4 Supplements to Diet and Exercise That Will Help You Maintain a Healthy Weight

Losing weight is hard, but keeping it off is even harder with a whopping 85% of dieters failing to maintain their loss. While a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can increase your chances of success, it isn’t always enough. If you’re struggling to maintain your weight, consider supplementing your routine with one of these four healthy lifestyle additions.

B vitamins are a group of eight nutrients including thiamine, riboflavin and folate that are necessary for metabolic health and making red blood cells. A deficiency in any of these vitamins can lead to fatigue, anemia and weight gain, so taking a B complex supplement every day is a good way to maintain a healthy weight and make sure you have enough energy to exercise.

Some people have a difficult time controlling their weight without a doctor to help. A physician can help you develop a healthy eating and exercise plan and monitor your progress. If you need an extra push to suppress your appetite and jump start your metabolism, ask your physician about weight-loss medications like phentermine. Bariatric surgery is sometimes necessary for patients who are very overweight.

A diet rich in fiber can help you keep the pounds off, but 95 percent of Americans don’t get enough of this nutrient. If you’re watching your weight, adding a fiber supplement to your daily routine can help fill your stomach and control your blood sugar so you’re less hungry during the day. A type of soluble fiber called glucomannan is especially helpful for regulating appetite because it absorbs a large amount of water and forms a gel in your stomach to help you feel satiated.

Protein is another nutrient that helps keep you full and prevents overeating, but it’s difficult to get an adequate amount of this nutrient from food alone especially if you follow a plant-based diet. Adding a high-quality protein powder made from whey, soy or peas to your morning smoothie can stave off between-meal snacking and help you build calorie-burning muscle. Beware of added ingredients like sugar and artificial flavors that can throw your diet off track.

Although it might feel like the odds are against you, don’t give up on your health journey. Try to focus on the big picture and don’t beat yourself up too much if you regain a few pounds. Health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are more important than the number on the scale.