reaches your goal number?

What happens when the “before” and “after” photos are done?

Welcome to the maintenance phase—a part of the journey that’s often overlooked, underestimated, and surprisingly tough.

The Hidden Challenge of Maintenance

For many, the maintenance phase feels harder than losing the weight in the first place. Why?

• The visible progress slows down. You’re no longer seeing dramatic changes.

• The structure is gone. Without a specific plan, target or accountability, it’s easy to feel directionless.

• Motivation shifts. You're no longer chasing a goal—you’re now holding onto what you've earned.

• Biology kicks in. After weight loss, your body may work to regain weight through increased hunger hormones and a slower metabolism.

The truth is, weight maintenance is not a pause—it’s an active, ongoing process. And it requires just as much, if not more intention and effort as the weight loss phase itself.

Lessons from Coaching at Jenny Craig

When I worked at Jenny Craig, one of the things I always emphasized to my clients was the value of enrolling in the one-year program—even if they expected to hit their weight loss goal in 30, 60, or 90 days.

Why? Because maintenance is the hardest part. I saw firsthand how easy it was for clients to revert to old habits once the structure and support were removed. That’s why I strongly encouraged them to commit to ongoing coaching. The transition to a healthier lifestyle takes time, repetition, and consistency—and that’s exactly what long-term support provides.

Why So Many Struggle with This Phase

Most people are prepared for the work it takes to lose weight. What they’re not prepared for is the emotional and mental work it takes to maintain that loss long-term.

Common challenges include:

• Reverting back to old routines

• Letting go of helpful habits like planning meals, exercising regularly, or sleeping well

• Losing touch with the original “why” behind their goals

• Feeling pressure to maintain perfection or fearing weight regain

The result? Many people end up back at square one—not because they failed, but because they didn’t have a plan for what came next.

What Successful Maintenance Actually Looks Like

The good news? Maintenance becomes easier when we treat it like an intentional phase, not an afterthought.

Here’s what successful long-term weight maintenance looks like:

• Sustainable routines that don’t rely on willpower

• Flexible nutrition—adjusting to real life without guilt

• Progress over perfection, especially when life gets busy

• Celebrating non-scale victories, like energy, confidence, and strength

• Staying connected to support and accountability

Coaching Makes All the Difference

As a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, I support clients through all phases of their health journey—including this often-neglected one.

This is where coaching makes the biggest impact:

• Helping you stay grounded when motivation fades

• Teaching you how to trust your choices without rigid rules

• Guiding you through real-life situations like travel, stress, and social events

• Reinforcing the truth that maintenance is a lifestyle, not a finish line

Final Thoughts

If you're in the maintenance phase right now, or approaching it soon, know this: you’re not alone.

This is the phase where real transformation happens—where healthy habits become part of who you are. I’ve seen it time and time again, both in my past work at Jenny Craig and now in my private coaching practice: with the right support, you can maintain your progress and build a lifestyle that truly lasts.

If you're ready for guidance and support in this next phase, let’s talk. I offer 1:1 coaching and pantry makeover sessions designed to keep you consistent, empowered, and well-equipped to make this a lifestyle.