Dear Fitness Coach,

I took your advice back in January: a low-glycemic eating plan combined with strength training and cardio. Nine months later, I am 40 pounds lighter and look and feel amazing. But now I am terrified that my motivation is starting to wane and I am going to gain back all that weight. How do I prevent a backslide?

First of all, congrats on a job well done! It was no small feat to lose 40 pounds. But now comes the challenging part: weight maintenance. This is something you are going to face every day for the rest of your life. That’s a very long time, so it’s important that you continuously find ways to stay on track. The following five methods can help you from derailing:

1. Keep on keeping on
You made a lifestyle change commitment 9 months ago. The days of eating what you want while being sedentary are over. If you go back to your former ways you will gain back the weight. So just continue doing what you are doing.

2. Reward yourself
Whether it’s a mani/pedi, a new workout top, or a healthy meal at your fave restaurant, schedule something at least once a month as a reward for staying on-track.

3. Find inspiration
Whether it’s your 79-year-old aunt who never misses her water aerobics class or the Olympic blade-runner, Oscar Pistorius, find someone that inspires you and keep their picture on your fridge. It will be a constant reminder that, if they can do it, so can you.

4. Switch things up
Try something new and fun: whether it’s a kettlebell class or a crossfit workout. It may just be what you need to re-energize you.

5. Set daily goals
Since you have already reached your long-term goal, set up short-term goals to keep you incentivized. Whether it’s goaling to do 30 pushups by the end of the month or holding a yoga pose for 60 seconds, it will give you a sense of accomplishment that can help you continue feeling successful.