When it comes to weight loss, losing the initial weight is only half the battle. Often, what becomes even harder is maintaining this weight loss afterwards.

The reason for this is when you are actively losing weight, you see that scale moving downwards and this provides for a great deal of motivation.

Afterwards, seeing it stay at one number all the time doesn't quite have the same effect.

Couple this with the fact that now, since you are only trying to maintain, you can allow for a little more 'wiggle' room when it comes to your diet and you can really find yourself in trouble.

Too much 'wiggle' and you'll be seeing more 'jiggle' than you were hoping for.

That said, here are five easy ways to help keep the weight off after you succeed with your weight loss plan.

Weigh Yourself Weekly

While you don't really want to be weighing yourself daily as water fluctuations can influence what the scales says, getting into the habit of monitoring your weight on a week-to-week basis is a good approach.

This way, if you do see it starting to creep up, you can take action right away to remedy the situation.

Remember, it is a lot easier to implement a few weeks of dieting to lose two or three pounds then trying to stick with a diet for the time it takes to lose twenty.

Continually Adjust Your Workout

Being sure you change your workout on a very regular basis accomplishes two tasks.

First, it keeps your interest level high. This is an absolute necessity if you are going to stick with your workout for a long period of time.

Secondly, it helps to shock the body so you don't find yourself growing too accustomed to the point where you stop seeing results.

Remember, if you want your body to be challenged, you must keep pushing the envelope. While having a comfort zone is good for some things in life, when it comes to your workouts, it is definitely not something you want.

Find A Support Group

If you place yourself around people who are always going to be tempting you with higher calorie treats you are going to really struggle with maintaining your weight loss.

Rather, try and find some friends who are also into health and fitness and will help to encourage you with your efforts.

Treat Yourself Once A Week

While it may seem contradictory, allowing yourself one day of indulgence can actually work towards your advantage. Since you will then know you have this day coming up at the end of each week (or whenever you choose to have it), it will make selecting healthier options the rest of the time that much more easy.

Get A Good Night's Sleep

Finally, the last thing you must be doing to ensure the weight stays off is sleeping enough. Many studies have shown that when suffering from a lack of sleep, most individuals will start to really crave carbohydrate-rich foods.

By ensuring you are resting sufficiently each week, you will help to prevent overeating because you are sleepy, rather than hungry.

So, be sure to consider these five tips when you are trying to stick with your healthy eating plan and workout in the New Year. Make your weight loss effects become a way of life, rather than a means to an end.